Chapter 11-20
Chapter 11: Witnesses
8:55 a.m.
"Kaminari, you're too slow!"
At the entrance to Omiya Park, Tetsutetsu stood impatiently in a white T-shirt and jeans, his tone almost accusatory as Kaminari approached.
"Huh?"
Kaminari glanced at his watch a Pikachu-themed one, naturally—and looked back at Tetsutetsu, bewildered. "What do you mean? I'm not late. We agreed to meet at nine."
Kaminari had slept in a bit that morning, enjoying a rare full night of rest after the excitement of last night's barbecue. He hadn't rushed; after all, it was only a short walk to the park. By his watch, he was perfectly on time. It was 8:55, a full five minutes early.
But Tetsutetsu wasn't having it. "Showing up exactly on time isn't good enough," he lectured, his voice unexpectedly serious. "You should always aim to arrive at least ten minutes early. Half an hour, if possible. You never know what might happen on the way."
Kaminari was a little taken aback. For someone who seemed so rough around the edges, Tetsutetsu had a surprisingly strict sense of time. This unexpected seriousness added a new dimension to Kaminari's perception of him, deepening his appreciation for the boy's character.
Maybe this guy was worth keeping around after all. A Quirk user with a straightforward personality, a sense of discipline, and a strong set of principles could definitely be a trustworthy ally. Someone you could count on to watch your back.
"Well, that's just what my dad taught me…" Tetsutetsu added, scratching his head sheepishly.
"…Right." Kaminari gave him a flat look, then chuckled. "You know, if you hadn't said that last part, you'd have sounded a lot cooler."
"Wait, really?" Tetsutetsu touched his spiky hair instinctively, then laughed awkwardly. "Uh, just pretend I didn't say that then."
Kaminari rolled his eyes and shook his head with a smile, stepping past Tetsutetsu and heading into the park. "Come on, we've got stuff to do."
"Stuff?" Tetsutetsu hurried to catch up. "You still haven't told me why we're here. What are we doing?"
"Trust me, I'm taking you somewhere interesting," Kaminari said with a knowing grin.
Tetsutetsu seemed skeptical. "You're not just bringing me here to give me a tour of the park, are you?" he asked cautiously. "I mean, I've lived in Saitama my whole life. I've been to Omiya Park like… a dozen times."
Kaminari shook his head, amused at how far off the mark Tetsutetsu was. "No, it's not that. There's a place I want to show you. It's deeper in the park—a little secret spot."
Tetsutetsu looked like he was about to say something else, but Kaminari cut him off. "You'll see when we get there."
They continued walking, heading further into the park. After about ten minutes, they had reached an area where few people ventured. The trees thickened, and the sounds of the main paths faded away. The dense foliage of ancient cherry trees lined the narrow dirt trail, and underbrush blocked the view in every direction.
Then Kaminari abruptly veered off the path, pushing his way through a thicket of bushes.
Tetsutetsu hesitated, feeling an odd sense of unease. The thought crossed his mind that maybe this wasn't just about showing him a secret spot. Was this some kind of… test? Or worse, some bizarre initiation? His steps faltered, and he whispered nervously.
"Uh, Kaminari…"
"What?" Kaminari glanced back without stopping, already near the end of the bushy path.
"It's just… um…" Tetsutetsu stammered. "Look, I'm a straight guy, okay? I, uh, only like girls…"
"What?!"
Kaminari froze mid-step, processing what Tetsutetsu had just implied. He then looked around at the secluded surroundings and finally pieced together what his friend was getting at.
"You idiot!" Kaminari shouted, turning back to face him, his face twisted in a mix of disbelief and irritation. "What kind of nonsense are you even thinking?!"
"Oh… so that's not it?" Tetsutetsu's confusion faded into relief. He realized he'd completely misunderstood the situation.
"Of course not! Geez, just follow me." Kaminari grumbled, stomping forward with renewed determination. "We're almost there."
But as Kaminari led the way deeper into the thicket, he mentally noted that he owed Tetsutetsu a little payback for this awkward moment. Sure, the guy was taller, but did he really think Kaminari would lose in a one-on-one? What a joke.
Height wasn't everything. Tetsutetsu might be 1.74 meters, but Kaminari wasn't exactly short at 1.68. Besides, that kind of difference wasn't a big deal. It wasn't like Kaminari was jealous or anything. No way. Not a chance.
"Here we are," Kaminari announced, stepping out of the brush and into a clearing.
Tetsutetsu emerged right behind him and immediately found himself at a loss for words.
The space before them was roughly the size of a basketball court, enclosed on all sides by thick vegetation. On the far end, a small raised mound jutted out of the ground, scarred with countless blackened burn marks. It looked like it had been subjected to years of abuse, pockmarked with craters and darkened streaks.
Nearby, a yellow umbrella stood anchored into the ground, its canopy adorned with dozens of tiny Pikachu patterns. Beneath it were a plastic table and a pair of matching chairs. A Pikachu alarm clock sat on the table, ticking away quietly.
But the real eye-catchers were the ground itself and the cracked surface of the mound. The earth was riddled with deep fissures of various sizes, crisscrossing the area like an intricate web. The sight of it all made Tetsutetsu's jaw drop.
"Are you kidding me? What's with this place?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide. "It looks like some kind of battlefield!"
"Not quite," Kaminari said, his voice steady. He walked toward the mound, his back to Tetsutetsu, and placed a hand on its rough surface. "This isn't a battlefield. It's a training ground. My training ground."
He turned around to face Tetsutetsu, his expression serious. "I've been coming here for the past nine years, practicing and refining my Quirk. Every mark, every crack you see is a witness to the effort I've put in."
Kaminari's gaze drifted toward the Pikachu alarm clock on the table—a small, silent companion that had been present for almost every one of those training sessions. For him, this little corner of the park was more than just a place to train; it was a testament to his determination and growth.
"So," he continued, his tone lighter as he extended a hand toward Tetsutetsu, "how about it? Want to spar with me here? I'm guessing you've never had the chance to fight someone while using your Quirk at full power, right?"
Chapter 12: Can't Keep Up!
"Fighting with Quirks?!"
Tetsutetsu's eyes widened in surprise. Kaminari had expected at least some hesitation, maybe even a refusal, but the boy's enthusiastic reaction caught him off guard, rendering any words of persuasion Kaminari had prepared useless.
"Are you serious? We're really gonna fight using our Quirks?" Tetsutetsu asked, his voice filled with excitement. He stared at Kaminari, half-expecting him to backtrack or change his mind. After all, using Quirks in a fight was technically illegal unless you were a licensed Hero, and he'd been itching for a chance like this for a long time.
For years, his own Quirk had felt like a waste, unable to be used for anything meaningful. Was there anything more frustrating?
"Absolutely," Kaminari confirmed without hesitation. "That's exactly why I brought you here."
At this, Tetsutetsu's excitement reached new heights. He couldn't help but look at Kaminari with even more eagerness. But a flicker of doubt crossed his face, and he frowned slightly as a thought occurred to him.
"But… what if I hurt you?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. His Quirk, after all, wasn't just about being made of steel—it was about having the raw power and resilience of it too. He could break rocks with a single punch, and if he accidentally hit Kaminari too hard...
"Hurt me?" Kaminari scoffed, already seeing where Tetsutetsu's thoughts were headed. But he needed Tetsutetsu to fight without holding back, so he swallowed his amusement and let his confidence shine through.
"I think you're dreaming if you think that'll happen," he retorted, smirking.
KZZT-CRACK!*
Electricity crackled as Kaminari clenched his fists, arcs of golden lightning snaking across his skin. He stared Tetsutetsu down with a look of cool disdain, his body glowing with energy. "Your Quirk may be tough, but mine…" He paused, letting the electricity sizzle for effect. "…is on a whole different level."
