Chapter 21: "Hero(es)" and Girls
Unaware of the discussions happening far away at U.A. High School, Kaminari was in his room, completely immersed in his project. He was typing away on his computer, working on a document titled "Complete Pokémon World Settings."
He had to admit, creating this comprehensive guide was actually a lot of fun. It allowed him to revisit the details of the Pokémon world and the various creatures that populated it. First, he started by listing the major regions: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and others.
Originally, he'd considered drawing a full map of the world, but that idea lasted all of three seconds before he dismissed it. Who was he kidding? He didn't have a photographic memory to perfectly recall every detail of such a vast map.
Luckily, since Pokémon was originally created by a Japanese company, many of the regions were inspired by real places in Japan. Kaminari figured he could let a professional Japanese artist handle the world map; his job was to lay down the essential details, like the world's origins, legendary Pokémon myths, and the intricate ecosystem.
He typed up information about various roles in the Pokémon world, such as Pokémon Trainers, Coordinators, Breeders, Rangers, and even the ever-present Officer Jennys and Nurse Joys. He made notes on the various leagues, Elite Four members, and even the criminal organizations like Team Rocket and Galactic.
After hours of work, Kaminari had managed to get through a lot of the groundwork. He was now moving on to drawing the legendary Pokémon, ensuring that they closely resembled the iconic versions from his previous life.
"Alright, the three legendary birds are done. Now, I just need to finish Raikou, and that will complete the three legendary beasts. Next up is Ho-Oh…"
As he spoke aloud to himself, Kaminari paused to reflect, sighing deeply. "Man, why didn't I get some kind of system that could summon Pokémon for real…?" he muttered wistfully.
Meanwhile, Japan's MTV music network had begun heavily promoting Kaminari's latest song, "Hero." Anyone who visited the site couldn't miss the banner showcasing a striking image of Kaminari, the blond fifteen-year-old with lightning-shaped black streaks in his hair. The bold text read:
"Anyone can be a Hero! – Fifteen-year-old Kaminari Denki!"
"From the creator of 'Only My Railgun'!"
It didn't take long for the campaign to gain traction. Within minutes, hundreds of thousands of people had seen the promotion, piquing their curiosity about this young musician who had only recently come into the spotlight.
Although Kaminari wasn't a complete unknown his previous song "Only My Railgun" had garnered some attention, this new track's theme and the story behind it intrigued listeners. Many were eager to see if he could replicate the success of his debut.
As they navigated to his page to give "Hero" a listen, they came across a personal message from Kaminari:
"I'm about to take the entrance exam for U.A. High School's Hero Course. This song, 'Hero,' is dedicated to myself, my future school, its teachers, my future classmates, and all those who strive and work hard. Anyone can be a Hero!"
Readers were surprised to learn that this fifteen-year-old musician was also an aspiring Hero Course student at U.A., the most prestigious Hero school in Japan. The dual ambition of pursuing music and heroics made Kaminari an even more interesting figure.
--
In a small town in Shizuoka Prefecture, a purple-haired girl was sitting in her room, staring at her laptop screen. She had just read Kaminari's message and was intrigued. As someone who had also passed U.A.'s written exam, she realized they might actually meet at the entrance exam.
"Interesting," she thought, turning up the volume as she clicked to play "Hero." The opening beats filled the room, the rhythm electrifying as it pulsed through her high-end surround sound system. Her room, more of a music studio than a typical bedroom, was filled with musical instruments, an electric guitar, electronic keyboard, drum kit, and an array of speakers.
Her parents had even soundproofed the walls to accommodate her love for rock music. Yes, she was definitely well-off, but her passion was unmistakable. As the prelude played, she felt herself getting absorbed in the beat, her head swaying in time with the drums.
"This rhythm… it's amazing!" she exclaimed, her foot tapping on the floor.
The lyrics began:
"Pretending to be brave, I started to get carried away!
Throwing all important things aside!
Torturing myself like a prisoner!
Saying goodbye to myself like this!"
She raised an eyebrow at the opening lines. "The song is called 'Hero,' but it doesn't seem to be about Hero work," she mused. Still, the energy was undeniable, and she kept listening, curious to see where it would go.
--
In another corner of Shizuoka, a boy named Midoriya Izuku had just woken up from yet another exhausting night of training at the Takoba Seaside Park. His phone buzzed with a notification from the Japanese MTV app, promoting Kaminari's "Hero."
