Chapitre 169: Chapter 168: The Fantasy Organization of Akatsuki

"Someone must bathe in blood… someone must awaken the true Heroes!"

"Bring it on… Come on, impostors!"

"The only one who can kill me is the true Hero... All Might!"

Stain's bold and extremist declaration echoed through the camp once again. This time, Kaminari was present, sitting alongside Edgeshot, watching the infamous video.

Kaminari's expression was frozen in shock.

"This… this can't be real…"

His thoughts spiraled as the realization hit him, leaving him visibly stunned.

"How… how is this guy's view of Heroes exactly like my own initial thoughts?!" Kaminari muttered, his voice trembling slightly. "The only difference is… he's more radical, more extreme. He actually acts on those beliefs."

It all clicked now—why Edgeshot had been watching him so carefully earlier. Of course anyone would suspect he'd been influenced by Stain after hearing his own musings on heroism.

"The difference," Edgeshot spoke, breaking Kaminari's thoughts, "is that you are an idealist, a dreamer, while Stain is an actionist. He carries out his vision, no matter the cost."

Edging out of his own shock, Kaminari frowned slightly, pondering Edgeshot's words.

"What do you think?" Edgeshot asked, his tone even and calm, yet clearly probing.

Kaminari was quiet for a moment, then answered, "To be honest, I agree with some of his ideals. But his methods? No. I don't agree with that at all."

Edgeshot's gaze sharpened. "Then let me ask you, if it were up to you, how would you approach it?"

The question hung heavily in the air, and Kaminari knew its importance. After a moment of contemplation, he began to answer.

"First of all," Kaminari started, his tone thoughtful, "Stain's method—hunting Heroes—doesn't actually solve anything. It doesn't address the root of the problem he's trying to fix."

"Go on," Edgeshot prompted, his tone measured, though he felt tension creeping up his spine.

Kaminari continued, his gaze calm and steady. "The current professional Heroes system wasn't created by the Heroes themselves. It's a product of government policy and societal structures. If Stain's issue is with the system, then killing a few Heroes does nothing to change that. All he's doing is treating the symptoms instead of curing the disease."

Edgeshot remained silent but couldn't help the faint unease settling over him. Kaminari's words were strikingly perceptive—perhaps even too perceptive for someone so young.

"And what would you do?" Edgeshot asked carefully, palms beginning to sweat despite his composed demeanor.

Kaminari didn't miss a beat. "If I were truly determined to change the Heroes system, I wouldn't have applied to the Hero course in the first place. I would've entered the general studies program, gotten into a top university, and pursued law and politics instead."

"Law and politics?" Edgeshot echoed, his surprise evident.

"Exactly," Kaminari said, his voice confident now. "If the issue lies within the system, then the solution is to enter the system and reform it from within. That's the only way to create real change."

As Kaminari spoke, his thoughts drifted momentarily. He imagined an alternate version of himself—one who had chosen that path, fighting through the bureaucracy and navigating political power structures to enact reform.

People with powerful imaginations like Kaminari's could envision entire lifetimes in mere moments.

"In modern society, the so-called Hero system only has the name 'Hero,' but Heroes themselves hold no real influence over it," Kaminari concluded with a hint of bitterness.

Edgeshot blinked, genuinely taken aback by Kaminari's depth of thought. For all the youth's carefree and sometimes reckless demeanor, his insight was undeniable.

"When did you start thinking about these things?" Edgeshot asked, his curiosity winning out.

Kaminari smiled wryly, rubbing the back of his head. "Probably right before I applied to the Hero course. I figured if I was going to become a Hero, I should think deeply about what Heroes actually are."

Edgeshot's mouth twitched slightly. Was he being serious right now? he wondered.

"If you understood all this," Edgeshot asked, "why didn't you take the path you just described? Why choose the Hero course?"

Kaminari shrugged nonchalantly. "Just because I can see the problem doesn't mean I want to dedicate my life to solving it. Seeing something clearly and committing to it are two very different things."

He leaned back slightly, his tone light and unbothered. "Let's face it—fixing something that massive would be exhausting. Besides, I chose the Hero course because it sounded fun. What's not to like? Getting a Hero license, helping people now and then, and being a star? Sounds like a good time."

Edgeshot blinked, struggling to process the casualness of Kaminari's response. In all his years as a Hero, he'd never met someone who viewed the profession with such… flippancy.

