Chapter 104: Kaminari’s Deeper Intentions

"Start!!!"

CRACKLE

WHOOSH!!

Present Mic's enthusiastic shout echoed through the arena as the match between Kaminari and Iida began. The instant the signal was given, both contestants charged at each other, closing the distance with incredible speed.

"I know that touching him means risking an electric shock… but if I don't get close, there's no chance of winning!"

With this determination, Iida leaned into his Quirk, his calf engines roaring to life. He launched himself forward with a fierce side kick, aimed right at Kaminari's left side.

Iida's movement was sharp and precise, his speed impressive even by pro standards. But Kaminari, surrounded by crackling golden lightning, moved just as swiftly, easily dodging Iida's kicks.

For now, Kaminari seemed content to avoid the attacks, watching Iida's movements with an almost playful curiosity.

"What's the deal, Iida? Did your family run a taekwondo studio or something?" Kaminari joked, ducking under another kick with a smirk.

But Iida, fully focused on the battle, ignored Kaminari's taunt. Seizing a split-second opening as Kaminari spoke, Iida revved his engines and propelled himself forward with renewed force.

This time, Kaminari didn't dodge. He lowered his stance, crossing his arms to block Iida's kick head-on.

BAM!!

The impact echoed through the arena, and for a brief moment, the crowd fell silent. Iida's expression flickered with satisfaction, but it quickly turned to shock.

"Not bad, Iida-kun… Your leg strength is impressive. Honestly, only Tetsutetsu can probably match you there," Kaminari said, holding Iida's leg firmly. His hands tightened, and the electricity around him intensified, causing golden sparks to jump from his fingers.

"But I'm done watching. Now, let's see how strong your will is."

"One hundred thousand volts!"

"Uh-oh—!"

Iida's eyes widened as Kaminari's electricity surged through him. The bright, crackling energy wrapped around him, and he let out an involuntary scream as the powerful current coursed through his body.

The shock only lasted a few seconds before Kaminari released Iida's leg, stepping back to give him some space.

"Now let's see if you can still stand after that," Kaminari called out, his gaze steady and almost challenging.

Kaminari's tone was unnervingly calm, and his words carried an edge that was new to the audience. Some onlookers shifted uncomfortably, finding his approach unsettling.

To many, especially some professional Heroes in the crowd, it looked like Kaminari was toying with his opponent, pushing him beyond what seemed necessary. A few frowned, displeased.

But Kaminari wasn't aiming to entertain them, nor did he mind their judgment. He had a reason for pushing Iida this way.

He knew that in a straightforward match, he could have defeated Iida quickly. But if he'd done that, Iida who had yet to stand out in this sports festival would've missed his chance to make an impression. Kaminari wanted to give Iida an opportunity to push himself and show his true strength.

And sure enough, Iida didn't disappoint.

With visible effort, Iida struggled to his feet, his body still trembling from the shock, but his resolve as firm as ever.

"That's more like it," Kaminari said, smiling slightly. "If a single shock is enough to stop you, then maybe you're in the wrong place."

Iida gritted his teeth, his voice trembling but resolute. "I… I will never give up!"

Once again, he revved his engines, this time pushing himself to third gear—the highest his engines could go under normal circumstances. In a flash, he was right in front of Kaminari, his leg swinging forward in a powerful strike.

"Third Gear… Explosive Blow!"

"Electric Light Fist!"

The two attacks collided mid-air, creating a burst of energy that sent shockwaves across the arena. Kaminari was forced to take a step back from the impact, but he was unfazed. Meanwhile, Iida's legs trembled slightly as residual sparks crackled around his limbs.

"So, this current is… manageable," Iida noted, relieved that this shock hadn't been as overwhelming as the last.

But then Kaminari's smirk turned sharp, and he lifted his right hand, palm facing Iida.

"Two hundred thousand volts… Chain Lightning!"

CRACKLE

A more intense wave of electricity shot from Kaminari's palm, instantly connecting with the residual charge in Iida's legs like a homing signal. Iida's eyes widened, and he instinctively tried to move, but the electricity followed him, zapping him before he could escape.

ZAP!

"Aaaahhhh!"

Iida's scream echoed through the arena as he dropped to the ground, his muscles spasming from the powerful shock. Kaminari released the current after a few seconds, stepping back as Iida lay twitching on the concrete floor.

The Class 1-A students in the stands grew tense, some visibly uncomfortable with what they were witnessing. A few sensitive students, particularly the girls, looked disturbed by how Kaminari was handling the match.

"Is there some bad blood between the class rep and Kaminari?" Mineta whispered nervously.

"No… but this is too much!" Ashido Mina said, looking upset. She couldn't understand why Kaminari was being so harsh.

"Kaminari must have a reason," Momo murmured, watching Kaminari thoughtfully. For some reason, his behavior felt strangely familiar, almost purposeful.

Todoroki, who was watching from a distance, remembered the way Kaminari had acted in their first combat training. His expression darkened. Is this just his idea of fun, or is there something deeper going on here?

Meanwhile, some of the professional Heroes in the crowd could no longer contain their anger.

"Hey! If you're so much stronger than him, just knock him out and end it!" one of them shouted.

"Right! He's the younger brother of Ingenium! There's no need to humiliate him like this!"

Present Mic, watching from the announcer's booth, was about to speak up when Aizawa held out a hand to stop him.

"Wait and watch," Aizawa said quietly. "Think back to what we saw on the footage All Might showed us. Kaminari Denki isn't an ordinary kid… not just in terms of power."

In the arena, Kaminari remained focused on Iida, ignoring the outbursts from the crowd.

"Get up!" he shouted, his tone sharp. "Didn't you say you wanted to be a Hero like your brother?"

He let the words sink in, seeing the effect they had on Iida. "Are you really going to fall here and let your brother be ashamed of you?"

As if triggered by the mention of his brother, Iida's hand twitched. Slowly but surely, he pushed himself up, his face a mix of pain and determination.

"My brother… I can't let him down… I won't give up…"

A renewed energy filled Iida as he forced himself to stand. He clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with resolve.

"Good," Kaminari said approvingly, his stance relaxed but his eyes intense. "Now, come at me. Give it everything you've got, class rep."

Iida didn't answer with words. He crouched low, preparing himself, his engines sparking to life. Despite his ragged appearance, he looked determined and ready.

In an instant, blue flames erupted from the exhaust pipes on his calves, a sign that he was about to push beyond his usual limits.

"Piston Engine… Explosive Dash!"

With a powerful blast, Iida shot forward, disappearing from sight like a streak of light.

***

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