Midoriya was always interested in songs about Heroes. While they were just songs, he found that listening to them made his own dream feel more vivid, even if only for a moment. He decided to give the song a listen as he got out of bed, still groggy from his limited sleep.
As he listened to the lyrics, one line resonated deeply with him:
"What should I do if I'm afraid of that guy?"
Midoriya felt a jolt of recognition. He knew that fear all too well. It wasn't just about bullies or villains; it was about the fear of not being good enough, of not measuring up to the standards of those who were born gifted.
--
The song continued to build:
"A man should be strong for others!"
"Bite your teeth and make up your mind to persevere to the end!"
"It doesn't matter if you fall down, just stand up again!"
"That's all, if you can do it... you're a Hero!!"
Midoriya Izuku's heart was instantly set ablaze by these lyrics, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins! The pain and exhaustion from the past ten months seemed to evaporate in an instant.
"Clench your teeth... make up your mind and stick to it... Yes! That's the way it should be!"
"I can't give up now!"
As the song reached its final verse, the climax began.
"A man should be strong for others!"
"Compete with everything you've got!"
"It's okay to cry, just find your smile again!"
"That's all. If you can do it... you're a Hero!!"
"Yes!" Midoriya grabbed his phone, then burst out of his room and headed for the kitchen, his voice ringing with determination, "What have I been doing? How can I be so lax? Don't I want to become a Hero like All Might?!"
"After dinner, I'll head straight to the seaside park to continue clearing the debris!"
"And today, I'm going to sing this song a hundred times! A hundred times!!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the purple-haired girl listened to the line:
"The same goes for girls, you can't just watch from the sidelines! If it feels right, go for it, as long as you have the courage to take the leap!"
"That's all. If you can do it... you'll be a Hero!!"
At that moment, she burst into laughter. She glanced at the high-resolution poster of Kaminari on her screen and whispered to herself, "You talk big, huh... I hope you're just as good at walking the walk when we meet, hehehe."
She didn't choose to play the song again. Instead, she jumped up, grabbed her electric guitar, and immediately started playing with ease.
It was the intro to "Hero!!"
She had only listened to it once and already memorized the melody perfectly!
Her musical talent was simply astounding...
Chapter 22: Encounter
"Hero" is a hit, a total hit!
Kaminari had gained some level of fame. While not a nationwide superstar, he had carved out a name for himself, especially in the small circles of Saitama Prefecture. He was a recognizable figure, at least enough to be considered a local star.
As he stood on the subway, he noticed several boys and girls with their phones out, aiming their cameras at him.
"You know, you really are a star. I never noticed it before..."
Tetsutetsu, standing beside him, couldn't help but glance enviously at the excited group of girls nearby who were too shy to approach.
Though rough around the edges, Tetsutetsu was still a teenager, and like most boys, he couldn't completely ignore his interest in pretty girls.
"By the way, have you been ignoring Japanese MTV completely?" he asked Kaminari.
Kaminari, ever the charmer, kept his smile intact while waving to the middle school girls. After hearing their soft gasps of admiration, he signed his name for them and posed for a quick photo.
Well, he was aiming to be a big star after all. Gotta start building the fan base young, he thought. Though it also caught the attention of a few confused adults who didn't recognize him.
Well, getting surrounded was just part of being a star. Just gotta get used to it… yeah, just gotta get used to it.
"Ah, music, huh? I used to listen to some... but not anymore," Tetsutetsu replied, rubbing his nose awkwardly as the lingering scent of the girls' perfume made him feel a little self-conscious.
The girls, after excitedly taking their first-ever photo with a celebrity, returned to their seats, still giggling and sneaking glances at Kaminari, whispering amongst themselves.
Still smiling, Kaminari asked, "So, what have you been up to lately?"
"I've been working on that technique you showed me," Tetsutetsu began, sounding a bit proud. "The moment I got home, I went straight to the garden in my apartment complex and started practicing. I've been—"
But before Tetsutetsu could finish, Kaminari interrupted, frowning slightly. "Didn't I tell you? It isn't something you can master in a short time. Don't focus all your effort on it."
"I know, I know. But listen!" Tetsutetsu insisted. "I'm not just practicing that. A couple days ago, I joined a judo gym! I've been training with Sensei Daimon!"
