"Even if you want to run away sometimes…"
"Even if just for a moment, obstacles can be cleared!"
"Let's keep going, down this road…"
"There's something only you can do…"
"Let this blue planet…"
"Continue to shine…"
As the intro music faded, the first voice to sing wasn't Kaminari, the "captain" of the band, but Kyoka, the bassist.
In that instant, all cameras and eyes in the stadium focused on the fifteen-year-old girl.
The crowd, initially quiet and watching with curiosity and some skepticism, was immediately captivated by Kyoka's clear and resonant voice.
This song… it was good! Really good.
"Go and chase! Chase your dreams!"
"Go and protect! The friends you cherish!"
Then Kaminari's powerful voice joined in, lifting the rhythm even higher. His hands strummed the guitar effortlessly, his fingers moving in a blur. Under the bright, colorful lights, he seemed to almost glow, electrifying the atmosphere.
These lyrics were the reason Kaminari had chosen this song for the Sports Festival.
---
In the Class 1-A lounge:
"So cool… Kaminari!" Mina Ashido had her fists clenched in excitement, her eyes wide as she watched Kaminari and Kyoka on the big screen, performing to the cheers of a hundred thousand people.
"He… he's so different from his usual self," Tsuyu murmured, watching the two of them with awe. "Kyoka too…"
"I should have said yes…" Momo muttered, a hint of regret in her voice.
Kaminari had asked her to join as a temporary keyboard player, wanting the three of them to take the stage together. But she'd turned him down, feeling insecure about her piano skills.
Though she'd learned the basics due to her family's emphasis on well-rounded education, she didn't feel her skills were good enough to perform on such a large stage. But now, seeing Kaminari and Kyoka in the spotlight… she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.
"Kaminari Denki… I won't lose to you today." Todoroki's gaze was steely as he watched the screen, his expression colder than ever.
Today, his father Endeavor would be watching. Todoroki was determined to prove that he could reach the top of the Sports Festival without using his fire Quirk.
"Tch, show-off…" Bakugo muttered, his hands in his pockets, his face set in a scowl. But deep down, he couldn't deny the small flare of envy.
Bakugo's dream was to surpass All Might and become the ultimate Hero, one who was both strong and widely admired. But while he was confident in his strength, he wasn't as sure about his popularity. Watching Kaminari up there, Bakugo felt a spark of inspiration.
---
Back in the stadium, the song "Brave Heart" had captured the audience. The citizens, the professional heroes, even the Hero course teachers, everyone was drawn in by the music and lyrics.
The principal and the Hero teachers, especially, were thrilled. This song was the perfect message for the Hero Sports Festival, inspiring everyone present.
"Go and catch that bright tomorrow!"
"Go and protect the people you cherish!"
"Let go of your weak self!"
"Break through every wall!"
The lyrics resonated with every student, first years, second years, third years. The song spoke to their hearts, expressing the passion and determination they all felt about becoming heroes. And Kaminari and Kyoka's performance was absolutely flawless.
---
In the third-year Hero lounge:
"Hmm… he's really handsome!" said a blue-haired girl with a curvaceous figure, her eyes glued to the screen.
"Yeah! Their song is amazing!" said a sturdy young man with brown, spiky hair. "I'd love to meet him in person."
"Why? Are you thinking of picking up singing? Last I checked, you're tone-deaf," joked, a quiet, brooding student leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
"Uh… haha, maybe not!" the young man replied, scratching his head in embarrassment. "But hey… weren't their names in the subtitles just now?"
"Yeah, they're both first-years in Class 1-A," replied a girl with an innocent look, her delicate finger pressed thoughtfully against her lips. "The guy's name is Kaminari Denki, and the girl's name is Kyoka. Even their names sound cool!"
---
"Believe in your heart!"
Kaminari and Kyoka each sang the final line of the song, their voices filled with energy and passion. Together, they played the last chord, bringing their performance to an end.
The moment their hands left their instruments, the crowd of nearly 120,000 erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
"Pikachu!"
"Pikachu!"
"Pikachu!!!"
The audience didn't know Kaminari's name yet, but they remembered the band name that Present Mic had announced—Pikachu Band.
---
In the stands, Kaminari's mom was practically glowing with pride, watching as everyone around her cheered for her son.
"Look at them! They love our son!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"Yeah, he really did it," Kaminari's father said, a proud smile on his face as he watched Kaminari and Kyoka bow to the crowd. He knew that this performance had catapulted Kaminari into stardom. For at least the next month, his name, Kyoka's, and their song would be all over the Japanese media.
I hope you're ready for this, Kaminari, he thought to himself.
---
Meanwhile, in a dark, hidden room where Shigaraki and Kurogiri had once met, dozens of LCD screens displayed the live broadcast of the Hero Sports Festival. On each screen, a close-up of Kaminari's face appeared, glistening with sweat from his passionate performance.
"So… this is the boy who took down Nomu, huh?" a tall, shadowy figure said, his eyes fixed on Kaminari's image.
"Yes. According to our research, his name is Kaminari Denki, and his Quirk is electric-based," Kurogiri replied respectfully.
The figure nodded thoughtfully. "An interesting kid. I'll be watching his next move closely…"
---
Fifteen minutes later, the Hero Sports Festival officially began!