"Godspeed!"
This move was an upgraded version of Kaminari's "High-Speed Movement." It not only allowed him to reach even faster speeds and heightened reflexes but also provided a layer of "armor" through the intense lightning that wrapped around his body. The electric energy coating acted as a barrier, giving his attacks more impact and durability.
In this state, every punch, every kick was like a charged-up version of his "Lightning Fist." Although it was still a ways off from his ultimate goal, it was beginning to resemble a prototype of the "Thunder Armor" he envisioned.
But there were limitations. Maintaining this form drained his energy faster than High-Speed Movement did. Every attack and every block burned through his stamina, and sustaining the form for only ten minutes consumed almost as much power as his Chain Lightning attack against Tomura Shigaraki.
And yet… there was no denying that this form looked incredible.
The golden electric flames flickering over his body made him appear larger than life, and his usually tousled blonde hair now stood on end, crackling with electricity. He looked like a golden, electrified version of a Super Saiyan.
Of course, his power was nowhere near that level… but hey, looking cool counted for something, right?
With "Godspeed," Kaminari's strength had undeniably leveled up.
---
Whoosh!
"Hah… can't keep up with that speed," Todoroki muttered, watching Kaminari blur into the distance.
The icy path he had created was still effective, but Kaminari's speed had forced him to abandon the idea of competing purely on speed. His right side, covered in frost from his earlier Quirk usage, was now defrosting as he ran at full tilt, regaining warmth from his own body heat.
"It's only the first event. No need to push too hard… as long as I secure first place in the end," Todoroki thought, his face set in steely determination.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of explosions filled his ears. Without looking, he knew who it was. Bakugo blasted himself forward with violent bursts, catching up to Todoroki and sneering down at him from mid-air.
"Yo, half-and-half bastard! Having trouble keeping up?"
Todoroki remained silent, glancing briefly at Bakugo to assess his speed. His explosions are getting stronger. He's heating up over time…
Just behind them, a third group was making steady progress. Iida sprinted at high speed, while Tsuyu leaped gracefully over obstacles. Hatsume Mei zoomed along in her support gear, and Momo pedaled a small electric bike she'd crafted just for the event.
In the air, Shoji used his replicated arms as makeshift wings to fly, drawing admiration from everyone who saw him. His creativity with his Quirk was impressive.
---
"RAAAHHH!!!"
Back near the starting line, Midoriya let out a desperate cry as he willed his body forward. The display screen in the stadium zoomed in on him, his face set in fierce determination.
"That's A-1's Izuku Midoriya!" Present Mic shouted excitedly, his voice booming across the stadium. "Where did that insane speed come from?!"
The audience's eyes widened as they saw the red energy lines tracing Midoriya's arms, neck, and face. Present Mic leaned forward, eyeing the screen in astonishment.
"What's the deal with his Quirk? What's it called?" he asked, turning to Aizawa, who remained silent. The truth was, even Aizawa didn't know the exact name of Midoriya's Quirk. It hadn't been listed on his file.
"It's… a high-impact Quirk, very powerful," Aizawa murmured, his voice laced with concern. "But it also comes with serious drawbacks…"
Watching Midoriya pushing himself to the limit, Aizawa felt a twinge of worry. He'd seen Midoriya injure himself severely with just one arm in previous training. If he was using that power across his entire body now…
---
"HE'S SURPASSING THEM!"
Present Mic's voice rang out, louder than ever. "Midoriya Izuku has blown past the third group of contestants!"
"He's catching up to Todoroki and Bakugo! And he's gaining on them fast!"
In the special viewing booth, All Might clenched his fists, watching his successor on the screen. Midoriya's fierce determination was visible in his eyes, and the power of One For All burned within him.
Did his will to win accidentally ignite One For All, allowing it to adjust naturally? All Might wondered.
---
While everyone marveled at Midoriya's speed, Kaminari had already reached the second obstacle.
"Oh… I can't use 'Godspeed' here," he realized, eyeing the terrain.
While the move gave him incredible speed, it lacked flexibility in confined spaces. Without a clear, straight path, using it here would be more of a hindrance than a help. He'd either have to commit to a full-speed dash or risk a hard fall.
Sighing, Kaminari relaxed his Quirk.
The electric flames around him fizzled out, leaving only a few sparks dancing across his body. His blonde hair, which had been standing on end, settled back down.
As he glanced over his shoulder, he could see Bakugo and Todoroki approaching fast. Bakugo had just overtaken Todoroki and was now Kaminari's closest competitor.
With no time to waste, Kaminari leaped forward, keeping his balance as he ran across the narrow steel beams and crossed the towering pillars that stretched across the course. He moved with practiced ease, his every step calm and sure.
Spectators across the stadium, including several pro heroes, watched him in admiration.
---
In a traditional Japanese room in the Mitsui ancestral home, an elderly man in a black kimono sat calmly on a tatami mat, watching Kaminari's performance on a large television screen. His face broke into a small smile.
"So, what do you think now?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of authority.
Next to him knelt a middle-aged man in a sharp suit, watching the screen with a skeptical expression. "He has potential," he admitted reluctantly. "But… are we sure he's worth using the 'super-intelligent shape memory alloy' for his gear?"
The old man chuckled softly. "If he takes first place, grant him the alloy for his combat uniform. He saved my life. I believe this is a suitable way to repay him."
"And if he doesn't win first?" the man in the suit asked, hopeful that he might not have to part with such a precious material.
"If he places second or lower, then we'll forego the 'intelligent alloy,' but he'll still receive a top-grade combat uniform. My life isn't so cheap."
"Understood," Mitsui Yusuke replied, nodding in deference. He was willing to invest in Kaminari, but parting with the alloy would be a last resort. Still, if we can make a suit using our best tech… it should be impressive.
"It's up to you now, Kaminari," the old man murmured, his eyes fixed on the screen. He watched as Kaminari navigated the pillars with ease, showing a level of composure and skill that impressed even him.