"Judo?!" Kaminari blinked, surprised. He looked Tetsutetsu up and down, then said thoughtfully, "Honestly, with your personality and Quirk, you'd probably be better off training in karate or maybe even Chinese Bajiquan."
"Really?" Tetsutetsu grinned, though his enthusiasm for judo didn't waver in the slightest. "But I kinda like judo. The throws and grapples are pretty cool!"
Of course, he wouldn't mention that right now he was the one being thrown around every day. But he believed that soon enough, he'd be the one tossing people left and right. Maybe he'd even try it on Kaminari!
"Alright, as long as you're enjoying it," Kaminari shrugged. For someone like Tetsutetsu, physical, strength-based combat styles seemed like a perfect fit. But in the end, everyone has their own preferences. Kaminari could only wish him success.
By now, it was already February 26th, and the Shinkansen they were riding was speeding toward U.A. High School in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Since Shizuoka was a bit far from Saitama City, the journey took nearly an hour, even by high-speed train. To pass the time, Kaminari played one of his new songs for Tetsutetsu, thinking he'd enjoy it.
Sure enough, as soon as Tetsutetsu finished listening, he grabbed the headphones and started looping the track. Kaminari had guessed right, he was into that kind of rock music, full of passion, struggle, and fighting spirit.
Though he didn't seem to care much for Kaminari's "Only My Railgun" ... Well, to each their own, Kaminari thought. Personal tastes couldn't be forced.
And so, the two fifteen-year-old boys passed the time. Tetsutetsu sat engrossed in the music while Kaminari casually chatted with the girls on the train. They both enjoyed the trip, though Tetsutetsu occasionally cast a complicated look in Kaminari's direction.
One hour, or sixty minutes—3,600 seconds, to be precise passed quietly, and soon the train arrived. Kaminari and Tetsutetsu stepped off the Shinkansen at their destination.
Well, Kaminari did leave with a few new fans. Three more, to be exact.
It was 8:25 AM, thirty-five minutes before the start of U.A.'s practical entrance exam. According to the map, the school was only a six-minute walk from the station.
So, the two weren't in any rush. They strolled leisurely toward U.A., taking in the sights of Shizuoka. Along the way, they spotted other students, all wearing different middle school uniforms, heading in the same direction. Clearly, these were fellow candidates for the exam.
All competitors, Kaminari thought to himself.
Both Kaminari and Tetsutetsu were also wearing their old middle school uniforms, as per U.A.'s request. It seemed the school wanted its candidates to present themselves as students.
This made Kaminari a little nostalgic. He had thought he'd never wear a school uniform again, but now that he was, he realized he'd grown somewhat attached to it over the past three years.
"We're here."
Soon, Kaminari and Tetsutetsu, along with candidates from all over Japan, reached the gates of U.A. High School—gates they had only seen on TV before.
"The Heroic Protective Wall!"
A massive gate made from a mysterious alloy. According to rumors, not even a main battle tank could take it down.
The gate was open now, welcoming the candidates. Signs reading "U.A. High School" and "Entrance Exam Venue" hung beside it.
Some candidates had already arrived, entering either alone or in pairs. The atmosphere was tense and quiet.
"It's about to begin. The big exam with an acceptance rate of 300 to 1," Kaminari muttered to himself as he stepped through the gates. Even with his laid-back personality, he couldn't shake a bit of nervousness. After all, this was a huge moment for him.
"I heard they're only accepting forty students out of over a thousand applicants..." Tetsutetsu muttered, his face tight with anxiety.
In front of them were three large red doors. Only the one marked with a "2" was open, with a sign beside it indicating it was the briefing room for the exam.
Just as Kaminari and Tetsutetsu were about to head over, a sharp voice broke the silence from behind them.
"Move aside, weakling!"
"Get out of my way, or I'll crush you!"
The harsh tone echoed through the otherwise quiet area. Kaminari and Tetsutetsu, along with the rest of the crowd, turned to see who it was.
A second later, everyone turned back, going about their business. It was just some loud greeting between friends, though the approach was a bit... intense.
Kaminari did the same, but for some reason, his eyes lingered on a flustered green-haired boy who seemed rattled by the encounter.
"Let's go, Kaminari," Tetsutetsu said, curling his lip in mild disdain. He wasn't fond of people who got so easily shaken up. How could someone like that hope to be a pro hero?
"Yeah, let's go," Kaminari nodded, but there was an odd feeling nagging at him... Maybe it was just the nerves from the upcoming test?
