A strand of black thread lightly brushed against Kaminari's head as he pulled on the robe, only to hear Mitsui Buntais laughing uproariously behind him, accompanied by the barely-contained chuckles of Tetsutetsu.
"This is so embarrassing…" Kaminari muttered, his face flushed.
Shaking off his hesitation, he reached out and grabbed a corner of the suit. Surprisingly, the texture beneath his fingertips wasn't cold like metal, but soft and smooth, almost like a fine silk fiber. [IMG]
"Huh? This doesn't feel like armor at all," he muttered, a hint of surprise coloring his voice.
In no time, Kaminari had slipped the suit on. Before he could find a mirror to admire himself in his new combat uniform, a faint tingling sensation suddenly spread along his arm.
"DNA recording complete."
A neutral, automated voice spoke directly into his ears.
"First meeting, partner! Please give me a name."
"The clothes… spoke?" Kaminari froze for a moment before remembering Dr. Tenma's earlier explanation about the suit's built-in AI system.
"A name, huh?" Kaminari rubbed his chin thoughtfully. For some reason, the situation reminded him of the cheesy tropes he'd read about in online novels, where the protagonist always received some kind of system or overpowered gadget.
"Alright, let's go with… Pikachu."
"Pikachu—!"
To his astonishment, the AI instantly responded with a perfect imitation of Pikachu's iconic cry, so lifelike it felt like the little yellow Pokémon was right beside him. Kaminari blinked in disbelief.
"Wait, how is it this accurate?" he asked, dumbfounded.
Tetsutetsu leaned closer, a skeptical expression on his face. "Uh… are you seriously naming it Pikachu? And how is it supposed to communicate? Just keep saying Pika Pika?"
Kaminari frowned for a moment before an idea popped into his head. "Hey, Pikachu, can you try a humanoid voice?"
"Understood, Master," the AI chirped, its tone suddenly transforming into a high-pitched and cheerful childlike voice. It sounded endearing, exactly what Kaminari had in mind.
"That's not bad," Kaminari admitted. "But hold on… why are you calling me Master? Weren't we partners a moment ago?"
"Isn't the trainer in Pokémon referred to as 'Master'?" the AI replied in an innocent tone.
For a moment, Kaminari was speechless. Then he sighed and shrugged. "Fair enough. Sure, Master it is. No need to stand on ceremony with an AI anyway."
---
"Alright, now that the binding process is done, let's move to the next phase: the combat test!"
Dr. Tenma clapped his hands loudly, and almost immediately, the opaque glass wall to their right slid apart, revealing a pristine white arena roughly the size of a basketball court.
"Combat test?" Kaminari repeated, turning to glance at Tetsutetsu with a sense of déjà vu. The term was all too familiar, and it didn't take long for him to figure out why.
Shua—
Three rectangular openings appeared in the east, south, and north walls of the arena. Moments later, three dark green robots marched out, their movements deliberate and powerful.
"Wait a second… aren't these the same robots we fought during the U.A. entrance exam?!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed in surprise.
"Not quite," Mitsui Buntais replied with a chuckle. "The exam robots you saw at U.A. were developed in collaboration with Mitsui Group and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. We handled the software; they took care of the hardware."
Dr. Tenma nodded in agreement. "These, however, are a step above those models. These are actual combat-grade robots designed for live combat scenarios. Their weight, speed, and strength are significantly higher."
"Incredible…" Kaminari muttered under his breath. For the first time, he felt like he was catching a glimpse of the immense resources top-level conglomerates could wield.
Dr. Tenma placed a hand in the pocket of his lab coat and spoke coolly, "Switch your suit to Battle Mode and engage them. Pay close attention to how the suit enhances your abilities during combat."
"By the way," he added, "these robots are coated with an advanced insulating material. While they're not entirely immune to your Quirk, it'll take more effort to take them down using electricity alone."
Kaminari nodded in understanding, then glanced at the suit he was wearing. "If Battle Mode is the second mode, then what's the one I'm in now?"
He had noticed something odd despite no breeze in the room, the robe seemed to sway gently on its own, as if alive.
"This is what we call Casual Mode," Dr. Tenma explained matter-of-factly. "Though the younger researchers have started calling it Show-Off Mode instead."
