My Hero Academia: Tropic Thunder

It's almost the end of the third day, the sun began to set over the training grounds, casting long shadows across the field, Endeavour stood with his arms crossed, his expression stern. He watched as Shoto and Kaminari walked out of the training room.

Burnin approached him, her expression serious yet thoughtful. "Endeavour," she began, breaking his focus on the two boys. 

Endeavour turned to her, crossing his arms. "What's your assessment?"

Burnin took a breath, glancing back toward Kaminari, who was engaged in conversation with Shoto. "His performance is troublesome. The potential is there, but he's dealing with a lot more than he lets on. Relying too heavily on his collar for control backfired. Without it, he struggles to harness his quirk."

Endeavour nodded, already aware of Kaminari struggles. "Turning him away to other agencies is the best option. His staggered state will be a hindrance to Shoto as well."

"On the contrary," Burnin replied earnestly. "I believe it will help Shoto even more. Kaminari's determination, despite his struggles, can serve as a motivation for Shoto. Watching someone push through their challenges could inspire him to confront his own."

Endeavour frowned, contemplating her words. "You think they'd work well together?"

"I know they would," Burnin insisted. "Kaminari needs someone who understands what he's going through. If you dismiss him now, you risk losing an opportunity to mold him into a strong support for Shoto—one who can make a real difference. Plus, their quirks could complement each other, especially in challenging scenarios."

Endeavour's gaze drifted back to Kaminari, who was now laughing at something Shoto said, a genuine smile lighting up his face for the first time since their training began. The sight pulled at a part of him he didn't often acknowledge: His own beginnings.

"Fine," he finally said, his voice firm but slightly softened. "But if he falters again like today, I won't hesitate to pull him from training."

"Agreed," Burnin nodded, relief washing over her. "Just give him a chance. You might be surprised by what he can achieve."

With that, Burnin turned and walked toward Raio and Shoto, determination in her steps. As she approached, Endeavour watched, a mix of skepticism and hope churning within him. He had always focused on results, but perhaps this time, nurturing potential might be the path forward.

Raio sat on a bench, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. The memory of yesterday's training still lingered in his mind—Endeavour's harsh critique of his performance echoed in his ears. Although not as bad as the first day, it was lackluster. He sighed, trying to push it aside, but it was hard to shake the feeling of disappointment.

Burnin approached, her presence commanding yet friendly. "Alright, everyone, gather up! We have an important briefing today." Her upbeat tone contrasted sharply with Raio's mood. 

Raio straightened up, focusing on Burnin as she continued. "The interns are heading to Hosu City for patrolling. We have reports of some unsettling activity there, and it's essential for you two to understand how to work as a team in real situations." She glanced between Raio and Shoto, her expression serious. "You need to be ready for anything."

"Expecting danger?" Raio asked, trying to inject some excitement into his voice.

Burnin nodded. "Perhaps. Endeavour will meet us at any moment. I expect you to take this seriously—You never know what you will find there."

As if on cue, the door swung open, and Endeavour strode in with his usual intensity. "Let's move. We don't have all day," he said, his voice firm and unyielding.

Raio felt a mix of nerves and anticipation at the sight of his favorite hero. He quickly masked his feelings, reminding himself that he needed to focus.

"The Hero Killer may be lurking in that area." Endeavour's gaze swept over them, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I expect you to be focused at all times."

Raio nodded, adrenaline beginning to surge through him. "I won't let you down."

Endeavour nodded curtly. "We leave now."

As they filed out of the training facility, Raio glanced at Shoto, who was walking beside him. "You think we'll actually get to face Stain?" he asked, trying to gauge his teammate's thoughts.

"It's possible," Shoto replied, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of concern. "We can't afford to get reckless."

Raio nodded, determination flooding through him taking the place of fear. The reports of prominent villains were to be read at all times when not at training, the Hero Killer, Stain was amongst the profiles. It was in them that Raio learned of what had happened with Ingenium, a pro hero who's Ilda's brother, which made sense of why Ilda's had a sudden change in behavior during the U.A Festival.nHe understood the gravity of the situation, the danger of what may happen, but his resolve was unwavering.

The trio exited the facility, heading toward the waiting transport that would take them to Hosu.

...

Inside the car, silence reigned, the hum of the engine filling the space as they cruised toward Hosu. Kaminari sat on one side, nervously tapping his foot, glancing at the imposing figure of Endeavour. Todoroki was beside him, as calm and collected as ever, eyes fixed out the window. Endeavor's voice broke the silence, deep and commanding.

"Listen up. Hosu is brewing problems. A number of small-time villains are taking advantage of the panic caused by the Hero Killer and are wreaking havoc."