"Alright, Master," Kaminari said with a grin, throwing up his hands. "Does that clear it up? Stain and I couldn't be more different."

Edgeshot exhaled slowly. "It does," he admitted, though his gaze remained serious. "But let me say this, Kaminari."

He locked eyes with his student, his tone firm but not unkind.

"I don't ever want to find us standing on opposite sides of the battlefield one day."

"Neither do I," Kaminari replied softly. Internally, he added, As long as my family is here, as long as they're safe, I'll follow the rules for the rest of my life.

With that, Kaminari returned to his cabin while Edgeshot disappeared into the forest, muttering about needing something other than grilled fish for dinner.

Kaminari exhaled deeply as he settled onto the tatami mat, his thoughts swirling. The video and conversation had left him unsettled, though he wouldn't show it.

"Stain, huh…" he murmured, staring at the ceiling. "If I'd been born into a different life… maybe I would've ended up like him."

His mind wandered to a hypothetical scenario, meeting Stain earlier, perhaps even joining him. Together, they could've formed an organization dedicated to rooting out corruption in Hero society. Something grand. Something powerful.

"An alternate version of Akatsuki, huh?" Kaminari mused aloud, chuckling at the absurdity of his own thoughts. "Except instead of chasing tailed beasts, we'd hunt corrupt Heroes."

The idea amused him, but only briefly. His life now, despite its complications, was too precious to trade for something so dangerous.

With a small smile, Kaminari pushed those fleeting fantasies aside.

"My life's pretty good as it is," he murmured. Then, with a sharp clap of his hands, he called out, "Pikachu, contact Dr. Tenma."

"Yes, Master," the AI replied smoothly, its familiar tone grounding Kaminari as he refocused on the tasks ahead.

***

Support me on patreon to read 45+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.

Check my Reading List

New Fics are out now, Checkout my profile(Reading List) to read.

commentaire Commentaire 12

Voter

Chapitre 170: Chapter 169: The Man Who Dares to Challenge All Might!

"Even though the time was brief, I'm grateful for the guidance you gave me, Master," Kaminari said sincerely, bowing slightly to Edgeshot.

"Mm."

Edgeshot's expression remained calm as he replied, "I've learned much from watching you as well. For that alone, I owe you my thanks."

He paused briefly before continuing, "I'm still refining my 'Shuriken Technique,' but I should have it perfected by the time of your next 'extracurricular activity.' I'll teach it to you then."

"'Extracurricular activity'?" Kaminari blinked in confusion, his mind lingering on the phrase. Did that mean there would be more opportunities like this workplace experience in the future?

"Let Eraser Head explain it to you," Edgeshot said, cutting off further inquiry. "I won't spoil it for you."

He glanced up at the sky before urging, "Alright, time's up. You should get going."

"Yes, sir!" Kaminari responded with a firm nod. Bowing deeply once more, he decisively turned around and headed toward the same station where he'd first met Edgeshot.

"Kaminari!"

Edgeshot's voice suddenly called out from behind, stopping Kaminari in his tracks. Before Kaminari could look back, Edgeshot's voice carried a meaningful warning.

"Stay true to yourself. Never waver from your convictions."

"I will!" Kaminari responded softly but resolutely. Without turning around again, he descended into the underground passage and disappeared from sight.

"...I hope so," Edgeshot murmured, letting out a heavy sigh as Kaminari faded from view.

"Having such a talented disciple can be worrisome," he muttered to himself. "I just hope he takes care of himself."

As his words fell, Edgeshot's body began to shimmer. Within moments, he turned completely transparent, vanishing without a trace.

---

Elsewhere.

"Hmm… As expected, the internet is buzzing with news about the 'Bus Incident,'" Kaminari muttered, now at the Shinkansen platform. His Pikachu-themed backpack hung from his shoulders, a suitcase containing his hero costume in one hand, and his phone in the other.

"Eh?"

A notification popped up in the corner of his screen. The headline read: "Twenty-two-Year-Old Hunter Takes Down a Five-Meter Giant Bear!"

"Wow, they reported it already?" Kaminari clicked the link and skimmed the article. It featured the video he had sent to Ryoichi Sato, alongside text that matched what he'd expected.

"But with 'Stain' being so popular right now, this probably won't go viral for a while," he muttered, shaking his head with a small laugh. Exiting the article, he whispered to himself, "Well, it's not my problem anymore. Whether it brings fortune or disaster depends on their luck."

