Capítulo 42: Rescue Plan.
-Narrator's POV-
The sterile, white halls of the hospital hummed with quiet activity, the antiseptic scent sharp in Kaminari's nose as he sat by Jirou's bedside. The dim lights of the room barely illuminated her pale, unconscious face, an oxygen mask resting gently over her mouth and nose. Poison gas—something so insidious, so unexpected, yet it had left its mark on so many of them.
"Hello there, Rock Star... Once more I got there too late... If only I was fast enough.... I could help you and Hagakure, I could help Yaoyorozu, I could help Bakugou, I cou-..." The words were stuck in his throat, a knot so right if felt suffocating. The urge to cry is at the gates, but he swallowed hard.
Once again, the images played over in his mind like a merciless reel. Shoda's fear, Ragdoll's blood, the Nomu's attack, Bakugou's capture, the sheer powerlessness he felt in that moment the Nomu stood. His failure stung more than any physical wound; it was a wound to his spirit. He had pushed himself to the edge, fought with everything he had, and still, the creature got up. How many more times would he watch his friends suffer before he became strong enough to prevent it?
"Forgive me. I'm mumbling like an idiot. You would've called me out right about now." A faint smile appeared as he held her hand.
The quiet sound of footsteps broke his reverie. A nurse opened the door. "Kaminari Raio? Yaoyorozu Momo regained counsciousness and has asked for your presence." The feelings of happiness and relief washed over like a tidal wave. Before he stood up, he once more looked at Jirou.
"I will be right back, Rock Star."
...
Kaminari's footsteps echoed down the sterile hospital corridor, each step heavier than the last. The fluorescent lights cast sharp, unforgiving shadows, matching the turmoil in his mind.
Reaching a quiet corner, he leaned against the cool wall, closing his eyes as he tried to steady his breathing. His phone buzzed in his pocket, the screen lighting up with the familiar caller ID: Home.
A sigh escaped him as he accepted the call. "Hey."
"Raio." His mother's voice came through, tinged with relief and worry. "Are you okay? How are your injuries today?"
"I'm fine, Mom." He said, forcing a smile she couldn't see. "Just a little banged up, but nothing serious."
There was a brief silence, then a deeper voice joined the line—his father. "Raio, tell us what's really going on. It's okay son, we're here for you and we know you're not fine."
Kaminari swallowed, the lump in his throat tightening. His parents' concern cut through his defenses, bringing a fresh wave of emotion. "It's just… Bakugou's been taken. I don't know what to do. The teachers, the pro heroes—they're doing what they can, but it doesn't feel like enough. I want to help, to do something, but my hands are tied."
His mother's breath caught, but before she could speak, Maxwell's steady voice cut in, firm yet understanding. "Raio, sometimes the line between right and wrong isn't as clear as the rules make it seem. You know the values we've taught you—to protect those you care about, no matter the cost."
"But what if…" Raio hesitated, memories of the training camp and the chaos replaying in his mind. "What if acting means putting everyone at risk?"
"Listen to me, son." Maxwell said, his voice lowering as if sharing an unspoken truth.
"Being a hero isn't just about following the system. It's about acting when no one else will, even when it's difficult. You have to trust yourself and the bonds you've made. If your heart tells you to step forward, then step forward, even if it means breaking the rules."
Kaminari closed his eyes, the tension in his body easing just slightly. His father's words were both a comfort and a call to action. "Thanks, Dad. And… thanks, Mom. I needed this."
His mother's voice was softer, a tremor of worry still present. "Just be careful, Raio. Whatever you decide, remember that we love you. Call us when you get home."
"I will." He promised, ending the call as he looked up at the ceiling, the sterile light reflecting in his eyes now carrying a spark of resolve.
Pushing off from the wall, Kaminari straightened, feeling a sense of purpose course through him. The path ahead might be uncertain, but he knew where he stood. He was ready to step forward.
...
The soft hum of conversation and the occasional clink of metal against tile filled the corridor outside the recovery room. Kaminari sat slouched in a chair beside Yaoyorozu, who now stirred slightly under the covers. Her eyes fluttered open, a look of confusion shifting to recognition as she caught sight of him.
"Hey." She whispered, her voice weak but familiar. Kaminari's heart lifted, a wave of relief washing over him.