Kaminari's fingers sparked briefly, betraying his nerves. He glanced toward Endeavor, trying to gauge the hero's mood. Shoto, however, remained unreadable, his usual cold distance in place.

"Our objective is containment. We need to secure the streets before more heroes or civilians are hurt. Your role is support—observe, assist only when necessary, and stay out of my way."

Kaminari stiffened slightly. He felt the weight of those words, but he nodded. He had trained for this—he was ready.

"So, we're looking at a clean-up operation?" Kaminari's question reeked of ingenuity.

Endeavor's gaze flickered briefly toward the rearview mirror, locking onto Raio's reflection.

"Clean-up? Don't be so naive. This is about stopping the spread of fear. Stain is a symbol now, and if we don't crush this uprising fast, it'll spread beyond Hosu."

Todoroki's voice, cool and calm, broke through.

"Stain's not the only problem, though. The sightings are connected, aren't they?"

Endeavor gave a curt nod. "Yes. We suspect the League of Villains may be using this chaos."

The car rattled slightly as they took a sharp turn. Kaminari's mind raced, thoughts colliding with each other as he tried to focus.

"What's the plan if we run into the Hero Killer?" The question had lingered for too long.

Endeavor's eyes narrowed.

"You don't. That's my fight. Your priority is containment and keeping civilians safe. Stain is beyond you, and I won't have either of you risking your lives needlessly."

Todoroki's eyes remained fixed ahead, but Kaminari caught a subtle flicker of his expression—an unspoken challenge. It was brief, but it was there. He could tell Todoroki had no intention of staying on the sidelines.

Kaminari let out a breath, feeling the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders. Hosu was on the verge of collapse, and everything would depend on how they handled it.

As they approached their destination, Endeavor's voice cut through once more, sharper this time. "Focus on civilian evacuation and care. Disengage at first sight of villains."

...

As the transport screeched to a halt, Raio stepped off into the chaos of Hosu. The air was thick the acrid smell of smoke, people panicking, debris everywhere. He had seen the destruction on the way, but nothing could have prepared him for the sight before him. Those monstrous, twisted being were wreaking havoc throughout the streets, their powerful forms crashing through buildings as civilians fled in terror.

Raio's heart sank as memories of the USJ incident flooded back, when he first sighted one, he remembers hearing his classmates talking about how one was exchanging blows with All Might himself.

"Stay sharp!" Endeavour's voice cut through the chaos, commanding and authoritative. Raio watched as his idol sprang into action, flames erupting from his body as he ran towards the nearest sound of chaos, Endeavour moved with a calculated grace but tremendous speed, almost outpacing his interns. I need to learn from him, Kaminari dwells in his thoughts as they follow.

...

"One hundred meters, front!" Endeavour snapped, pulling Raio from his thoughts. The Nomu in front of them was massive, its grotesque form lumbering forward, intent on destruction. Raio swallowed hard, his fingers tingling with electricity. This was his chance to prove himself, yet the realization that this was no training was still seething in. Other pro heroes encircled the Nomu, which wasted no time as it charged frenzied towards it's next victims. There was no lack of intelligence, it had set his sights at the interns approaching

He charged forward, electricity sparks dancing along his arms. As he prepared, a quick flash of movement caught his eye—Shoto was beside him, bracing himself for the fight. Raio felt a rush of determination; they could stop this beast.

But just as the beast was about to attack, Endeavour engulfed it with a cone of hellfire keeping it at bay.

"This monster is not to be faced head on! Take the flanks or rear!" Endeavour shouted, his ability to multitask impressing Raio, who turned around the flank as instructed, eyes locked on the beast who was resisting the flames. "KAMINARI!" Shoto suddenly shouted, Raio taking notice . "Midoriya just sent a message about-!" urgency lacing his voice.

About what? Raio didn't have time to process the name; he had to act without Todoroki.

Raio closed the distance the second Endeavour stopped his attack, closing the distance at the monster's blind spot, it's skin rubbery and tough, a pungent smell of burnt rubber and hair.

The powerful burst of electricity that surged from his fingertips slammed into the Nomu's rear. The creature roared in pain as the voltage coursed through it, causing its muscles to twitch uncontrollably.

"Good!" Endeavour praised, a rare note of approval in his voice. Raio felt a swell of pride, but the satisfaction was short-lived. The Nomu stumbled, then turned to attack Kaminari with renewed ferocity as it's turned to strike.

Raio dodged the incoming blow with a heightened reflex jump, amplifying his electricity.

He propelled himself, feeling the energy crackle and buzz around him, and with a focused downward strike, struck the Nomu's exposed brain, sending it crashing into the ground.