About seven or eight minutes later, the Shinkansen pulled into the platform. After the cleaning crew finished preparing the carriages, Kaminari boarded and found his seat.

Thankfully, the journey this time seemed uneventful. Settling into his seat, he began to reflect on his plans, especially the conversation he had had the day before with Dr. Tenma.

The reason he'd reached out to the doctor was simple: his hero costume. Not that there was anything wrong with his current suit, but he wanted to add a new feature. The idea was ambitious, so he had consulted Dr. Tenma to see if it was feasible.

After all, it was just a concept. The one who would bring it to life was Dr. Tenma himself.

Fortunately, the doctor had been intrigued by the idea. Half-jokingly, Dr. Tenma had even invited Kaminari to join as a "creative consultant" for his projects, with the promise of a salary. But Kaminari wasn't interested in the job, so he hadn't asked about the pay.

"If Dr. Tenma can bring this idea to life, I might actually pull off something close to the Fifth Kazekage's techniques!" he thought to himself, a spark of excitement flickering in his chest.

With that thought, Kaminari leaned back and let the Shinkansen carry him home at high speed.

---

At the edge of a forest, trouble was brewing for Edgeshot. He was now surrounded by a dozen peculiar-looking individuals.

"Edgeshot, huh? I'm sorry, but we have a few questions for you. Would you mind giving us some answers?" A figure who seemed to blur the line between man and woman spoke. Despite his delicate features, the Adam's apple betrayed his true gender. He played with a pink aura that danced in his palm, his tone sly and mocking.

"The so-called 'Witch of Enchantment.' A criminal who's been wanted for four years… How bold of you to appear in front of me," Edgeshot said coldly, his expression unreadable.

"Quite brave," he added with a sharp edge to his voice.

Despite the tension, the "Witch" merely chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Brave? Not quite. But I've been… inspired. You see, I've taken an interest in a few expensive cosmetic products lately. And wouldn't you know it? I just so happened to find a list that seems promising."

"Oh?" Edgeshot's tone was laced with disdain. "I suppose my bounty has risen enough to tempt you into taking such a risk?"

The "Witch" laughed lightly, shaking his head. "You misunderstand. My target isn't you. I wouldn't dare pick a fight with someone like you, I'd have to be suicidal to try."

He slowly traced his bright red tongue over his lips, smudging the pink lipstick slightly. His smile widened into a predatory grin. "I'm looking for Kaminari Denki. He's been with you recently, hasn't he?"

Edgeshot's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why are you looking for him?"

"Let's just say I've been through hell in that forest trying to track you down. But fortune must smile upon my beauty, because the moment I step out, who do I see? You. How lucky is that?"

Edgeshot didn't respond immediately. His thoughts raced as he tried to piece together why this group was targeting Kaminari.

"And since you're here, I might as well save myself some trouble and capture all of you," Edgeshot declared, his tone cold and resolute.

The Witch raised an eyebrow but didn't seem surprised. Instead, the pink aura in his palm intensified. "Before we start, though… Would you be so kind as to tell me where he is? It would make things so much easier."

Edgeshot scoffed. "As if I'd betray him to the likes of you."

"Oh, I see. You're still loyal," the Witch teased, though greed sparkled in his eyes. "Well, let me be clear: he has something very valuable. Something worth a cool ten million dollars. Tempting, isn't it?"

The Witch paused to rub his stomach dramatically, pretending to savor the thought.

Edgeshot's mind flicked to the golden combat uniform Kaminari had been carrying. "So that's it," he thought grimly.

"Figured it out, didn't you?" The Witch smirked, his pink aura crackling. "So, are you going to tell me where he is, or shall we do this the hard way?"

Edgeshot's hands moved in a blur, four shurikens appearing between his fingers. "I'll give you my answer: Stay here, where you belong, you vermin!"

In an instant, eight shurikens flew from his hands, arcing faintly with precision. Their speed was blinding, leaving only black streaks in their wake.

"Why must it always come to this?" the Witch sighed melodramatically, though his actions betrayed none of his feigned fatigue. A wave of pink flames erupted from his body, surging toward the shurikens.

"For ten million dollars, I'd take on All Might himself!" he snarled, his tone suddenly venomous. "So what's a mere No. 5 to me?!"

***

Support me on patreon to read 45+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.