Tetsutetsu blinked, momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected this side of Kaminari. In the short time they'd known each other, Kaminari had seemed like a laid-back, easygoing guy. But now, there was a fire in his eyes that Tetsutetsu hadn't seen before.
It didn't bother him, though. If anything, it fired him up even more. After all, what was the point of a fight if your opponent didn't have some fire of their own?
"Hahaha! Then don't blame me for not holding back!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, his voice booming with excitement.
With a deep breath, he activated his Quirk, his entire body turning a shiny black as steel encased him from head to toe. He clenched his fists, testing his hardened form, and the sound of metal grinding against metal echoed through the clearing.
BOOM!*
With a powerful step, Tetsutetsu launched himself forward, the ground beneath his foot cracking from the force. He charged at Kaminari like a human battering ram, his steel-coated fists ready to smash through anything in his way.
KZZT-CRACK!*
Electricity arced across Kaminari's body as he braced himself, deciding to meet Tetsutetsu's charge head-on. He needed to gauge the difference in their strength, and there was no better way than a direct clash.
"Electric Light Fist!"
"Bring it on!" Tetsutetsu roared back. He saw Kaminari's fist crackling with electricity and felt his excitement swell. He was confident that his steel would be more than a match for a little lightning.
BOOM!*
The two fists collided, and the impact sent a shockwave rippling through the clearing. The golden electricity exploded outward from Kaminari's fist, and he felt it surge through Tetsutetsu's arm. But as the current coursed across Tetsutetsu's steel body, Kaminari's confident expression faltered.
WHAM!*
A moment later, Tetsutetsu's fist broke through the electric resistance and slammed into Kaminari's chest, knocking him back several steps. The impact left him breathless, and he could feel the dull ache spreading through his torso.
It wasn't a light hit, but it wasn't enough to knock him down either. He dug his feet into the ground, steadying himself as quickly as he could.
Tetsutetsu, meanwhile, held back from pressing his advantage, staying where he was and watching Kaminari curiously. The remnants of the electric current still clung to his body, crackling and popping. But aside from a mild tingling sensation in his fist, he didn't feel much else.
"Heh, looks like your electricity doesn't affect me that much," Tetsutetsu taunted with a grin.
Kaminari took a deep breath, rubbing his sore chest. He wasn't particularly surprised by the result. "So, going head-to-head doesn't work…"
He thought back to the impact and what he had felt. It wasn't just that Tetsutetsu's Quirk made him hard as steel; there was more to it than that. "It's not just the steel… He's got enhanced strength and endurance too," Kaminari muttered to himself. "Makes sense, though. A body like that would need some serious muscle to move around."
It was a passive trait, much like his own immunity to electricity. And with the way his Quirk worked, Kaminari suspected that as he grew stronger, he might even gain some resistance to heat and fire after all, lightning did generate high temperatures.
Tetsutetsu broke his train of thought. "Well? Are we done here, or do you want another round?"
Kaminari didn't respond right away. Instead, his eyes narrowed, and a determined smile crept onto his face. "Oh, we're just getting started."
"What?"
Before Tetsutetsu could process the words, Kaminari's entire body lit up with electricity. This time, the golden arcs danced across his whole form, not just his fists.
"You're just gonna crank up the voltage?" Tetsutetsu asked, raising his guard. He wasn't sure if Kaminari was stubbornly refusing to accept that his electricity didn't work, or if he had some other trick up his sleeve. But he wasn't about to let his guard down now.
KZZT-CRACK!*
In an instant, Kaminari surged forward, his entire body moving with a speed that seemed almost unnatural. Tetsutetsu's eyes widened as he watched Kaminari close the distance in a blur of golden light. He tried to react, raising his arm to intercept, but it felt like his limbs were moving through molasses.
KRAK!*
Kaminari's fist connected with Tetsutetsu's chest, sending a burst of electricity across the steel surface. Tetsutetsu gritted his teeth, but his real concern wasn't the hit—it was the realization that Kaminari was already slipping past him, ducking to his left and circling around.
His brain registered every movement, and he could clearly see Kaminari's every step and shift in weight. Yet somehow, his own body felt slow and unresponsive, as if it were lagging behind his thoughts.
"What…?" Tetsutetsu's frustration grew as he spun around, only to find that Kaminari had already moved out of range again.
His mind knew what to do, knew exactly how to counter every move Kaminari made but his body simply couldn't keep up.
Why? Why did it feel like his own limbs weren't responding the way they should? Why was he always a beat behind?
Chapter 13: High-Speed Movement
Boom!*
Kaminari appeared behind Tetsutetsu once more, his fist crackling with electricity as it struck. Just before Tetsutetsu could turn around to defend himself, Kaminari had already dodged to the right and landed a punch on his dazed opponent's side.
To be fair, the reason Kaminari could attack so recklessly without worrying about causing real harm was thanks to Tetsutetsu's Quirk. His steel transformation made him the perfect sparring partner, a human punching bag that could take a beating without getting seriously injured.
As for Kaminari's current technique, it wasn't anything particularly complex. It was essentially an extension of his previous "electrotherapy" move, except this time he was using the electricity to stimulate his muscles rather than someone else's heart.
By directing a controlled amount of current to his muscle cells, he could temporarily enhance his speed, reflexes, and strength. The electric stimulation activated his muscles, allowing him to move with heightened agility. The increase in speed was the most noticeable, though his strength benefited as well. After all, speed without a solid foundation of strength wouldn't get him very far.
The idea for this technique came from his memories of past inspirations. While it wasn't quite on the level of Enel's lightning powers from One Piece, it was something akin to Killua's "Godspeed" from Hunter x Hunter. Of course, Kaminari's current version was still a far cry from that kind of mastery.
For now, it was more like a low-level version of "Godspeed," though he preferred to think of it as the first stage of his own path toward perfecting that kind of high-speed movement. And so, he had given it a fitting name:
"High-Speed Movement."
The name came to him almost by chance after he'd initially perfected the technique, as he had been fiddling with his Pikachu-themed alarm clock at the time. The move's description matched the ability "Agility" from Pokémon: "Makes the user's body lighter, greatly increasing speed."
It was simple and fitting—a reminder of his roots and inspirations.
Boom!*
At this point, Tetsutetsu was starting to lose his footing. The repeated hits and constant electric shocks were taking their toll. His balance wavered, and with one last punch from Kaminari, he finally toppled to the ground, electric sparks still dancing across his metal skin.
"Tetsutetsu!" Kaminari called out, letting the electricity dissipate from his body as he quickly ran over to help his friend up. He hadn't expected the steel boy to go down like this. After all, Tetsutetsu had taken plenty of punches earlier without showing any signs of weakening.
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine!" Tetsutetsu said, shaking his head and standing up quickly as he brushed himself off.
"What were you thinking about?" Kaminari asked, skeptical that his punch had actually been strong enough to knock down someone as durable as Tetsutetsu.
"Hehe, I just got distracted for a second…" Tetsutetsu admitted, scratching his head in embarrassment. Then, with a puzzled look, he asked, "What was that just now? How did you get so much faster?"
Kaminari was about to explain when Tetsutetsu interrupted himself. "No, wait… you weren't that fast. I could still see your movements. I just… couldn't keep up."
Kaminari grinned, realizing that Tetsutetsu had hit the nail on the head. "Exactly. It's about agility."
"Agility?" Tetsutetsu repeated, frowning in confusion.
Kaminari nodded. "My movement speed did increase, but not to the point where you couldn't see me. Your eyes and mind could still follow what I was doing, but there's a difference between seeing something and being able to react to it."
