After Kirishima finally dragged Bakugo over, the swimming endurance training officially began. The pool echoed with energetic music, adding excitement to the atmosphere.
Kaminari had arranged for Pikachu to play music after getting everyone's approval. After all, training under the scorching summer sun could get dull, especially for the girls, who were already playing water volleyball on the other side. They unanimously supported adding music for some fun.
As for the playlist—well, of course, it featured songs by Kaminari and the Pikachu Band.
The first track was "Hero"—a song with an intense rhythm and high-energy vibes!
*Getting caught up in trivial things! Forgetting all that really matters!*
Splash!
Splash!
Splash!
As the opening lyrics of "Hero" blasted through the speakers, the first group—Kaminari, Midoriya, Todoroki, Bakugo, and Iida—leaped into the water simultaneously.
Crystal-clear droplets shimmered under the sunlight as they hit the surface, each competitor pushing forward with pure physical strength. No Quirks—just raw endurance and skill!
*Trouble you brought upon yourself! Say goodbye to your old self!*
"Go, Kaminari!!" Kyoka cheered loudly from the poolside, completely unabashed.
"Don't lose, Bakugo!" Kirishima roared with laughter.
The music and enthusiastic cheers fueled the competition, hyping up the entire class.
"Let's go, Class Rep!"
"You got this, Midoriya-kun!"
*Why fear the darkness? Why give in so easily?*
*If you don't take that step, you'll never move forward!*
Iida was the first to reach the opposite end of the pool. Without missing a beat, he flipped and began swimming back with perfect form.
Right behind him—Bakugo!
"I won't lose—I WILL NEVER LOSE!"
Fueled by sheer determination, Bakugo surged forward, pushing himself even harder. In his mind, this was his kind of competition, one where Quirks didn't matter. Losing was not an option.
Kaminari was next, followed by Todoroki and then Midoriya. Although they arrived at slightly different times, the time gap between them was only a second or two.
*If you're a man, you become stronger for others! Grit your teeth and push through!*
At the turn, Bakugo, spurred on by the song's intensity and Kirishima's relentless cheering, caught up to Iida!
Now, all eyes were on the two frontrunners. Kaminari, Todoroki, and Midoriya had practically become background characters in this final stretch.
*If you're a man, you'll push yourself to the limit! Sprint with all you've got!*
"I... will NEVER LOSE!"
A split second before reaching the finish line, Bakugo's expression twisted with determination.
Then—slam!
His hand smacked against the wall first.
"Hah… hah… HELL YEAH!"
"Bakugo wins!!"
The results were in. Applause erupted around the pool, but no one was more hyped than Kirishima.
"That was insane, bro!" he cheered, practically glowing with excitement. Who knows why he idolized Bakugo so much?
"Ah, man…"
Dripping wet, Kaminari climbed out of the pool with a resigned smile. "I kinda saw that coming…"
"You still beat me, Kaminari-kun!" Midoriya said, climbing out beside him. "That's impressive!"
Kaminari gave him a deadpan look. "Not exactly a win I'm proud of, dude."
Soon, the second group lined up.
Shoji, Tokoyami, Ojiro, Aoyama, and Tetsutetsu.
This time, the song switched to "Blue Bird."
*If I fly high, I'll never look back!*
*My target—the endless, blue sky!*
With Kaminari's personal music selection from his past life setting the mood, time flowed like the ripples in the pool. The blazing sun above slowly dipped toward the horizon.
At exactly 5 PM, Aizawa-sensei arrived right on schedule to cut things off and promptly kicked everyone out of the school.
Outside U.A., as everyone parted ways.
"Kaminari, are you heading back with me, or…?" Tetsutetsu glanced at Kyoka standing beside him and groaned.
"No need to ask. You know it's the latter," Kaminari replied without hesitation.
"Tch. Knew it. You traitor, choosing girls over bros!" Tetsutetsu dramatically covered his face in mock betrayal before walking off alone.
Kyoka, slightly embarrassed, held onto Kaminari's hand but didn't let go.
"I was thinking of going to the beach with you tomorrow," she admitted, "but after spending all day in the pool, I'm kinda over it."
"Then where do you wanna go?"
As they strolled down the street, hand in hand, Pikachu trailed behind them, drawing curious glances from passersby.
"Um…"
Just then, Kaminari's phone rang with the familiar tune of "Only My Railgun."
He casually answered. "Dr. Tenma?"
Hearing the familiar voice, he paused, squeezing Kyoka's hand slightly while listening.
"Hey, Kaminari. It's been a while, huh?" Dr. Tenma's voice was warm.
"Yeah, I think the last time we talked was at your son's birthday party. I figured you were busy, so I didn't wanna bother you."
"Haha, no worries. We all have our own responsibilities. But I actually called for a reason today."
"Oh?" Kaminari raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"
"I just received an invitation to this year's I-EXPO on I-Island."
I-Island. The world's most advanced research hub for Quirks and hero technology.
"But I've got too much work on my plate," Dr. Tenma continued. "So, I was wondering, are you interested in going in my place? You can take Tobio with you."
"The event lasts for three days."
Kaminari's eyes widened slightly.
The I-EXPO was a major international event. He'd always wanted to go, but never had the opportunity.
"Of course I'm interested! I didn't think I'd ever get a chance to attend."
"Good. I'll send your and Tobio's details to the organizers. You can fly out the day after tomorrow."
Kaminari glanced at Kyoka beside him, then hesitated before asking, "Uh… Doctor, can I bring one more person?"
"Yeah. My invitation allows for two guests. Most of the scientists bring family members, so it's fine."
"So… who's coming with you? That loudmouth from before?"
"You mean Tetsutetsu?" Kaminari paused for a moment. "Uh, no. I was thinking of bringing Kyoka."
There was a brief silence. Then—
"…Your girlfriend?"
Dr. Tenma sounded surprised, but then he chuckled. "Already got a girlfriend in your first year, huh? Not bad, kid!"
"Heh, heh, yeah." Kaminari rubbed the back of his head, squeezing Kyoka's hand slightly. She blushed at the conversation but didn't pull away.
"Alright, I'll send the tickets tonight. Pick up Tobio at my place the day after tomorrow and take good care of him while you're there."
"Got it! Don't worry, Doctor—we'll take great care of him!"
"Haha, I wouldn't trust just anyone, but I trust you, Kaminari. Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked."
After the call ended, Kaminari looked up at the fiery-red sunset. Then, turning to Kyoka, he grinned.
"Kyoka, we're going to I-Island!"
Kyoka smiled back, nodding. "Okay. I'll follow your lead."
(To be continued.)
***
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