"Show-Off Mode, huh…" Kaminari raised an eyebrow. "What can this mode even do?"
"It's more limited than Battle Mode. Casual Mode includes communication, networking, basic lighting, and music playback the last one being something you personally requested in your concept design."
Hearing this, Kaminari's eyes lit up. "It has a music playback function? Alright, let's give it a shot! Pikachu, can you sync with my phone?"
"Of course, Master. Please grant me access to your device."
A notification buzzed on Kaminari's phone. Pulling it out of his pocket, he quickly approved the connection request. Moments later, Pikachu announced, "Synchronization complete! Ready for use."
"Alright," Kaminari grinned. "Let's test the communication function first. Pikachu, call Tetsutetsu."
Tetsutetsu nodded and pulled out his own phone.
"Connecting now."
To Kaminari's amazement, two pale yellow beams of light shot from his collar, forming a translucent holographic screen in front of him. At the same time, Tetsutetsu's phone began to ring.
"This thing has holographic projection?!" Kaminari exclaimed, staring at the light screen in shock.
"Of course," Dr. Tenma replied, his tone casual. "That's a basic feature."
"…Right," Kaminari muttered, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the tech. "Pikachu, cancel the call. Let's see the lighting function next."
In an instant, the suit began glowing brightly, radiating a dazzling golden light that forced everyone in the room to shield their eyes.
"Kaminari-kun! Adjust the brightness before you blind us!" Dr. Tenma yelled.
"Got it! Pikachu, tone it down!"
"Understood, Master."
The light dimmed rapidly until it was a soft, warm glow, casting a faint golden aura around Kaminari.
"This suit might be a bit too over-the-top…" Kaminari muttered, glancing at the shimmering fabric. But despite his words, a grin spread across his face. "Not that I'm complaining."
Dr. Tenma cut in with a warning. "Don't leave the lighting function on for too long. It'll drain the energy storage crystal faster than necessary."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Kaminari replied, quickly deactivating the lighting.
"Now…" He raised his head, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's see what this Battle Mode is all about!"
Dr. Tenma smirked. "The designers took heavy inspiration from your concept sketches. It's as flashy as Casual Mode, but far more practical for combat."
"Seriously?!" Kaminari's anticipation shot through the roof. His hands trembled slightly as he issued the command.
"Pikachu! Activate Battle Mode!"
"Yes, Master!"
In the next moment, the suit began to transform.
***
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"This… this is…"
Tetsutetsu stared wide-eyed at the transformation happening before him. The Robe had changed into something entirely new, leaving him at a complete loss for words.
"It's incredible," he whispered, awestruck.
Buntais' expression was one of pride and satisfaction. His eyes gleamed as he looked at Kaminari, who was still frozen in place.
"Not bad at all…"
Dr. Tenma, standing beside him, nodded repeatedly with a proud smile. While he had tested the transformation countless times before, seeing the armor come alive on its rightful owner made the experience incomparable.
Kaminari, the center of everyone's attention, was completely stunned. Slowly, he raised his hands to inspect the golden armor that now covered his arms, chest, and hands.
"Is this… a dream? Am I dreaming?!" he murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief.
For a moment, he felt like his life couldn't get any better. Not only could he use the electrifying moves he'd always admired from anime, but now he was wearing armor that looked straight out of a legendary saga.
No, this wasn't just some random piece of armor. It was like having a Golden Saint Cloth from his childhood fantasies brought to life.
The Suit had fully transformed into a stunning suit of golden armor. Every inch of it gleamed with brilliance, from the intricate patterns to its polished finish. The design was bold, sleek, and overwhelmingly cool.
"How does it feel?" Dr. Tenma asked with a slight smirk. "We followed your design concept to the letter. By the way, didn't you name it…"
"Cancer's Golden Cloth!" Kaminari interrupted, clenching his right fist and gazing at the golden gauntlet now covering it. A wave of excitement coursed through him, making it hard to stay calm.
"That's right. So, among the researchers, we nicknamed this transformation Sacred Cloth Mode," Dr. Tenma explained with a laugh.
"But… why Cancer?" Tetsutetsu asked, equal parts curious and envious.