He continued, "My attack speed, my ability to change direction, and my reflexes are all several steps ahead of your body's reaction time."
"So, that's it…" Tetsutetsu murmured, deep in thought as he tried to figure out how to close the gap between his reactions and Kaminari's movements.
Kaminari tapped his friend's steel-coated shoulder and added, "Plus, your body is heavy when you're transformed."
"Even though you're much stronger than the average person, your body mass and the density of your steel form slow you down in terms of quick movements. You might have raw power, but if you can't hit me, then what's the use? You can't just stand there and let me keep taking shots at you."
Tetsutetsu didn't like that, and his expression showed it. "But you haven't actually done any damage to me," he argued. "And I'm immune to your electricity!"
"It's like trying to swat a mosquito with a cannon," he continued, his frustration mounting. "Sure, you might be fast, but if you get caught even once, it'll be game over."
Gotcha, Kaminari thought with a small spark of satisfaction. His earlier taunts had worked; Tetsutetsu was riled up, and that's exactly what he had wanted. The steel boy's overconfidence had given Kaminari the opening he needed to try out a special move that might just be effective against him.
Of course, if Kaminari really wanted to hurt Tetsutetsu, he could push his Quirk to its limits and unleash a massive surge of electricity a million-volt shock, perhaps. He doubted that Tetsutetsu was completely immune to such an extreme amount of electrical power.
But that would have some… unpleasant side effects. Even if Tetsutetsu didn't sustain serious injuries, the resulting brain overload would probably leave him in a dazed state, giggling and giving a thumbs-up like a brainless idiot.
And Kaminari didn't want to win like that.
He rolled his eyes at Tetsutetsu's boast and asked, "Oh, you're not convinced?"
"Of course not!" Tetsutetsu huffed, his face a mix of determination and irritation. "If I just stand here, I bet you couldn't do anything to me! There's no way you can keep this up forever!"
"Funny, I could say the same thing about you," Kaminari replied dryly. "You can't keep that steel form going indefinitely, can you?"
Tetsutetsu flinched. "How did you know that?!"
The look of shock on Tetsutetsu's face was almost comical. He had been certain that he hadn't mentioned any limits to his Quirk.
"It's not that hard to figure out," Kaminari said with a knowing smirk. "When you get to U.A., you'll learn all about it."
Kaminari's eyes gleamed with intent as he sparked up once more, electricity starting to crackle over his body. "You think I can't do anything to you? Let's see about that."
"What are you planning?" Tetsutetsu asked, narrowing his eyes as he braced himself.
With a confident grin, Kaminari said, "I'm going to show you why I said you might still be living in a dream. Get ready, because you're about to learn just how powerful lightning can really be."
He let the electricity flow through him, feeling the familiar surge of energy build up in his muscles. "Don't worry," he added with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "this won't hurt… much."
Chapter 14: Ghost
This time, Tetsutetsu had learned his lesson. He kept his focus on Kaminari, staying completely silent and fully alert, his body in a boxing stance. He wasn't going to be caught off guard again. Every muscle was tense, ready to react at a moment's notice.
"I'll end this in one move," Kaminari declared as he charged forward, golden lightning crackling around him. His right palm was wrapped in a fierce, concentrated energy that was far more intense than any of his previous attacks. The air around him sizzled, carrying a faint hint of sulfur that dispersed almost instantly in the forest breeze.
"Bring it on!" Tetsutetsu shouted, his eyes locked on Kaminari, who was closing the distance rapidly.
Just when Tetsutetsu expected Kaminari to launch another straight attack with his electrified palm, Kaminari's feet made an unexpected twist, propelling him to Tetsutetsu's left side.
"So, you're trying to get behind me again?" Tetsutetsu thought, recognizing the tactic from before. But this time, he didn't rely solely on his eyes to follow Kaminari's movements. Instead, he trusted his instincts and turned to defend even before seeing Kaminari's next move.
Surprisingly, it worked. He managed to track Kaminari, his eyes meeting Kaminari's just as the latter tried to circle behind him.
"He's keeping up?" Kaminari thought, intrigued by the determination in Tetsutetsu's gaze. It was impressive how quickly he'd adapted, considering Kaminari had only briefly explained his speed advantage moments earlier.
"Maybe this guy really does have a knack for fighting," Kaminari mused. It wasn't just his strength that made Tetsutetsu formidable; he had a kind of raw combat intuition that Kaminari found impressive. The electric stimulation coursing through Kaminari's body was heightening his senses, allowing him to think more quickly and control his high-speed movements with precision.
"But let's see how long you can keep this up."
Without hesitation, Kaminari shifted tactics. He abandoned his previous strategy and began moving in rapid circles around Tetsutetsu, maintaining a one-meter distance. He darted left and right, accelerating his pace, trying to force Tetsutetsu to lose track.
Tetsutetsu spun around desperately, doing his best to keep up. He knew that if he allowed Kaminari to get behind him again, it would be like the first round all over—Kaminari raining blows from every angle while he had no chance to fight back.
His frustration was growing, especially since, as he had pointed out earlier, Kaminari's electric punches hadn't done any real damage. But being kept on the defensive like this was maddening.
What Tetsutetsu didn't realize, though, was something Kaminari knew all too well:
"If you defend for too long, you'll eventually lose."
The thought resonated in Kaminari's mind as he narrowed his eyes, electricity flaring up with newfound intensity. He saw a brief opening, a momentary misstep in Tetsutetsu's footing and that was all he needed.
"Now!"
"Claw Strike!"
Kaminari's right palm, wrapped in a continuous current, struck like a blade. He dashed forward, exploiting Tetsutetsu's split-second vulnerability, and chopped downward at the back of his neck.
KZZT-CRACK!*
A burst of electricity, twice as powerful as his usual Lightning Fist, erupted upon impact, and Kaminari felt the current penetrate the hardened steel exterior. He had gambled correctly Tetsutetsu's Quirk didn't fully transform his internal anatomy. The steel transformation was limited to his skin, hair, and nails, leaving his muscles and nervous system relatively unprotected.
The electric current surged into Tetsutetsu's nervous system, temporarily disrupting the signals between his brain and body.
Kaminari landed lightly on his feet, halting his high-speed movements as he stood behind Tetsutetsu, who had gone completely rigid. He reached out and tapped the steel boy's back gently with a finger.
"It's over. You've lost."
Tetsutetsu's eyes went wide in panic. His body wasn't responding, his limbs were frozen, and his Quirk had deactivated on its own. He couldn't move his arms or legs; even his mouth refused to cooperate, rendering him speechless. Only his eyes could move freely, darting around in bewilderment.
"What… What did he do to me?" Tetsutetsu's mind raced. For the first time, a trace of fear crept into his thoughts. He was completely paralyzed.
"Relax, you're not hurt," Kaminari assured him, stepping in front of Tetsutetsu and speaking calmly. "You'll be fine in about a minute."
Tetsutetsu's panic subsided slightly at Kaminari's words, but he was still desperate for an explanation.
"I used an enhanced version of my electric palm strike," Kaminari began. "The current penetrated your iron skin and disrupted the electrical signals in your nervous system. Basically, I temporarily cut off the communication between your brain and most of your body."
He added, "That's why you're having trouble moving. Your body's response signals are all messed up. In a severe case, you could even find yourself doing the exact opposite of what you intended."
Tetsutetsu's mind spun as he tried to process Kaminari's explanation. The terminology was familiar, he'd heard some of it in school but the practical application was far beyond anything he'd expected to encounter in a sparring match.
Kaminari saw the blank look in Tetsutetsu's eyes and sighed. "In simpler terms, I've temporarily disabled your control over your body. Since Quirks are also regulated by the brain, you're unable to use your steel transformation right now."
