"Wow!!!"
Kaminari's bold declaration sent an uproar through the crowd in an instant.
Though he'd used the word "please," his tone and confidence made it sound more like a command. This didn't sit well with several of the students watching, who were annoyed by how much attention he was getting.
"Hey, don't get too full of yourself!"
"Who does this golden-haired punk think he is?"
"Just 'cause you can sing, doesn't mean you're the best!"
Meanwhile, Tetsutetsu grinned, giving Kaminari a thumbs up. "That's the spirit! You gotta have confidence!"
"But… won't that make everyone target him?" Iida asked, frowning with worry.
Oddly enough, the one person who didn't seem fazed was Bakugo. Normally quick to anger, he stood silently with his hands in his pockets, watching Kaminari's back with a fierce glint in his eyes.
Say whatever you want now, Bakugo thought. When this starts, I'll show everyone who's really on top.
---
Just as Kaminari returned to the Class 1-A group, the screens around the stadium shifted, and Midnight's voice boomed out.
"Time for the first event!"
Without wasting a second, Midnight got right to it. This was U.A.'s style, no unnecessary delays, just straight to the action.
"Every year, students face challenges that make them question their abilities," she said. "And the first event, which will decide your fate today, is…"
Behind her, a holographic screen popped up, displaying the event name in bold letters:
Obstacle Race!
Seeing the high-tech projection, Kaminari couldn't help but marvel. He knew this world's technology was advanced, but seeing a perfect virtual display right in front of him still felt surreal.
"All students from the eleven participating classes will compete in this race," Midnight continued, turning to the screen. "The course runs around the stadium, with a total length of four kilometers!"
She raised her arm and gave a sly grin, licking her lips with anticipation. "And remember, U.A. places a heavy emphasis on freedom… so as long as you stay on the track, anything goes!"
At this, a collective cheer rose from the crowd. Many students, especially those from non-Hero Courses, were thrilled. This was a rare chance for them to use their Quirks freely in front of an audience.
"Alright, everyone, get to your places!"
Under Midnight's command, hundreds of students quickly gathered at the starting line. Kaminari noticed that the exit was a narrow gap, barely wide enough to fit more than a couple of people at once.
I see… Kaminari narrowed his eyes, realizing the strategy behind it.
The lights above the exit flashed green, one by one, until finally, with the third beep, Midnight's voice rang out.
"START!"
In an instant, every student surged forward, racing toward the narrow opening. But despite being able to use their Quirks, most held back, hesitating in the initial crush.
"They're still not used to it…" Aizawa noted quietly from the commentary booth, observing the chaotic start with his usual calm.
Present Mic, however, was his usual animated self. "Isn't that exit way too narrow?! They're gonna pile up like crazy!"
"Out of the way! Don't push me!"
Midoriya struggled in the crowd, quickly realizing the purpose of the narrow starting point. So, this is the first hurdle…
"A built-in screening!" he thought.
Just then, Todoroki took action. With a quick motion, he activated his ice Quirk, freezing the ground and trapping dozens of students in place. In a flash, the cold wind spread, immobilizing everyone's legs in a solid sheet of ice.
"Sorry, but I'm going on ahead."
As Todoroki began to slide over the ice, a burst of electricity crackled behind him, followed by a loud voice.
"Better pick up the pace, Todoroki!"
In a blur of golden light, Kaminari shot past him, leaving a trail of crackling energy and a playful taunt.
"Kaminari Denki…!" Todoroki's eyes narrowed as he watched Kaminari's electrified form speeding ahead. Alright… you're not getting away so easily.
Without holding back, Todoroki summoned more ice, leaping forward with powerful strides as he created a path of frozen pillars beneath him.
Meanwhile, behind them, Todoroki and Kaminari's combined attack had caused mayhem, leaving many students frozen or stumbling. But a few with stronger control over their Quirks managed to break free and sprint toward the exit.
"Don't get too comfortable!"
With a blast from his hands, Bakugo rocketed into the air, snarling, "Half-and-half freak! Thunder idiot! I'm coming for both of you!"
However, unlike in the original timeline, Midoriya was struggling even more. Todoroki's ice and Kaminari's electricity had hit him head-on, leaving him paralyzed on the frozen ground, filled with a growing sense of desperation.
"No… no, this can't be happening!" Midoriya gasped, his body refusing to respond. "I… I can't fall behind here!"
His heart pounded as he remembered his promise to All Might, his resolve to show everyone what he was capable of.
Move… he thought desperately, forcing every ounce of strength into his limbs. Move!
---
Up ahead, Kaminari and Todoroki had already reached the first major obstacle: a group of massive "zero-point" robots, the same type they'd faced in the entrance exam. Towering like buildings, the sheer number of them caused even Bakugo, Tokoyami, Tetsutetsu, and the other top students to hesitate.
"So this is our first real test…" Kaminari muttered, eyeing the robotic giants with a smirk. But he had no intention of slowing down.
In a burst of speed, he sprinted across one robot's outstretched arm, looking directly at a nearby camera as he charged forward.
Suddenly, the golden currents surrounding Kaminari intensified, flaring into a radiant, flame-like aura. His speed doubled, transforming him into what looked like a living bolt of lightning.
"Godspeed!"
To the audience in the stadium, Kaminari was nothing but a streak of gold flashing across the screen. Even the satellites broadcasting the event struggled to keep up with his movements.
When the cameras finally caught up, the head of the leading zero-point robot was engulfed in a fiery explosion, electricity and flames erupting in all directions.
"W-What just happened?!"
Present Mic stared at the screen, wide-eyed. "That was Kaminari, right?! He just… vanished and then BOOM!"
Aizawa squinted at the display, his expression thoughtful as he processed Kaminari's explosive power.
He's developed a lot…
But before Present Mic could finish reacting, Todoroki struck. The robot next to Kaminari was instantly frozen from its base up, as Todoroki glided underneath it, his gaze cold and focused.
Just watch, Dad, Todoroki thought, his resolve hardening. This time, I'll get first place with my ice alone.
But even as he thought that, his eyes were fixed on the golden figure blazing ahead.
I need to take him down first. Kaminari Denki… you're my target!