Chapter 16: The Choice of the Second OP

"This method is a bit complicated, so I'll explain it on the way…" Kaminari said, giving Tetsutetsu a pat on the arm as he walked past him and headed back toward the bushes. Don't ask why he didn't pat him on the shoulder; he just didn't feel like it.

"What? We're leaving already?" Tetsutetsu looked disappointed. They had only been at the training ground for about half an hour. But considering the mysterious training method Kaminari had hinted at, he couldn't help but follow along, even if it meant leaving so soon.

"Today was just to show you the place," Kaminari explained as he led Tetsutetsu out of the wooded area and back onto the cherry blossom-lined path. "Once we get into U.A., we're going to need somewhere private to practice with our Quirks. This spot will be perfect for that."

As they walked, Kaminari continued, "Besides, don't you think our training ground is missing something?"

Tetsutetsu thought about the clearing they'd just left. He couldn't pinpoint anything specific that seemed out of place. "What do you mean?"

Kaminari smirked. "A chair. Didn't you notice there was only one chair out there?"

"Oh, right!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, realization dawning on him as he lightly slapped his right fist against his left palm in a "Eureka!" moment.

Kaminari sighed, giving him a helpless look. "Why do you think I was sitting cross-legged on the ground with you earlier? I didn't exactly have a choice."

"Hehe… my bad," Tetsutetsu said, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. But it also made him appreciate Kaminari a little more. At least Kaminari wasn't the type to think only of himself; he was someone who paid attention to the little things that made others comfortable.

"So, we're just going to buy a chair now?" Tetsutetsu asked, looking slightly deflated. "When are you going to tell me about that training method?"

"Relax. Didn't I say I'd explain it on the way?" Kaminari replied as he walked ahead. "But…" He paused for effect, "even if this technique works for you, it's not something you'll master overnight."

"Kaminari, stop teasing me and just tell me already!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed, his impatience showing.

"Alright, alright," Kaminari conceded. "The technique is designed to train explosive speed. The basic idea is to use the force of repeated impacts to generate extreme acceleration."

Tetsutetsu's expression turned serious as he listened intently. "And how exactly do I train for that?"

"It's going to sound too simple to be effective," Kaminari began, "but the method is essentially about practicing your stance. You'll have to master a specific rhythm of repeated impacts."

"Stance training? That's it?" Tetsutetsu's face fell. He'd been expecting something more… extraordinary. "You've got to be kidding me. After all that buildup, you're just telling me to stand still?"

Kaminari smirked, clearly amused by Tetsutetsu's reaction. "You think it's that easy? To make this technique work, you'll need to hit the ground ten times within 0.36 seconds. Only then will you generate enough reactive force to propel yourself with the kind of speed we're talking about."

Tetsutetsu's jaw nearly dropped. "Ten times… in 0.36 seconds? Is that even humanly possible?"

"Not for just anyone," Kaminari said, his tone growing serious. "It requires a body that can withstand the stress of such rapid movements. Most people would end up breaking their legs even if they managed to achieve that speed."

He continued, "But with your Quirk, it's not impossible. Your steel form gives you the durability needed to push beyond normal human limits."

Tetsutetsu finally understood why Kaminari had said earlier that this technique was something only he could possibly master. His Quirk, Steel, provided the kind of physical resilience that would be essential for such intense training. The biggest hurdle for most people was already something he could overcome thanks to his Quirk.

But even knowing that didn't make the challenge any less daunting. "Ten times in such a short amount of time… can I really do that?" Tetsutetsu thought, doubt creeping in.

"So, what do you say? Still want to give it a shot?" Kaminari asked, as they exited Omiya Park and made their way toward the subway station, intending to head to Saitama City.

"Of course!" Tetsutetsu said, his voice filled with renewed determination. "Even if it's difficult, at least now I have a goal, a direction to follow. I'm going to give it everything I've got!"

His mind raced with possibilities. If he could master this technique, what else could he do with his newfound speed? Could he adapt it to deliver a flurry of rapid punches or increase the power of a single strike by focusing the momentum?

Kaminari gave him a reassuring pat on the back as they boarded the subway train. "Good. Just don't forget that this will take time. You won't master it by the day of the practical exam. In the meantime, you should work on your fundamentals, learn some basic combat techniques. After all, your Quirk makes you a close-range fighter. You'll need to know how to handle yourself up close."

He continued, "And when you get into U.A., look into ways to improve the hardness of your Quirk. Right now, your steel form isn't at its maximum potential. I was still able to break through with my electricity, so there's room for improvement."

Tetsutetsu nodded along. Kaminari's advice made sense, and he felt lucky to have a friend who seemed to know so much about Quirks and fighting. As far as he was concerned, Kaminari was practically his Quirk coach at this point.

After buying a folding chair at the store, Tetsutetsu decided to head home. He planned to bring the chair with him the next time they visited the training ground.

As they parted ways, the two agreed to meet up again on the day of the U.A. entrance exam.

"Phew, time to take care of my own plans now," Kaminari said to himself as he watched Tetsutetsu head off with the new chair in hand. The thought of the upcoming exam loomed over him, but there was something else he needed to focus on first—his music.

With five days left before the practical test, Kaminari had an idea for a new project. He wanted to release another song before starting school. Once he got into U.A., his schedule would be packed, and he wasn't sure he'd have the time or energy to dedicate to music the way he did now.

"The question is… which song should I choose for my second release?" he muttered, running through a mental list of potential tracks. His first song had been well-received, so this one needed to be just as impactful, if not more so.

There were so many choices. It was a good problem to have, but it was still a problem nonetheless.

"Too many options," he sighed, scratching his head in frustration. "But I guess… that's a nice problem to have."

He knew one thing for certain, whatever he picked, it had to resonate. It had to be something that would stay with his listeners and motivate him, just like Only My Railgun had.

As he wandered through the streets, he found himself humming various melodies, searching for that spark, that feeling that would tell him, "This is the one."

It was time to decide.