He added, "You might still be able to move a bit if you try hard enough, but it'll be unpredictable. The current disrupted the normal pathways in your nervous system, so your commands could end up controlling the wrong parts of your body."
As if to test Kaminari's words, Tetsutetsu tried to lift his right arm, only to find his left leg twitching instead, almost causing him to fall over.
"Whoa, careful!" Kaminari caught him just in time, helping him regain his balance. "I wasn't finished explaining yet. Your body can react, but because the signals are scrambled, it won't always do what you intend."
Kaminari thought for a moment, then decided to put it in terms Tetsutetsu might better understand. "You know when you play online games, and there's a skill that silences your character or adds a fear effect? Think of it like that. Except instead of your character, it's your body that's being affected. Your Quirk is the one being silenced."
However, Kaminari didn't mention that for this technique to work, he had to strike a specific spot on the back of the neck. His control over the electrical currents wasn't refined enough yet to apply the same effect elsewhere on the body.
As Tetsutetsu's muscles slowly regained their normal function, he let out a shaky breath and collapsed to the ground in a sitting position, his mind still reeling from the experience. The sensation of being completely helpless had been terrifying.
"You okay?" Kaminari asked, sitting down next to him. He felt a pang of guilt for pushing the match as far as he did. "Sorry about that. I shouldn't have used that move on you. But you've got to understand your Quirk's defense is so strong, I didn't have many options."
The apology seemed to hit the right note. Tetsutetsu, who had been staring at the ground, finally looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Don't worry about it, I'm fine! That was actually kind of awesome," he said, waving off the apology. "What do you call that move, anyway?"
Kaminari paused. He hadn't actually thought of a name for it yet. He didn't want to use something obvious like "Thunder Chop," and he was hoping to develop a whole set of techniques in the future. As he recalled the sensation of controlling Tetsutetsu's movements and the eerie stillness that had taken over his body, an idea came to him.
"Fear your own body… Silence your own Quirk… It's like there's a ghost inside you," Kaminari muttered to himself.
Chapter 15: Mysterious Theory
"Reggae," Kaminari said with a grin.
Tetsutetsu, still sitting cross-legged on the ground, nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, that name fits. It felt like I was possessed or something… like a ghost was controlling me."
Kaminari's expression shifted, and he asked, "How do you feel?"
Tetsutetsu blinked, not immediately understanding what Kaminari was getting at. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"The feeling of fighting!" Kaminari clarified, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He raised his hands, small arcs of electricity crackling between his fingers. "Didn't you feel it? The thrill of using your Quirk to its fullest, of clashing with someone else at full power wasn't it exhilarating?"
Tetsutetsu thought back to their sparring session. There was definitely something different about the experience, something he hadn't felt in the fifteen years he'd lived. The clash between his steel body and Kaminari's lightning had felt like a dance of opposing forces, each trying to overwhelm the other. It was as if every punch, every shock, had resonated through his entire being.
He couldn't deny it fighting like that had felt like gulping down ice-cold soda on a scorching summer day, every nerve tingling with a strange kind of joy. And then there was that one moment…
Tetsutetsu recalled the rush of satisfaction he'd felt when he'd managed to catch Kaminari's movements out of the corner of his eye, relying on pure instinct to turn and face his opponent in time. It had felt like he'd conquered something, overcome a hurdle through sheer determination and wits. The feeling was almost as rewarding as the day he'd passed the U.A. written exam.
However, his expression shifted slightly as he looked at Kaminari and said, "But you're the one who was doing most of the beating. If anyone was having a good time, it was you, right?"
Kaminari almost choked on his own laughter. "The way this guy words things..." He couldn't help but cough and quickly steer the conversation back on track. "Alright, alright, let's not get hung up on who had the better time," he said, trying to keep a straight face.
"Let's talk about your Quirk."
Tetsutetsu blinked, momentarily thrown off track. "My Quirk? What about it?"
"Have you ever trained your Quirk before?" Kaminari asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Trained? No," Tetsutetsu replied, his brows furrowing in confusion. "I thought Quirks were just… well, you know, natural. You're born with them, right?"
"That's true," Kaminari nodded, "but that doesn't mean they can't be improved. Think of it like working out. You can build your muscles and get stronger through exercise, and the same logic applies to Quirks."
"Wait a second… That means…" Tetsutetsu's eyes widened as realization dawned. He looked around the clearing and remembered what Kaminari had told him before. "So this is where you've been training your Quirk? All those things you just did—your speed, that Reggae move were they all developed here?"
"That's right," Kaminari confirmed. "I started training my Quirk here nine years ago after reading some professional reports online about Quirk development. I figured if I could make my body stronger through regular exercise, then I could definitely strengthen my Quirk too."
"Nine years… all on your own?" Tetsutetsu muttered, his voice trailing off. For some reason, his frustration over losing to Kaminari started to fade, replaced by a newfound respect for the boy standing in front of him.
Tetsutetsu glanced at the cracked ground and the scorch marks scattered across the clearing. There was no doubt Kaminari had put in years of hard work. Every mark was a testament to countless hours of training.
Tetsutetsu clenched his fists. "So… does that mean I can make my Quirk stronger through training too?"
"Theoretically, yes," Kaminari replied, "but I'm not a professional Quirk instructor, so I can't say for sure what kind of training would work best for your Quirk."
Tetsutetsu's excitement dipped slightly, but then he remembered that they would be attending U.A. soon. "Well, U.A.'s full of pro Heroes, right? I'm sure I can find someone there who can help me train my Quirk," he said, his confidence returning.
"Exactly. I have my own questions I want to ask the instructors there too," Kaminari said as he stood up and stretched. His legs had gone a bit stiff from sitting for so long.
"But one thing is for sure, training your body will definitely help improve your Quirk, especially since your type of Quirk probably relies more on physical strength."
"In that case, I'll ask my dad to find me a gym tomorrow!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, clenching his fists.
"And don't forget to come here and spar with me often," Kaminari added, adopting a mock serious expression. "Combat experience is just as important as physical training. We've got the practical exam coming up, and if you're not used to fighting, you might end up freezing up when it matters most."
He continued, "I'm willing to bet a lot of the other students taking the exam have never used their Quirks at full strength before. They probably haven't even had any real combat experience. That gives us a big advantage."
Kaminari's words seemed to hit home, and Tetsutetsu nodded eagerly. He hadn't thought about it before, but it made sense. Most people never got the chance to push their Quirks to the limit, and having an edge in experience could be the key to passing the practical exam.
"Also, even though your Quirk gives you great strength and defense, it has some obvious weaknesses," Kaminari said as he walked over to the plastic table, grabbing a chair.
"Like what?" Tetsutetsu asked, following him.
"For starters, your speed and agility," Kaminari said bluntly. "If you're up against someone faster or someone with long-range attacks, you'll have a hard time. If they keep their distance and wear you down, you won't be able to catch up, let alone land a hit."
He continued, "It's a big problem if you can't close the gap. If your opponent can choose when to engage and when to retreat, you'll always be on the losing side."
Tetsutetsu frowned. "But that's just how my Quirk works, right? It's not like I can change that."
"There are ways to compensate," Kaminari said, shaking his head. "I remember reading that U.A. also has a Support Course. They train students to become support Heroes, and part of their job is to develop gear and gadgets for pro Heroes."
He glanced at Tetsutetsu. "So, the easiest way to cover your weaknesses would be to get some support gear maybe a net launcher to trap opponents at a distance or some kind of booster boots to help increase your movement speed."
Hearing this, Tetsutetsu's face lit up. "That's awesome! I didn't know there were things like that," he said excitedly.
"But don't get too reliant on support gear," Kaminari added, his tone serious. "If you depend too much on gadgets, you might get caught off guard when you're forced to fight without them. For people like us who have strong Quirks, it's better to have a technique or strategy that we've trained ourselves."