But just as they began to climb the steps toward the red door, a voice called out behind them.
"Kaminari Denki!"
Chapter 23: Routine
"Hm?"
The voice that called out was unexpectedly pleasant, so Kaminari turned around. Tetsutetsu, standing next to him with his hands shoved in his pockets, reluctantly stopped as well, glancing back to see who it was.
"A girl... another girl?" Tetsutetsu's expression immediately stiffened.
Is this what it's like to be a star? Girls just call out to you wherever you go?
"Looks like we really did run into each other here!"
The girl, with short purple hair, walked up quickly and started looking Kaminari up and down without a hint of shyness, almost as if she were confirming something.
Kaminari, ever the showman, flashed a charming smile and said, "Hey, I'm Kaminari Denki. And you are?"
Since she was here, it was pretty clear she was also a candidate for the U.A. entrance exam, possibly even a future classmate. He couldn't afford to act cold or distant, even if he was used to being treated like a celebrity.
Not that he was that type of person anyway.
"My name's Jiro Kyoka," she said confidently, offering her hand for a handshake. "I'm also here for the Hero Course. Looking forward to working with you, especially when it comes to rock and roll!"
She extended her right hand boldly, clearly full of confidence in how she'd perform in the test.
"Uh, sure..."
Kaminari was caught slightly off guard but quickly shook her hand. After all, who would refuse a handshake from a cute girl? Maybe she's an orphan, too... Well, as expected, her hand's nice and soft, Kaminari thought with an internal chuckle. He shook her hand briefly, then let go.
"Hey, there's only ten minutes left before the briefing starts," Tetsutetsu suddenly said from beside him, his voice flat. He was always punctual, it definitely wasn't because he had any ulterior motives...
"And who's this?" Kyoka asked, coolly tilting her head toward Tetsutetsu. Her right hand casually toyed with the headphone jack attached to her ear.
A closer look revealed that the jack wasn't just an accessory. It was actually connected to her earlobe clearly part of her Quirk.
"Is that part of her ability? Seems sound-based," Kaminari noted to himself, making a mental note as he resumed climbing the stairs. He was about to introduce Tetsutetsu, but his friend beat him to it.
"Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu!" he declared, puffing out his chest proudly. "I'm Kaminari's best friend, and the future number one pro Hero!"
"Uh... hello," Kyoka replied, momentarily taken aback by his boisterous introduction. But after a brief pause, she gave a genuine smile. Tetsutetsu's straightforward personality was hard to dislike.
And just like that, the duo became a trio, with Kaminari leading the way through the open red door labeled "2."
"Man, talking to girls so easily..."
At the back of the group, Midoriya Izuku watched them with a bit of envy. He'd just met a girl earlier, but all he did was stammer a few words. He didn't even manage a proper response before the moment passed.
Even though it had been thrilling just to have a girl speak to him, he couldn't help feeling a little regret. Seeing Kaminari chat so effortlessly with girls only made him more self-conscious.
As he stared after them, a lyric from the song "Hero"—a song he'd had on repeat for days popped into his head:
"Even with girls, you've got to take the first step! You can't just sit and watch! Have the courage to speak up!"
"Courage…" Midoriya muttered under his breath, clenching his fists tightly as determination swelled inside him.
Ten minutes later, in a spacious lecture hall filled with rows of seats, the exam briefing finally began. The event was hosted by the one and only Present Mic, a top-tier pro Hero known for his DJ skills and signature booming voice.
Behind him, a massive electronic screen displayed the U.A. emblem, simple but unmistakable. Every student in the room immediately recognized it.
"Welcome, everyone, to my live broadcast!" Present Mic announced, his energetic voice echoing through the hall. "Everybody-Say-Hey!!"
His over-the-top energy, combined with his rap-like tone, was both amusing and distinctly his own. It almost felt like an American rapper speaking Japanese. This was his unique style, and the students familiar with him couldn't help but get a bit excited.
Well, except for the fact that everyone was still too nervous to respond. Silence filled the room as no one dared to follow his cue.
Kaminari smirked at the awkwardness. This was amusing.
Especially when Present Mic awkwardly muttered about how "boring" the students were for not playing along. Kaminari thought this whole exchange did wonders to ease the tension in the room.
Meanwhile, Tetsutetsu and Kyoka, sitting on either side of him, were both clearly more nervous than he was. They hadn't said a word since entering the hall, their lips pressed into thin lines.
