U.A's Lightning Shield: Kaminari Denki

Blood and Lightning

5 months ago...

The late evening air was crisp as Kaminari Denki wandered through the quiet streets of Musutafu. The Sports Festival had ended days ago, but the nagging feeling of failure still clung to him. Sure, he'd put on a decent show, but when he compared himself to the likes of Todoroki, Bakugo, or even Midoriya, his performance seemed like a footnote.
His heart weighed heavy with self-doubt, his fingers sparking occasionally as he absentmindedly flicked out small bolts of electricity.

I'm the class clown, the guy with the jokes... not the guy who'll ever be number one. The thought gnawed at him, twisting in his mind as he walked, head down, trying to process where he stood.

He needed to become stronger. He knew that much. But the question was how. Training with Aizawa was fine, but it wasn't enough. He needed something more. Something that would push him beyond the limits he kept hitting.

As the universe was listening to his thoughts, a figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking his path. Kaminari looked up sharply, his instincts flaring. The man was tall, draped in a long dark coat, his face partially obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. His presence was commanding, almost unnaturally so.

"Out for a stroll?" The man's voice was smooth, measured. There was something off about him, an air of danger that Kaminari couldn't place. "Or perhaps looking for answers?"

Kaminari frowned, stepping back slightly. "Who are you?"

The man smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just someone who sees potential where others don't. You put on quite a show at the Sports Festival, Kaminari Denki."

Kaminari's eyes widened slightly. This guy knew him. He didn't like that. "You were watching?"

The man nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I've been watching for a while. Your Quirk is impressive, but it's clear you're not using it to its fullest. You're holding back."

Kaminari clenched his fists, electricity sparking in the air around him. "What do you want?"

The man's smile widened. "To offer you an opportunity. A chance to truly tap into your potential. To train in ways that U.A. won't teach you. I can help you become stronger, faster, more powerful than you've ever imagined." The words lingered in the air between them, tempting, pulling at the part of Kaminari that was tired of feeling second-rate. His heart raced. "Why me, What's the catch?"

"There's no catch," the man said smoothly, stepping closer. "All you have to do is follow me. Learn from me. In return, I'll give you the tools to rise above the rest. To be the hero you want to be."

Kaminari's mind raced. The man's offer was seductive, but something about it didn't sit right. Who was this guy, and why was he so interested in him? And yet, the thought of finally becoming stronger, of proving that he was more than just a joke was tempting.

Before he could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension, sharp and teasing.

"Aww, I didn't know you were seeing other people, Sparky."

Kaminari froze, his heart skipping a beat as he spun around, eyes locking onto a girl who stepped out from behind a nearby lamppost. Her yellow eyes glinted with an unsettling mix of amusement and something darker. A small knife twirled effortlessly in her hand, the metal catching the light as she flashed him a wild, unnerving smile.

"Toga Himiko." He said her name, though it felt strange on his tongue. He'd seen her before, heard stories about her from the news. A member of the League of Villains, someone dangerous. Yet, she was standing in front of him now, casual as if they were old friends meeting by chance. But they weren't. This was the first time they had ever crossed paths.