"I see… That makes sense," Tetsutetsu nodded. He was starting to see the bigger picture.
"Actually, I think there's a training method that could work for you," Kaminari said, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "It's… unconventional, and it's not something I've ever tried myself, but given your physical condition, it might be just the thing you need."
Tetsutetsu was intrigued. "Really? What is it?"
"Well," Kaminari began slowly, "I've seen this technique in an old anime I used to watch… It involves using the body's natural strength and speed in a very specific way. If you can master it, you could achieve bursts of speed that would let you close the distance between you and your opponent in an instant."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It's difficult, though. If I had to rate it, I'd say it's an S-class technique in terms of training difficulty. But… given your physique, there's actually a chance it could work."
Tetsutetsu's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Tell me more! What's the technique?"
Kaminari took a breath. "Alright, listen carefully…"
Chapter 16: The Choice of the Second OP
"This method is a bit complicated, so I'll explain it on the way…" Kaminari said, giving Tetsutetsu a pat on the arm as he walked past him and headed back toward the bushes. Don't ask why he didn't pat him on the shoulder; he just didn't feel like it.
"What? We're leaving already?" Tetsutetsu looked disappointed. They had only been at the training ground for about half an hour. But considering the mysterious training method Kaminari had hinted at, he couldn't help but follow along, even if it meant leaving so soon.
"Today was just to show you the place," Kaminari explained as he led Tetsutetsu out of the wooded area and back onto the cherry blossom-lined path. "Once we get into U.A., we're going to need somewhere private to practice with our Quirks. This spot will be perfect for that."
As they walked, Kaminari continued, "Besides, don't you think our training ground is missing something?"
Tetsutetsu thought about the clearing they'd just left. He couldn't pinpoint anything specific that seemed out of place. "What do you mean?"
Kaminari smirked. "A chair. Didn't you notice there was only one chair out there?"
"Oh, right!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, realization dawning on him as he lightly slapped his right fist against his left palm in a "Eureka!" moment.
Kaminari sighed, giving him a helpless look. "Why do you think I was sitting cross-legged on the ground with you earlier? I didn't exactly have a choice."
"Hehe… my bad," Tetsutetsu said, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. But it also made him appreciate Kaminari a little more. At least Kaminari wasn't the type to think only of himself; he was someone who paid attention to the little things that made others comfortable.
"So, we're just going to buy a chair now?" Tetsutetsu asked, looking slightly deflated. "When are you going to tell me about that training method?"
"Relax. Didn't I say I'd explain it on the way?" Kaminari replied as he walked ahead. "But…" He paused for effect, "even if this technique works for you, it's not something you'll master overnight."
"Kaminari, stop teasing me and just tell me already!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, his impatience showing.
"Alright, alright," Kaminari conceded. "The technique is designed to train explosive speed. The basic idea is to use the force of repeated impacts to generate extreme acceleration."
Tetsutetsu's expression turned serious as he listened intently. "And how exactly do I train for that?"
"It's going to sound too simple to be effective," Kaminari began, "but the method is essentially about practicing your stance. You'll have to master a specific rhythm of repeated impacts."
"Stance training? That's it?" Tetsutetsu's face fell. He'd been expecting something more… extraordinary. "You've got to be kidding me. After all that buildup, you're just telling me to stand still?"
Kaminari smirked, clearly amused by Tetsutetsu's reaction. "You think it's that easy? To make this technique work, you'll need to hit the ground ten times within 0.36 seconds. Only then will you generate enough reactive force to propel yourself with the kind of speed we're talking about."
Tetsutetsu's jaw nearly dropped. "Ten times… in 0.36 seconds? Is that even humanly possible?"
"Not for just anyone," Kaminari said, his tone growing serious. "It requires a body that can withstand the stress of such rapid movements. Most people would end up breaking their legs even if they managed to achieve that speed."
He continued, "But with your Quirk, it's not impossible. Your steel form gives you the durability needed to push beyond normal human limits."
Tetsutetsu finally understood why Kaminari had said earlier that this technique was something only he could possibly master. His Quirk, Steel, provided the kind of physical resilience that would be essential for such intense training. The biggest hurdle for most people was already something he could overcome thanks to his Quirk.
But even knowing that didn't make the challenge any less daunting. "Ten times in such a short amount of time… can I really do that?" Tetsutetsu thought, doubt creeping in.
"So, what do you say? Still want to give it a shot?" Kaminari asked, as they exited Omiya Park and made their way toward the subway station, intending to head to Saitama City.
"Of course!" Tetsutetsu said, his voice filled with renewed determination. "Even if it's difficult, at least now I have a goal, a direction to follow. I'm going to give it everything I've got!"
His mind raced with possibilities. If he could master this technique, what else could he do with his newfound speed? Could he adapt it to deliver a flurry of rapid punches or increase the power of a single strike by focusing the momentum?
Kaminari gave him a reassuring pat on the back as they boarded the subway train. "Good. Just don't forget that this will take time. You won't master it by the day of the practical exam. In the meantime, you should work on your fundamentals, learn some basic combat techniques. After all, your Quirk makes you a close-range fighter. You'll need to know how to handle yourself up close."
He continued, "And when you get into U.A., look into ways to improve the hardness of your Quirk. Right now, your steel form isn't at its maximum potential. I was still able to break through with my electricity, so there's room for improvement."
Tetsutetsu nodded along. Kaminari's advice made sense, and he felt lucky to have a friend who seemed to know so much about Quirks and fighting. As far as he was concerned, Kaminari was practically his Quirk coach at this point.
After buying a folding chair at the store, Tetsutetsu decided to head home. He planned to bring the chair with him the next time they visited the training ground.
As they parted ways, the two agreed to meet up again on the day of the U.A. entrance exam.
"Phew, time to take care of my own plans now," Kaminari said to himself as he watched Tetsutetsu head off with the new chair in hand. The thought of the upcoming exam loomed over him, but there was something else he needed to focus on first—his music.
With five days left before the practical test, Kaminari had an idea for a new project. He wanted to release another song before starting school. Once he got into U.A., his schedule would be packed, and he wasn't sure he'd have the time or energy to dedicate to music the way he did now.
"The question is… which song should I choose for my second release?" he muttered, running through a mental list of potential tracks. His first song had been well-received, so this one needed to be just as impactful, if not more so.
There were so many choices. It was a good problem to have, but it was still a problem nonetheless.
"Too many options," he sighed, scratching his head in frustration. "But I guess… that's a nice problem to have."
He knew one thing for certain, whatever he picked, it had to resonate. It had to be something that would stay with his listeners and motivate him, just like Only My Railgun had.
As he wandered through the streets, he found himself humming various melodies, searching for that spark, that feeling that would tell him, "This is the one."
It was time to decide.
Chapter 17: The Old Man and the Song
In Kyoto, Japan, nestled in a tranquil courtyard that exuded a sense of Zen, elegance, and quietude, a white-haired old man in a pristine white kimono sat under the eaves, his gaze resting on a playful Shiba Inu frolicking near a meticulously arranged rock garden. His faint smile radiated a warmth that was both gentle and harmonious, reflecting a life of calm contemplation.
But despite the serene atmosphere, Mitsui Aragoshi, who stood outside in a perfectly tailored black suit, felt a sense of nervousness. In his hand was a folder containing information that felt almost lifeless, its contents cold and factual.
"You found the boy, then," the old man said in a calm, assured voice, as if it were already a foregone conclusion.
"Yes, Grandfather," Mitsui replied, stepping forward to hand over the file. "Here is his information."