"Well then, dear listeners! Let me give you the rundown on today's practical exam!"
Despite the lack of enthusiasm from the audience, Present Mic recovered quickly, launching into his usual routine. The guy was a pro, after all.
But he still couldn't resist trying to get one more interaction.
"Are-you-ready?!"
...Silence. Again.
Kaminari couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. The only person who seemed genuinely excited by Present Mic's energy was Midoriya, who had probably been a fan of his broadcasts for years. Kaminari could tell he admired Present Mic quite a bit.
"Just like it says in the exam guide, you'll all be participating in a ten-minute 'simulated cityscape battle!'"
"You're allowed to bring anything you need. After I finish explaining, you'll head to your designated test sites!"
Kaminari glanced at the exam ticket he'd received earlier and noticed that he, Tetsutetsu, and Kyoka were all assigned to the same test site—Test Site C. That brought a mix of relief and anxiety. While it was nice to be with familiar faces, they were also direct competitors now.
But Kaminari's mind was elsewhere. His focus was more on understanding the rules that Present Mic was explaining. In an exam like this, knowing the rules inside and out could make all the difference.
With over a thousand candidates and only forty spots available, he couldn't afford to slip up.
As Present Mic continued, the screen behind him switched to a series of images.
"Each test site is filled with various categories of 'villains,' and they're divided by difficulty. Defeating them will earn you points based on their level!"
"Use your Quirks to defeat these 'villains' and rack up as many points as you can. That's the name of the game!"
"The 'villains' are robots..." Kaminari observed, easily recognizing the shapes shown on screen. A wave of relief washed over him. If they were robots... well, this was going to be fun.
Present Mic then spun around dramatically, pointing toward the audience and giving a stern warning.
"And remember! Attacking fellow candidates is strictly prohibited! Such behavior goes against the spirit of being a Hero!"
The "spirit of Heroism," huh? Kaminari thought. While this line might not have meant much to some of the other students, it struck a chord with him. He was starting to piece together the deeper meaning behind this exam.
Coupled with what he already knew about U.A., he felt about 80% confident in his theory... but something still didn't sit right.
"I have a question!" A sudden voice broke through Kaminari's thoughts. A tall, imposing figure in the crowd raised his hand, and a spotlight immediately illuminated him.
What followed was a pointless back-and-forth that, in Kaminari's eyes, wasted everyone's time.
Kaminari sighed in annoyance. The guy's question was self-righteous and unnecessary. U.A. wouldn't have such a glaring loophole in their exam. Sure enough, Present Mic casually thanked him and moved on.
"The fourth category of villains is worth 0 points! They're only there to slow you down!"
"There's one at every test site. While they can be defeated, it's not worth your time! I recommend you avoid them at all costs!"
"This is it!"
Kaminari's eyes lit up. He was now 90% sure he'd cracked the code of this exam.
"The structure of this test... it's a bit predictable."
Chapter 24: The Assessment Begins!
The briefing session was short and straight to the point, giving Kaminari a glimpse of the U.A. High School's efficient, no-nonsense approach.
Afterward, the candidates changed into the casual clothes they had brought and gathered at the playground behind U.A. Dozens of buses were already lined up, waiting to take them to the exam's simulation sites.
Following instructions, each candidate found the bus that corresponded with their designated testing location, as indicated by the number on their admission ticket. They were headed to U.A.'s renowned "simulation city," where the practical part of the entrance exam would take place.
Despite the lack of any supervisors to maintain order, the scene was remarkably calm and disciplined. No one cut in line, and no one made any unnecessary noise. Everyone was focused, silently preparing themselves for what was to come.
The simulation city was said to be the size of about four blocks, and there were seven of these massive areas in total. Clearly, such a large space couldn't be located within Tokyo itself, which explained why U.A. High School was situated out in Shizuoka Prefecture.
It also explained the need for the bus ride. The forty-seat bus took them more than forty minutes from the school to the test sites.
During the ride, Kaminari noticed a shift in the atmosphere. As soon as the bus left U.A.'s campus, the tension in the air lightened, and the candidates started chatting.
They began introducing themselves to each other, talking about their Quirks, sharing their nerves, or excitedly expressing their dreams of becoming pro Heroes.
The once-silent bus was now buzzing with conversation. Even the more introverted candidates seemed to relax, listening curiously to their peers and occasionally joining in.