Endeavour's training is harsh, but very effective, in what seemed impossible on the first day was honed in the second. 10% output, half of what he could muster with the collar on was all he could do without losing control. 1/10 is laughable, but manageable.

Endeavour surveyed the skirmish, quickly regaining control of the situation. "Disengage and regroup! This isn't over!" he barked, flames still radiating from him.

Raio nodded, breathing heavily from the effort and adrenaline. Just as he was about to catch his breath, Endeavour turned to him. "Megajoules! Go find Shoto! He might need backup!"

"Understood!" Raio responded firmly, the first time someone refered to him as his hero name, but intrigued, Todoroki's gone? When? What happened to him? He disengaged and took off through the wreckage, scanning the scene for his teammate.

The message! His quick thinking turned into realization. Midoriya sent a message, what could be so important to make Todoroki immediately go after him?

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw it—a car, spinning wildly in the air, flung by the Nomu. It tumbled through the sky like a missile, heading straight for a woman frozen in place, her scream caught in her throat.

Kaminari's heart skipped a beat, and in a flash, his instincts kicked in.

MOVE! His thoughts yearned for action.

Without waiting for her to react, he shot forward, electricity surging through his legs, boosting his speed.

"Electro Drift!"

The world blurred around him as he reached her in a blink. He grabbed her waist, yanking her out of the car's deadly path.

The car crashed into the street with a deafening boom just as they hit the ground. Kaminari shielded her with his body, sparks crackling from his body as he braced for impact. Dust and debris flew everywhere, but the car, now a twisted wreck, skidded just a few feet away.

The woman gasped for air, clutching his arm, her eyes wide with shock.

Kaminari gave her a reassuring nod, helping her to her feet, his breath still heavy from the rush. His legs buzzed with residual electricity, small arcs still crackling in the air around him.

"You're safe now. Let's get out of here!"

She nodded shakily and stumbled away as Raio stood, eyes scanning the skies for more threats as he took the woman away. The chaos raged on, but he was ready to dive in again if needed.

Raio Kaminari watched the woman he'd just rescued reunite with a group of pro heroes. His heart still raced from the chaos of Hosu, but his mind was elsewhere—on Todoroki. He couldn't waste any more time.

Leaping onto the nearest rooftop, the intern hero surged forward, electricity crackling in faint arcs around him as he used his electroreception to scan the city below. The storm of chaos in Hosu made it difficult to focus, but he could just barely make out the familiar aura of Todoroki in the distance, alongside two familiar ones—Midoriya and Iida and a fourth one.

His breath quickened. They're all together… but why? The answer became clearer as he pushed himself harder, jumping from rooftop to rooftop. When Todoroki's aura became visible, he saw them: Midoriya and Iida were on the ground, injured, while Todoroki was locked in combat with a villain—The Hero Killer.

Kaminari froze for a split second, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the hero killer. Stain's aura was unlike anything Raio had sensed before—a cold, almost suffocating malevolence that felt like an endless void. He was smaller than Raio had expected, but the ferocity in his movements and the bloodlust in his eyes made it clear why this villain was feared. His blade gleamed as he fought with deadly precision, keeping Todoroki at bay while the others struggled to move.

Raio's heart sank. Midoriya and Iida were badly hurt, and Todoroki was barely holding his own. I need to help them... but should I go for Endeavour?

He hesitated, torn between two decisions. His gut told him he should find his mentor, but there was no time. Stain's deadly blade arced towards Todoroki's throat, poised for a killing blow.

Raio's body moved on pure instinct.

"NO!"

With a flash of lightning, Raio darted forward, his speed leaving a crackle of electricity in the air. Raio's eyes narrowed as he locked onto Stain, his body tensing with raw energy. He thrust his hands together with force, the sound of crackling electricity filling the air. "Thunder Clap!" he shouted, slamming his palms forward. A deafening boom echoed across the street, as a shockwave of electricity erupted from his hands, rippling outward like a storm's roar. The blast wasn't meant to injure, but to disorient—lightning arced through the air as the shockwave struck Stain head-on, staggering the villain. The force sent debris skittering across the ground, leaving Stain momentarily off-balance, his grip on his blades faltering.

The force of the impact knocked Stain back, the villain's body flying several meters before landing on his feet, crouched and ready.

The air is filled with tension as Raio stood between Stain and his friends, fists clenched and electricity swirling around him like a storm. For the first time, Raio felt something unfamiliar—fear—deep in his chest. But the sight of Midoriya and Iida's injuries brought him back to reality.

"I won't let you hurt them!" Raio shouted, his eyes locked on Stain as Todoroki recovered behind him. Despite the fear, Raio stood his ground, ready for what came next.