The old man took the folder, his eyes settling on a photograph attached to the first page—a photo of a young boy who matched the one he had been seeking. His eyes softened, but rather than reading further, he closed the folder and gestured for Mitsui to recount the details.
"His name is Kaminari Denki, fifteen years old. He recently graduated from Tanibori No. 1 Junior High School in Saitama. His academic record is impressive, he's held the top rank in his grade from elementary school all the way through junior high, without ever slipping to second place," Mitsui recited.
The old man, however, was not easily impressed. As a member of the Mitsui family, he had seen his fair share of prodigies and high achievers. A top ranking in public schools wasn't anything extraordinary for someone with his background. But when Mitsui added, "And he's maintained perfect scores in all subjects for six consecutive years," a hint of surprise flickered in the old man's eyes.
"Oh?" the old man murmured, his tone light. "So, my little benefactor is quite the genius. That's impressive."
Once his grandfather finished speaking, Mitsui continued, "He's also passed the written exam for U.A. High School's Hero course and will be taking the practical exam next week."
"So, he wants to be a Hero," the old man mused, his eyes momentarily distant as he considered this. The thought that the boy who had saved his life aspired to be a Hero seemed fitting. "Yes, that suits him. A boy like that should indeed be a Hero."
"Grandfather," Mitsui ventured carefully, "U.A.'s practical exam has a notoriously high failure rate. Should we reach out to the school on his behalf, maybe through one of our business connections?"
The old man turned his head slightly, a bemused expression on his face. "Do you really think U.A. would take a request from us seriously? Or that the Mitsui family holds sway over an institution like U.A.?"
While the Mitsui family was indeed powerful, with influence that extended across Japan and even internationally, their power lay within the realms of business, not the elite circles of the Hero world. They could indeed leverage some lower-ranking Heroes or influence a few Hero agencies through business ties, but the idea of interfering with U.A.'s internal affairs was absurd.
Mitsui, however, wasn't convinced. "But we've supplied U.A. with Hero costumes and specialized equipment for years now," he insisted. "Surely, they'd give us some consideration?"
The old man's eyes glinted with a touch of amusement at his grandson's naiveté. "You've misunderstood the nature of that relationship," he replied. "It isn't that U.A. needs us. We provide those resources because it grants us access to future Heroes. And besides, several other companies are providing the same services. If you think U.A. sees us as anything more than just another supplier, you're mistaken."
But rather than chastising Mitsui further, the old man simply shook his head and declined the suggestion gently. "No, I'm confident this boy can pass the exam on his own. He has the ability."
For some reason, the memory of his first encounter with Kaminari played in the old man's mind. There had been something about the boy, an aura that exuded both strength and humility, that made him certain Kaminari would succeed.
"As you wish, Grandfather," Mitsui said, bowing his head in acquiescence. Though he still didn't entirely grasp why his grandfather placed so much faith in U.A.'s autonomy, he let the matter drop.
"Shall I arrange to contact the boy, then?" Mitsui asked.
The old man paused, considering the question. He certainly wished to meet Kaminari again and express his gratitude properly, but it didn't feel right to simply thank him with a few words. After all, the boy had saved his life, and that kind of debt demanded more than a token gesture.
His gaze fell on the folder Mitsui had brought, and a thought crossed his mind. Mitsui had mentioned Hero costumes and equipment earlier… Yes, that could work.
"No, let's not contact him directly," the old man said, a small smile curling at the corners of his lips. "I want to give this child a surprise a big one."
"A… surprise?" Mitsui echoed, raising an eyebrow. His grandfather's tone hinted at something more than just a simple gift, but he did not press the matter.
"By the way, is there anything else about him? What about his family?" the old man asked. If he couldn't repay Kaminari directly, he could at least make life easier for those close to him. That would be the least he could do.
Mitsui flipped through his mental notes on Kaminari's file. "His father started a small toy company a few years ago," he began. "And Kaminari himself is something of a musician. He's an independent artist who uploads his songs on MTV's music platform. One of his tracks is getting pretty popular, but he's not that well-known yet."
"A musician, too?" the old man chuckled, intrigued by the boy's multifaceted talents. Kaminari was only fifteen, yet he had already achieved more than many adults. With perfect grades, entry into the Hero program, and a budding music career, it was clear that Kaminari was a truly exceptional young man.
"Which company owns that music platform?" the old man asked, curious about whether there might be an easy connection he could leverage.
"It's part of Viacom Media Group, based in the U.S.," Mitsui replied.
"Do we have any dealings with them?"
"Not directly, no," Mitsui admitted.
"It doesn't matter," the old man said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Speak to your father and have him reach out to someone at Viacom. See if they can give this boy some special attention on the music platform. It shouldn't be a difficult favor to ask."
At the level the Mitsui family operated, arranging a meeting with Viacom's executives wouldn't be a challenge. Even if they hadn't done business before, there was always room for mutually beneficial arrangements, especially with such a simple request.
"As for his father's company," the old man continued, "find a way to give it a little extra support. Nothing too overt, but make sure they get some favorable deals."
Mitsui nodded, committing the instructions to memory. "Understood. Is there anything else, Grandfather?"
"That will be all," the old man said, rising from his seat. "You may go." He moved gracefully to the edge of the porch, glancing out toward the Shiba Inu still playing in the yard.
"Yes, Grandfather." Mitsui bowed again and began to walk away. But before he reached the courtyard exit, his grandfather's voice stopped him.
"One more thing," the old man said, his tone contemplative. "Have someone arrange for me to listen to this boy's music… I'd like to hear his song."
Chapter 18: Hero!
Office of the President, Kaminari Toy Co., Ltd., Saitama City.
"Yes, I'll make sure he prepares some new material as soon as possible."
"Thank you very much."
Kaminari's father, dressed in a formal suit, slowly hung up the phone, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The call had come from Japan's MTV music network, informing him that they intended to heavily promote his son next year. However, one song alone, Only My Railgun, wouldn't suffice for a full-scale push. They needed more material preferably a new song.
It was good news, great news, even. Some up-and-coming singers would be over the moon at the opportunity. But for Kaminari's father, there were doubts lingering in the back of his mind.
The core issue was that new song request. How could he be sure his son could come up with another track as strong as the first? Inspiration didn't always strike twice, especially not on demand. Creativity wasn't an exact science, after all.
"Hmm… I'd better ask him first."
Now, he was filled with concern, not only about whether Kaminari could deliver another high-quality song, but also whether the request would put too much pressure on him. After all, the U.A. High School entrance exam was next week, and he didn't want anything distracting Kaminari from what he believed was more important: getting into U.A. and pursuing a career as a professional Hero.
"If it doesn't work out, we'll just let this music opportunity go. Getting into U.A. comes first," he decided.
Having made up his mind, he took out his phone and quickly dialed his son's number, listening anxiously to the rings.
"Dad?" Kaminari's voice came through, sounding slightly confused.
"Well, um… I just wanted to ask, have you been working on any new songs lately?"
Kaminari, who had just reached the ground floor of the office building, stopped in his tracks. He glanced up toward the floor where his father's company was located. "How did you know I was planning to release a new song?"
His father's unexpected question had caught him off guard. He hadn't told anyone about his plans yet.
"Huh?" His father was taken aback for a moment before quickly responding, "You actually have a new song? Since when?"
"I've been working on something for a while," Kaminari explained. "With U.A. starting soon, I wasn't sure I'd have time for music, so I figured I'd release my second single beforehand."
He paused, still puzzled. "But seriously, how did you know about the new song?"
His father let out a small laugh and explained the call from MTV, mentioning how they wanted more content if they were going to focus on promoting him.
Kaminari's initial surprise quickly gave way to understanding. He wasn't too shocked by MTV's interest. After all, Only My Railgun was a solid song, and its sales had been quite promising.