Kaminari smiled, enjoying the change. He liked this livelier atmosphere much better than the earlier tension.
"Kaminari, are those gloves special or something?" Jiro Kyoka, who had been sitting next to him, asked, noticing the blue-crystal-like feature embedded in the glove on his right hand.
Her question caught the attention of Tetsutetsu, who was sitting in the seat ahead of them. He had noticed Kaminari's gloves earlier when they were changing but had assumed they were just for show, maybe a flashy accessory. After all, why would anyone put a big crystal on their glove? Still, he had to admit, the design looked pretty cool.
"This? Oh, yeah. These gloves are actually really important to me," Kaminari said, holding up his right hand and admiring the glove.
They were custom-made, ordered by his father from the famous tech hub "I-Island." It had taken over three months for them to be completed, and they arrived just in time for the exam literally the night before.
His father had been worried that they wouldn't arrive in time, but thankfully, the delivery came through at the last moment. These gloves represented not only Kaminari's equipment but also his father's high hopes for him.
"Equipment?" Jiro asked, her curiosity piqued, while Tetsutetsu leaned closer to get a better look.
"Yeah," Kaminari nodded. "The gloves are made from a lightweight alloy. They're not super strong, just tough enough to block things like fruit knives but they have great conductivity."
He flexed his hand, demonstrating. "With these gloves, I can save about 20% of the energy I use when I channel electricity through my fists."
Jiro and Tetsutetsu were intrigued, especially by the blue crystal embedded in the glove.
"As for this crystal..." Kaminari said, tapping it lightly, "I'm not exactly sure what it's made from, but I know it's a high-tech battery. It's pre-charged and can store enough power to last me for three years."
He smiled. "Since my Quirk lets me store electricity in my body and discharge it at will, these gloves let me recharge whenever I need to. They're perfect for keeping me powered up during a long fight."
"As for the design, that was my idea. I figured since I'll be wearing them a lot, they might as well look cool, right?"
Hearing that the gloves were ordered from the famous I-Island, the candidates nearby especially Jiro and Tetsutetsu were impressed. I-Island was renowned for its cutting-edge tech, and having custom gear from there was no small thing.
Kaminari's equipment put him a step ahead of the competition, at least in terms of preparation. But he didn't seem to care much about how others viewed him. His mind was already racing ahead, strategizing for the test.
He knew the test would involve battling robots, which made him feel pretty confident. But there was something else about the test that nagged at him, a detail he couldn't shake. Still, he kept it to himself. He didn't want to sound overconfident or arrogant.
After forty minutes, the buses finally began to split off, each heading toward one of the seven simulation zones. Kaminari's bus came to a stop in front of a towering iron gate, more than ten meters tall.
Another bus pulled up right behind them, and soon, the candidates were being instructed to exit in an orderly manner. The exam would start in just ten minutes.
As they stepped off the bus, the atmosphere shifted once again. The nervous tension returned. Everyone dealt with it in different ways. Some took deep breaths. Some stared at the sky in silence. Others, like one overly eager candidate, began doing push-ups on the spot.
Among Kaminari's group, Jiro put her headphones back on, listening to music to calm her nerves. Kaminari noticed, with a small smile, that she was listening to his song, "Only My Railgun."
Tetsutetsu, meanwhile, had his eyes closed, inexplicably stepping in place as if preparing for a sprint, gradually increasing his speed.
As for Kaminari, his preparation was a little more subtle. He quietly ran small currents of electricity through his muscles, using them to stimulate and relax his body from head to toe.
Suddenly, the massive iron gate in front of them began to open silently, without even a creak.
Some of the candidates who had been focused on their own preparations didn't even notice at first. Those who did were momentarily stunned by the door's silent movement.
"The exam begins now!" a voice rang out, breaking the silence.
Kaminari didn't wait. He tapped Tetsutetsu and Jiro on the shoulders, signaling them, before he wrapped himself in crackling electricity and launched forward. He shot through the open gate, his body a blur of golden lightning.
From this moment on, they were no longer just friends. They were competitors. Kaminari knew he had to take care of his own score first, he could worry about helping them later.
When you're struggling, take care of yourself. When you're thriving, you can help others. That had always been Kaminari's philosophy.
Following Kaminari's lead, the rest of the candidates snapped into action, scattering in all directions, each chasing after their own goals.