"Because Kaminari-kun's birthday is June 29th," Buntais said, matter-of-factly.
Kaminari turned to him, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Wait, you even know my birthday, old man?"
"Of course," Buntais replied with a casual smile. "If I didn't even know the birthday of the young man who saved my life, I'd be a pretty lousy person, wouldn't I?"
"Uh… well, I guess that makes sense," Kaminari admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But yeah, the Cancer theme was definitely inspired by my birthday!"
Of course, Kaminari knew there was more to it than just kindness, Buntais had clearly done his homework. But given the older man's good intentions, there was no point in overthinking it.
"Anyway, what are the functions of this Sacred Cloth Mode?" Kaminari asked, eager to know what his new armor could do.
"In addition to the basic features of Casual Mode, this mode includes first aid, advanced defense capabilities, and a suite of auxiliary tools designed to support you in combat," Dr. Tenma began.
Before he could continue, the AI—Pikachu—interjected, "Master, let me explain!"
Kaminari grinned. "Alright then, Pikachu, it's all yours. And from now on, let's stick with calling the two modes God Mode and Sacred Cloth Mode. It just sounds cooler that way."
"Yes, Master!" Pikachu chirped, clearly excited.
Kaminari's grin widened. "Start with the first aid function. That sounds like something that could really save my butt one day."
"Yes, Master!" Pikachu responded with its usual enthusiasm, mimicking the cheerful tone of its namesake.
"Master, the first aid system consists of three components: a hemostatic agent, a stimulant, and an analgesic. These are stored inside the combat suit and can be administered directly when needed. But keep in mind, the supply is limited to two uses before it needs to be refilled."
Kaminari processed the information and glanced over at Dr. Tenma. The doctor, already anticipating his question, answered promptly.
"You can come back here for refills anytime, but each dose will cost 300,000 yen. These are highly specialized, genetically tailored medications that aren't available commercially."
"Got it," Kaminari nodded. The price was steep, but manageable.
Before Kaminari could offer to pay, Mitsui interjected. "Let's make it simple. From now on, we'll provide you with three doses free of charge every year. You can choose which ones you want. Anything beyond that will follow the usual pricing."
"Uh… that's really generous of you, but—" Kaminari started, feeling a bit awkward.
"No need to argue. Consider it an early birthday gift from me," Buntais said with a firm but kind tone, leaving no room for debate.
"Thank you Mitsui-sama!" Kaminari bowed deeply in gratitude. Beside him, Tetsutetsu also bowed, his expression serious.
"Just call me old man, it sounds better!" Mitsui chuckled.
"Alright, old man!" Kaminari replied, smiling warmly.
---
As the group finished exchanging pleasantries, Dr. Tenma cleared his throat impatiently. "We can test the remaining functions during the actual combat trial. Let's get started."
Kaminari didn't hesitate. He stepped confidently into the arena, the transparent glass wall sliding shut behind him. The silence that followed made the room feel even larger, leaving only Kaminari and the three dark green combat robots in the space.
"Man, walking around in this feels… different," Kaminari thought to himself. The armor was lightweight yet sturdy, giving him a strange but reassuring sense of security.
"Pikachu, activate Scout Mode!" he commanded.
Immediately, a pale yellow light formed a translucent display screen in front of his eyes. As Kaminari turned to face the robots, streams of data began to appear on the screen, providing detailed stats on each opponent. Even the location of their core energy sources was clearly marked.
"Whoa, this is insane!" Kaminari marveled. "Pikachu, can this analyze humans too?"
"Yes, Master!" Pikachu responded. "If data is available, it will display immediately. If not, Scout Mode can perform a preliminary scan to gather basic information. During combat, it will analyze Quirk usage and weaknesses in real-time."
Kaminari felt a wave of excitement wash over him. This wasn't just a combat suit; it was practically a portable tactical system.
At that moment, Dr. Tenma's calm, authoritative voice cut through the speakers. "Prepare yourself. The robots are activating now."
Red lights lit up on each robot, signaling that the trial had begun.
"The battle starts now," Dr. Tenma announced coolly, his tone steady and composed.
***
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New Fics are out now, Checkout my profile(Reading List) to read.
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