However, what Kaminari didn't realize was that the sudden attention wasn't just about the quality of his song. Without the context of a popular anime or established fame, Only My Railgun would have been just another good track in a sea of music. Moreover, other artists on the platform had similar or even better sales numbers. Under normal circumstances, a second promotional push wouldn't happen until a second hit was in the bag.
But thanks to a certain intervention, Kaminari was about to get a rare opportunity.
"Dad, I'm downstairs. I'm coming up now to start recording," Kaminari said as he joined a stream of office workers entering the twenty-story building.
"You're here already?" His father's voice lifted with a mix of surprise and relief. "Great! I'll get everything set up right away."
After hanging up, his father stepped out of his office, a rush of excitement coursing through him. He was eager to hear what Kaminari's new song would sound like. After all, the previous track had climbed to seventh place on the sales charts—without any substantial promotion. Nearly all of its success was thanks to the song's quality, and the rest could be attributed to Kaminari's intriguing persona. There was no denying that the boy's striking looks had caught the attention of more than a few listeners.
"Heh, not bad for a fifteen-year-old," Kaminari's father thought with a grin as he hurried down the hall.
Kaminari followed his father to a small but well-equipped recording studio located within the company's building. It was an unusual setup for a toy company that specialized in Pikachu merchandise, but his father had spared no expense in setting up a decent studio just for him.
The studio even had a professional sound engineer, Dawu, on standby. While Dawu wasn't particularly famous in the industry, he had more than enough skill to handle the studio's needs. His main job was to maintain the equipment and ensure everything ran smoothly whenever Kaminari needed to record.
"Dawu, Kaminari's ready to record a new song," his father announced as they entered the room. Dawu was slouched on a couch, absorbed in a game on his phone. He jumped up as soon as he saw the president.
"Yes, sir!" Dawu stammered, quickly stashing his phone away and looking a bit embarrassed. But before he could say anything else, Kaminari's father waved his hand dismissively.
"Never mind that. Just get the equipment ready, and there'll be no deductions from your paycheck."
"Here, this has the sheet music and lyrics," Kaminari said, handing Dawu a USB drive.
Dawu, adjusting his glasses, took the drive with both hands and went over to the mixing desk to begin setting up. As an otaku and an avid anime fan, he had loved "Only My Railgun." There was only one thing he had felt was lacking: he thought the song would have been even better if it had been sung by a girl. The thought of a female voice giving life to those lyrics had made him wish the track had a different vocalist.
He glanced at Kaminari, who was standing in the sound booth with his blond hair, highlighted by a black streak shaped like a lightning bolt. "If only the young master were a girl…" Dawu mused, half-jokingly. "He'd definitely make a cute idol."
Little did he know, if Kaminari had any inkling of those thoughts, Dawu might very well have found himself on the receiving end of a highly unpleasant jolt.
Meanwhile, Kaminari had already taken his place in the recording booth, positioning himself in front of the mic. He took a moment to adjust his breathing and get into the right headspace. It took him a full two minutes before he felt ready, raising his hand in an "OK" gesture toward Dawu.
"This song is going to be my gift," Kaminari thought to himself. "To mark the start of something new. It's for me, for the future students and teachers of U.A., and for everyone who dreams of becoming a Hero."
As Kaminari's fingers tightened on the mic stand, the rhythmic strum of an electric guitar filled the studio, followed by the powerful beat of drums. This wasn't just any song—this was an anthem for those who dared to dream big, to rise above the ordinary.
And just like that, Kaminari's second single began to come to life.
(T/N: His second single is Hero by DOA you can listen to it if you want)
Chapter 19: Pokémon
After spending two hours recording the initial version of the new song, Kaminari left the rest of the post-production work to Dawu, who seemed unusually enthusiastic. Kaminari then headed to a professional photography studio in Tokyo, accompanied by his father's secretary.
Japan's MTV had requested some high-quality photos to accompany the new single's release. Currently, Kaminari's profile on the website only had a single picture, his main profile image. Although Saitama City had a few photography studios, they weren't particularly renowned, so his father, the president of Kaminari Toy Co., decided to send Kaminari to a well-known studio in Tokyo.
The commute wasn't a big deal, since Tokyo was just a short drive from Saitama, and they could easily make it back the same day. If not, they could always stay overnight. But as it turned out, Kaminari managed to finish the photo session and return home by seven that evening, courtesy of the company car and the secretary who dropped him off.
While the photography session at the famous studio didn't take too long, he only took seven photos in total, the quality was undeniable. The professional photographer and top-of-the-line equipment made all the difference. Of course, Kaminari couldn't help but think that his own good looks played a significant part.
Among the photos, there were two that particularly stood out to Kaminari. They fit perfectly with the theme of his new song, "Hero."
One photo featured Kaminari sitting alone at a desk in a dimly lit room, a white band with the word "victory" written across his forehead. The only source of light was a small Pikachu lamp beside him, casting a warm glow on his focused, youthful face. The setting, combined with Kaminari's determined expression, perfectly encapsulated the song's message about perseverance and striving toward one's goals.
The other photo was taken outdoors, with Kaminari doing push-ups under the blazing sun. His shirt was off, revealing a toned physique covered in sweat, while his face displayed a look of intense concentration, teeth gritted and muscles straining. The determination in his eyes spoke of an unyielding resolve to keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles.
These photos resonated with the song's lyrics:
"A man should be strong for others.
Bite the bullet!
Be determined to persevere to the end.
It doesn't matter if you fall.
Just stand up again.
That's all—if you can do it… you're a Hero!"
Kaminari chose "Hero" as his second single because it wasn't just a song about himself. It was a song for all aspiring heroes, a tribute to the Hero Course students at U.A. High School, and a message to everyone out there, whether they were chasing dreams or simply trying to get through the day. The song's central idea was that anyone could be a hero not just the professional ones we see on TV, but ordinary people who muster the courage to face life's challenges.
In this superhuman society where professional Heroes were part of everyday life, there were many songs with Hero themes. But Kaminari noticed that most of them praised the deeds of established Heroes or romanticized the Hero profession. Few, if any, embraced the message that "everyone can be a Hero." He was determined to fill that gap.
When he arrived home, the aroma of freshly cooked dinner hit him before he even reached the kitchen. His mother was waiting with a warm meal, but Kaminari first sent her and his father the photos from the studio via his phone, then headed straight for the shower.
At dinner, his mother couldn't hide her excitement over the photos, even suggesting they get some printed to hang on the walls.
"Where are you going to put them?" Kaminari asked, pointing toward the framed painting hanging above the TV in the living room. It was a depiction of Kaminari with his arms crossed confidently, a cheerful Pikachu standing beside him.
"That's not a photo; it's a painting," his mother corrected him with a smile. "And don't worry about space. We could hang them in your room… or maybe even the bathroom."
"...The bathroom?" Kaminari and his father both froze at the suggestion.
As they laughed, Kaminari's gaze lingered on the painting, and an idea sparked in his mind. He remembered how, when he was younger, his mother had sketched the first "real" Pikachu for him after he had drawn a crude version himself. In a sense, she was the first person to bring Pikachu to life in this world.
"Mom," Kaminari said suddenly, "how about drawing more Pokémon? Or even taking over the creation of new Pokémon entirely?"
"Me?" His mother blinked in surprise. "You really think I could do that?"
Kaminari nodded eagerly. "Of course! You're great at drawing, and you taught me everything I know. Besides, I could use some help expanding the Pokémon lineup."
His mother hesitated, glancing toward Kaminari's father, who was seated across the table. "Well… if you think I could do it…"
Kaminari's father looked thoughtful, stroking his chin. He wasn't opposed to the idea, his wife had studied art and had always been passionate about painting. Plus, it would give her something meaningful to do while still being close to the family.