Not long after Kaminari sped into the simulation city, the first "villain" appeared before him.
It was a humanoid robot, moving swiftly on two wheels. Its steel arms gleamed in the sunlight, and a camera-like device on its head flashed red as it locked onto Kaminari.
"Target acquired. Eliminate."
With a loud mechanical whir, the robot rushed toward him at full speed. But just as it was about to attack, a chaotic golden current surged through its body, paralyzing it instantly. The wheels screeched to a halt.
"Boom!"
A moment later, the red light on the robot's head dimmed as its systems powered down. Kaminari, without even glancing back, continued forward, having fully expected this outcome.
"It's just like I thought," Kaminari muttered to himself, a satisfied smirk on his face. "I might be able to help Tetsutetsu and Jiro soon after all..."
(Can you guess what Kaminari's gloves are modeled after?)
Chapter 25: Believe
I've been getting the same question over and over, and I'm tired of answering it. So, I'll just leave this here.
The MC doesn't know anything about MHA because it didn't exist in his world. If he seems like he's got a handle on things, it's because he's clever. He's watched tons of anime and read plenty of comics, so he can figure out common themes and patterns in a world like MHA. Any knowledge he shows comes from his own smarts and observations, not because he knew anything about the series beforehand. And if you can't stomach that, there are countless fanfiction stories on this platform besides this one, to be honest.
"There's definitely a big flaw in this exam."
Kaminari streaked down the street, sparks and lightning crackling in his wake. Any candidates who had tried to approach him didn't last more than ten seconds before storming off in frustration, dark looks on their faces.
They quickly realized that unless they had Quirks that enhanced their speed, there was no way they could keep up with Kaminari. While it might take others three or four seconds to take down a robot, Kaminari could do it in just one, barely breaking a sweat. He didn't even need to use his hands, just a quick brush of his clothes as he sped past was enough to short-circuit the machines.
What the others didn't know, though, was that Kaminari's actions weren't as random as they appeared. It wasn't just about running fast and zapping anything in sight. His movements were precise, calculated. Every time he passed a robot, he intentionally grazed the core, the red light at the front of each machine, which housed its control center.
That was the key. While dodging their attacks with lightning speed, Kaminari targeted that spot and let his electricity burn out the internal power supplies.
But to the other candidates Kaminari's finesse went unnoticed. All they saw was someone dominating the battlefield, mowing down robots with ease thanks to his Quirk and his speed.
Back at U.A., the principal, along with the Hero instructors including All Might watched the exam unfold on their monitors. Kaminari's performance hadn't escaped their attention, and they couldn't help but nod in approval.
His control over his Quirk, his ability to read and react to the robots' movements, and his composure while moving at high speeds were all clear signs of his skill. After years of effort, Kaminari's potential was finally blossoming.
But as Kaminari sped through the exam, he couldn't shake the thought that something was off about the whole setup.
"This exam is unfair."
It had only been four minutes since the test started, yet Kaminari had already cleared an entire street of robots. Now, standing atop a tall building, the wind swirling around him, he surveyed the area. His gloves, with their blue gems gleaming in the sunlight, pulsed with electricity as he considered the problem.
The exam's goal was to simulate a scenario where the candidates, as stand-in Heroes, would be fighting off 'villains' attacking the city. But the issue was that these 'villains' were robots.
That meant the difficulty of the test depended entirely on the candidates' Quirks. Kaminari himself was the perfect example. Even if he wasn't relying on his high-speed movements, his electricity alone would have made short work of the robots. The only difference would've been the speed at which he racked up points.
But what about someone with a Quirk that was ineffective against robots? What if their powers were more suited for taking on biological enemies? In that case, they'd be at a severe disadvantage.
"If I had been born with a Quirk like the Sharingan, for instance," Kaminari mused to himself, "there'd be no way I could pass this test." He'd have been forced to rely entirely on physical combat, which, while possible, would be far from ideal.
But thankfully, Tetsutetsu and Jiro didn't have that problem. Their Quirks were still useful here, even if their method was less flashy than his.
As Kaminari's thoughts wandered, he finally spotted his two friends down below. Tetsutetsu and Jiro had teamed up, working in tandem. One would distract the robot, drawing its attention, while the other would use their abilities to deliver the final blow. Jiro would plug her headphone jacks into the ground, sending shockwaves that disoriented their competition long enough for Tetsutetsu to smash the robot with a punch.
