Chapter 86: Gauging Power

The Gym Gamma at UA had become a familiar place for Kaito, especially when he needed to gauge the extent of his newfound strength. Cementoss, the quirk-wielding support staff member, was often on hand to assist him in these endeavors. Today, Kaito had a particular test in mind—one that would help him better understand the true scope of his power compared to One For All, after having neglected to do so fully the last time.

Approaching Aizawa, Kaito requested the use of Gym Gamma for his experiment. Aizawa, who had become accustomed to Kaito's frequent visits, gave a nonchalant nod, signaling his approval. Soon after, Kaito found himself standing in the expansive gym, Cementoss at his side.

"Alright, Takashi, what do you need today?" Cementoss asked, ready to assist in whatever peculiar task Kaito had devised.

"I need you to make me a giant cement block," Kaito replied, his eyes glinting with a determination to push his limits.

Cementoss obliged, summoning his quirk to create a massive cement block in the center of the gym. The structure towered over Kaito, casting a shadow on the ground. It was a daunting sight, but Kaito was undeterred.

He activated his Muscle Augmentation quirk and approached the colossal block. Gripping it firmly, he began to lift. The weight was substantial, but with the enhanced strength granted by Muscle Augmentation, Kaito managed to lift the block with relative ease.

"Make it bigger," Kaito instructed Cementoss, his eyes fixed on the cement block in his hands.

Cementoss complied, expanding the dimensions of the block. Kaito, undeterred, lifted the larger structure effortlessly. This process continued, with Cementoss progressively increasing the size of the cement block. Each time, Kaito used Muscle Augmentation to gauge the limits of his strength.

As the blocks grew in size, Kaito felt the strain on his muscles. Yet, he persisted, determined to reach a point where he could no longer lift the block. Chart, his analytical quirk, came into play. Kaito used it to measure and record the weight of each block. With the data gathered, he delved into a mathematical analysis.

After several iterations, Kaito finally reached a point where the cement block exceeded the limit of his augmented strength. He left the gym for a more secluded area, informing Cementoss that he would be back soon. Studying the collected data, he performed the calculations, and the results were enlightening.

"Mmm, based on these figures, I'd estimate that Muscle Augmentation gives me strength equivalent to about 35-38% of One For All," Kaito mused, his mind absorbed in the analysis.

However, Kaito acknowledged a crucial distinction. "Muscle Augmentation might offer strength comparable to One For All, but it lacks the explosive power that makes it truly formidable. Muscular could withstand 100% of One For All from Midoriya, but that doesn't mean he could unleash the same level of devastation."

Reflecting on his findings, Kaito considered the possibility that, with Muscle Augmentation alone, he might be on par with Muscular in terms of raw power. It was a thought-provoking revelation—one that spurred further contemplation on the intricacies of quirks and their interactions.

…

In the aftermath of his experimentation with Muscle Augmentation, Kaito's analytical mind remained insatiable. The next subject on his quirk-testing agenda was Flight, a powerful ability granted by his recent work study with Captain Celebrity. The hero had touted the superhuman strength that came with this quirk, and Kaito was determined to delve into its intricacies.

Kaito returned to the gym, and Cementoss, ever the willing assistant, prepared a series of concrete blocks for Kaito's examination. Starting with a modest-sized block, Kaito activated his Flight quirk. The aerodynamic barrier enveloped him, and he effortlessly rose into the air. Hovering beside the block, Kaito extended his arms and gripped it, testing the superhuman strength promised by Flight.

To his surprise, the block lifted with remarkable ease. The quirk did provide enhanced strength, allowing Kaito to lift the block effortlessly. Cementoss observed the scene, curious about the results Kaito would uncover during this new round of testing.

Encouraged by the initial success, Kaito continued to increase the size of the blocks. With each iteration, the lifting remained surprisingly effortless. The gym echoed with the sounds of levitating concrete, leaving Cementoss intrigued by the true extent of Flight's strength augmentation.

However, as Kaito pondered the mysterious nature of his newfound strength, a realization struck him. While he could effortlessly lift massive blocks with Flight, his punches, a measure of strength he had tested before, didn't seem to be significantly enhanced.

Intrigued by this discrepancy, Kaito decided to investigate further. He requested Cementoss to prepare another block, and this time, he would perform a series of punches with only Flight activated. The barrier surrounding his fists provided a formidable impact, creating cracks in the concrete but not delivering the devastating force Kaito had anticipated.

Undeterred, Kaito approached the next phase of his experiment. He asked Cementoss to repair the damaged block and then prepared to deliver punches with only Muscle Augmentation. As his augmented muscles propelled his fist forward, the impact was markedly different. The block shattered upon contact, revealing the stark contrast in destructive potential.

Puzzled by these results, Kaito deduced the underlying mechanics of Flight. It wasn't merely about raw strength. Flight's true power lay in speed and the aerodynamic barrier it provided. The quirk allowed Kaito to move with incredible velocity, hitting targets faster and with a harder surface. This explained why lifting blocks felt effortless; Kaito was subconsciously directing the aerodynamic barrier onto the block, making it lighter in his hands.

With this revelation, Kaito realized that Flight's strength augmentation was not comparable to the sheer power of Muscle Augmentation. Instead, it focused on the efficiency and precision of motion. This newfound understanding deepened Kaito's grasp on the unique dynamics of his expanding quirk repertoire.

…

Driven by an insatiable thirst for self-improvement, Kaito delved into yet another aspect of his evolving quirk arsenal—Union's stockpile. The foundation of his unique abilities had been a constant source of growth, and Kaito aimed to measure the progress he had achieved in accumulating this potent force since the last time he tested it.

Kaito concentrated, focusing on the power amassed within Union's stockpile. He initiated the quirk, feeling the familiar surge of energy coursing through his body. Cementoss watched, curious about the outcomes that might unfold during this latest exploration of Kaito's capabilities.

The first step of the experiment involved Kaito attempting to lift a standard-sized concrete block using only the raw strength granted by Union's stockpile. As he hoisted the block, Kaito sought to gauge any discernible increase in power. While the effort seemed more fluid and controlled, he couldn't immediately pinpoint any quantitative enhancement.

Undeterred, Kaito engaged in a series of controlled exercises, pushing his physical limits with each repetition. The process aimed to scrutinize the potential increase in Union's stockpile power and unravel the complexities of this remarkable quirk.

After meticulous observations and calculations, Kaito arrived at a conclusion. His diligent efforts had borne fruit. The stockpile had indeed grown, an extra 1% equivalent of One For All. This modest yet significant advancement propelled Union's stockpile to the level of 8% of One For All.

Excitement tinged with satisfaction surged through Kaito as he absorbed the implications of this development. The fusion of Union's stockpile and his body's innate strength now positioned him at an impressive 12% of One For All, leaning towards 13%. When layered with the augmentation capabilities of Muscle Augmentation, Kaito's full power soared to a formidable 47-50% equivalent of One For All.

The journey of self-discovery and mastery continued, each revelation propelling Kaito closer to the pinnacle of his potential. Armed with newfound insights into the depths of his quirks, Kaito looked ahead, ready to face the challenges that awaited him on the path to becoming a hero.