He nodded. "Sure, why not? Kaminari can share the ideas with you, and you can be in charge of the illustrations."
"Awesome!" Kaminari cheered. He was thrilled not just for the help, but for his mother's sake as well. "This way, even when I'm busy at U.A., we can still collaborate on creating new Pokémon."
"And speaking of expanding," his father interjected, "I've been discussing with the company about turning the Pokémon concept into a manga series. It could eventually evolve into an anime, games, or even movies. What do you think?"
Kaminari's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing! But I won't have the time to draw comics myself. You could hire a manga artist to adapt the settings I come up with."
He knew that the storyline of the manga would likely diverge from the one in his previous life, and the protagonist might not even be Ash Ketchum. But in his view, the real charm of "Pokémon" wasn't tied to any one character or plot—it was all about the Pokémon themselves. As long as the world was filled with captivating creatures, the series would thrive.
"Of course," Kaminari added, "the protagonist has to start with a Pikachu. That's non-negotiable."
"Actually…" Kaminari's eyes gleamed with a sudden inspiration. "Why not make me the protagonist of the manga? It could follow me and Pikachu as we travel the world, encountering different Pokémon."
His parents exchanged a look. The idea had merit, and imagining their son's likeness as a manga character embarking on adventures was undeniably appealing. They could even picture him someday appearing on TV as part of the Pokémon world.
"I think it's a great idea," his father said with a grin. "Let's do it."
Chapter 20: "Mediocre" Kaminari?
In the conference room of U.A. High School, the Hero Course teachers gathered to discuss an unexpected topic just two days before the entrance exam. While preparations for the upcoming exams were nearly complete, today's meeting had been called specifically to address one candidate in particular.
A few days ago, Midnight, one of the faculty members, had formally proposed that Kaminari Denki be considered for admission as a recommended student. The assessment for recommended students was scheduled for tomorrow, a day before the regular entrance exam. The evaluation for these students was more of a formality, meant to ensure that their actual abilities matched the information on file.
"Let's begin," said the principal, seated at the head of the table. His voice was calm, and his expression as gentle as ever. Despite looking like a large, fluffy white mouse, no one in the room found his appearance unusual. In this world of Quirks, where superhuman abilities and bizarre mutations were the norm, the principal's appearance was hardly out of place.
"The information about Kaminari Denki is in front of you," the principal continued. "Please take a moment to familiarize yourselves with it."
"Whoa!" Present Mic, the energetic voice hero, exclaimed after a quick glance at the file. "From elementary school all the way through middle school, he scored perfect marks in every subject including physical education. We've got a real prodigy here!"
"His Quirk is electricity-based, huh?" Aizawa, the long-haired and perpetually tired-looking teacher, noted with a nonchalant tone as he skimmed Kaminari's profile. "Lightning-type Quirks are notoriously hard to control. That's why you rarely see many top-tier Heroes with those abilities."
"True," added Recovery Girl, an elderly woman in a white lab coat. "Most people with electricity-related Quirks end up in support roles, especially in fields like equipment development. Their Quirks lend themselves well to those applications."
Midnight, who had proposed Kaminari as a recommended candidate, spoke up. She recounted the incident a few days ago in Omiya Park, where Kaminari had used what appeared to be "electrical defibrillation" to save a life. His level of control over his Quirk had been extraordinarily precise, enough to make her take notice.
She paused before admitting, "I later found out that his Quirk is officially listed as 'Electrification,' not 'Defibrillator,' as he claimed at the time. While I was initially irritated that he lied in such a critical situation, it made me realize just how fine his control over electricity must be."
Her words caught the room's attention. If Kaminari had indeed been using an Electrification-type Quirk to perform defibrillation, it implied a level of precision and control comparable to that of a seasoned professional Hero. The teachers grew quiet, considering the implications. Such a feat would require not just a high degree of skill, but also remarkable composure for someone so young.
"Well, it does sound like he has the potential to be a solid Hero," one of the teachers remarked, summarizing the general sentiment in the room.
However, All Might, the Symbol of Peace and the most famous Hero in Japan, seemed to be mulling over something different. The towering man with blond hair and upswept bangs was lost in thought, recalling something Kaminari had said before leaving the scene in Omiya.
"Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon others are worse than scum… That's a great line!" All Might thought, his eyes brightening. Kaminari's words had struck a chord with him, reminding him of a young boy he had recently taken under his wing, a boy with no Quirk, frail physical health, and a timid personality, yet one who still charged toward danger to save his friend.
"I want to be like All Might and become the strongest Hero!" That was what young Midoriya had declared with unwavering resolve. But with only two days left before the entrance exam, All Might couldn't help but worry if the boy could complete the training task he'd been given.
While All Might drifted off into thoughts about his would-be successor, the other teachers continued to discuss Kaminari's abilities.
"If—hypothetically speaking," Aizawa began, his tone as cold and logical as always, "what if Kaminari's apparent 'defibrillation' wasn't a matter of superior control, but rather just a coincidence? What if his Quirk's electrical output just happened to be the right level for that particular application?"
The room grew silent. Midnight felt a momentary chill. It hadn't occurred to her that such an explanation might be more plausible than the idea of a fifteen-year-old possessing a mastery of electrical control on par with top Heroes.
"But even if that's the case," she countered, "Kaminari's perfect academic record should still qualify him as a recommended student."
"I have some thoughts on that," the principal interjected, his calm voice cutting through the tension. Midnight, who had started to get defensive, quieted down as he spoke.
"I reviewed Kaminari Denki's file when it first arrived, and I am well aware of his flawless academic performance," he continued. "If this were any other year, he would undoubtedly qualify for recommendation based on his grades alone."
"But not this year," the principal added with a hint of regret. "Compared to the three students who have already been selected as recommended candidates Yoarashi Inasa, Todoroki Shoto, and Yaoyorozu Momo—Kaminari's overall abilities are relatively… mediocre."
"Mediocre?!" Midnight was visibly taken aback. Kaminari's track record was as close to perfect as it could get. If that was considered "mediocre," then what standard were they applying?
"I understand your surprise," the principal said gently, "but when you compare him directly to our current recommended students, his capabilities in all areas fall short."
He went on to explain, "For Quirk-based abilities, even if Kaminari is capable of using Electrification for defibrillation, it suggests a proficiency in Quirk control but not necessarily combat effectiveness. Inasa's 'Whirlwind' and Todoroki's 'Half-Cold Half-Hot' are far more versatile and powerful for combat scenarios."
"As for academic excellence, Yaoyorozu Momo's knowledge already extends into advanced subjects like the molecular structure of materials. While Kaminari may have achieved perfect scores, Yaoyorozu is already applying her knowledge at a level that goes beyond typical school subjects."
The principal's tone grew more solemn. "Kaminari Denki might be well-rounded compared to the average applicant, but in terms of what we are looking for in recommended students this year, he lacks a standout quality that sets him above the rest."
Midnight clenched her fists but didn't interrupt. She could see that the principal was speaking out of concern for Kaminari's future, not dismissing his potential outright.
"In today's world," the principal continued, "where the number of professional Heroes is reaching saturation, we must prioritize those who show exceptional promise. Kaminari may be more suited to a supportive role in the Hero industry or even find a place in the Support Department, where his talents with electricity could be better utilized."
The principal's conclusion was clear: "Therefore, the decision of this meeting is that Kaminari Denki will not be accepted as a recommended student. He will participate in the regular entrance exam alongside the other applicants."
As the meeting came to a close, Midnight couldn't help but feel conflicted. She believed in Kaminari's potential, but the reality was that U.A. was a place where only the most extraordinary talents could shine. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that Kaminari's journey was far from over.