They swapped roles seamlessly, with Tetsutetsu using his steel body to block anyone trying to muscle in on their fight. Their teamwork was impressive, even if they were slower than Kaminari. They were methodical, and that made them stand out to U.A.'s teachers as well.
Seeing this, Kaminari grinned as golden electricity crackled around him. It was time to lend a hand.
In an instant, Kaminari leapt from rooftop to rooftop, dashing toward Jiro and Tetsutetsu. His sudden appearance caught the attention of the other candidates, especially those who had been frustrated by his earlier performance.
What's his deal? They thought. He already took over one street, now he's coming here to steal more points?
They watched as Kaminari made his approach, glaring at his seemingly endless greed.
"So selfish!"
"This guy's unbelievable!"
Meanwhile, Jiro and Tetsutetsu had just taken down another robot when they spotted Kaminari approaching. Their faces lit up with surprise and excitement.
"Kaminari!" Jiro called out, waving.
"Come on, follow me!" Kaminari shouted, not wasting any time. He gave each of them a quick pat on the shoulder, and suddenly, both Jiro and Tetsutetsu felt an electric surge run through them. Their bodies hummed with energy, temporarily boosted by Kaminari's Quirk.
"What the—this is high-speed movement?!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, feeling his body lighten instantly. Jiro's eyes widened in shock as she too felt the unfamiliar rush of speed.
But neither of them hesitated. They knew exactly what Kaminari was doing, and without missing a beat, they chased after him as he bolted ahead.
The other candidates could only watch, stunned, as the three of them sped off together.
"Hey, hey, hey! That's too much!"
"He's boosting them too?!"
"That's basically cheating!"
Cries of outrage filled the air, and some candidates even accused Kaminari of breaking the rules. But as time passed and no reprimand came from U.A., it became clear that Kaminari had done nothing wrong.
Back at U.A., the teachers were surprised by Kaminari's decision to help his competitors, but after careful review, they found that he hadn't violated any rules. The exam guidelines prohibited using Quirks to attack others, but there was nothing against helping fellow candidates. Still, no one had expected Kaminari to use his abilities to assist his competition.
With their newfound speed, Tetsutetsu and Jiro easily destroyed the robots Kaminari had disabled ahead of them. Kaminari hadn't completely fried the machines this time. Instead, he had wrapped them in electricity, scrambling their systems temporarily.
It was almost like putting the robots in a mechanical version of paralysis. The momentary confusion allowed Jiro and Tetsutetsu to finish the job before the other candidates could catch up.
As they chased after Kaminari, both Jiro and Tetsutetsu couldn't help but admire him. This wasn't just about scoring points anymore Kaminari was proving himself to be someone worth following.
But then, suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled violently.
For a moment, the candidates thought it was an earthquake. After all, this was Japan, where quakes were frequent. But the rumbling stopped as quickly as it started, and when they looked up, they realized the true cause.
A massive robot taller than the buildings around it loomed ahead of them. It was the Zero Pointer, a giant machine meant to test the candidates' ability to handle overwhelming threats.
"No way! That thing is huge!" Tetsutetsu gaped in shock at the towering figure in front of them.
"Present Mic said we're supposed to avoid those," Jiro reminded them, watching as the other candidates scattered in a panic, fleeing from the enormous robot.
"And we've probably got enough points to pass," she added, already starting to back away.
"No!"
Kaminari's voice cut through the chaos, stopping both Tetsutetsu and Jiro in their tracks. "We need to take this thing down!"
"What?!" Tetsutetsu and Jiro turned to him, confused. The Zero Pointer was worth no points, there was no logical reason to fight it.
But Kaminari stood firm, electricity sparking at his fingertips. "Right now, we're acting as professional Heroes, remember? When you're a Hero, and you come across a 'villain' that poses this much danger to the city, you don't just ignore it because there's no reward!"
Tetsutetsu and Jiro fell silent, his words sinking in. Even the teachers watching through their monitors at U.A. were momentarily speechless. None of them had expected Kaminari to understand the deeper meaning behind the test so quickly.
Meanwhile, in Area B, Midoriya was sprinting toward the Zero Pointer himself, determined to save the girl trapped beneath the rubble.
"I've got a plan," Kaminari said, turning back to face his friends with a confident grin. "But it's only got a 50% chance of working."
He paused for a moment, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"Do you trust me?"
...
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