"Hello there. How are you feeling?" He replied with a crooked smile, trying to hide the worry that had gripped him for hours.
"Like a got hit with a sledgehammer. How about yourself?" She said, her voice subdued yet warm.
"Like a construction site fell on my head." Kaminari replied, his voice rough from exhaustion. He tried to smile, but it faltered under the weight of his guilt.
Yaoyorozu took a seat beside him on the bed, letting the silence stretch out for a moment. It was the kind of silence that didn't need to be filled, an understanding that words alone couldn't express.
She looked at his arm, heavy bandaged and in a sling. She remembered how bad it was burned, the smell, the scorched skin. She felt responsible for it.
"Thank you for what you did back there." She said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "You saved us."
Kaminari shook his head. "Don't mention it. But Bakugou's still missing, so is Ragdoll. We were so close, and it still wasn't enough."
Yaoyorozu placed a gentle hand on his arm. "None of this is your fault, Kaminari. We did everything we could. And... we might still have a chance."
Before he could ask what she meant, the sound of authoritative footsteps echoed down the hallway. Detective Tsukauchi and All Might himself appeared at the entrance to the room, their faces serious and worn.
"Yaoyorozu Momo." Tsukauchi greeted, giving her a nod before turning his gaze to Kaminari. "We came as requested."
Kaminari took his leave out of the room to give them privacy, not before being on the receiving end of a warm All Might smile, alongside words of confort. It did little, but at that moment, it was something he didn't know he needed.
...
Leaving the room, Kaminari was left alone with his thoughts, once more the feeling of not doing enough, nor being there to help Bakugou tortured his mind. His thoughts are scattered, guilt and frustration gnawing at him. He walks aimlessly, his mind replaying the events of the raid.
He rounds a corner and spots familiar faces. Kendo, Tetsutetsu, Awase and Monoma standing together, talking to two very recognizable boys, Kirishima and Todoroki. Raio intended to talk to them up until he noticed Monoma, opting to pass by unnoticed instead. That is, until Monoma's voice carries through the hall.
"Bakugou, huh? I guess this was inevitable. The guy's all anger and no brains. Of course, the villains would target someone like him—makes their job easier. It's not surprising Bakugou got himself captured. With that temper and his 'explosive' personality, he's practically a villain magnet. Honestly, it's a miracle it didn't happen sooner." Monoma's words are sharp and cutting, his tone dripping with condescension, the usual smirk stamped in his face.
"Monoma, stop it. That's unfair to Bakugou. He—" Kendo quickly interjected, her voice firm but tinged with exasperation, for she spotted Kaminari before everyone else.
"Hey, watch it, man! Bakugou fought harder than anyone. You don't know what he's been through!" Kirishima wasn't going to let this insult slide as he promptly defends his friend.
Raio stops dead in his tracks, Monoma's words hitting him like a slap. His breathing quickens as rage and grief boil over. Before he realizes it, he's walking towards the group.
"Say that again."
The group turns, startled by his sudden appearance. Not even Kendo who did saw him turn the corner noticed him closing the distance. They all turn their eyes to the newcomer, Monoma at the ready to chirp yet another rant laced with ill intent.
Raio's stride was unhurried but deliberate, like a thundercloud rolling in with quiet menace. There was no warning, no sharp words or threatening gestures—just a sudden, fluid movement.
*CRAAAACK!!*
His fist shot forward in a blur, knuckles colliding squarely with Monoma's jaw. The impact was sharp, with a sickeningly sound of bones colliding, a flash of raw force that sent Monoma staggering backward into the wall with a muted grunt.
The corridor seemed to freeze for a heartbeat. Monoma slid to the ground, cradling his face in shock, while Kendo's gasp shattered the silence.
"Wh-What the hell?! Are you crazy?!" Monoma was gasping, clutching his face, definitely not expecting such action.
"Kaminari! What are you doing?!" Kendo immediately rushed and stood between the two, making a barrier, though it didn't seem to bother Raio, as he took another step forward, he wasn't listening, nor stopping, his eyes fixed on Monoma like a predator.
"Dude, stop! This isn't going to get us nowhere!" Kirishima darted forward, grabbing Raio's arm, alarmed at what he just witnessed.
Soon Awase also got in between them, pleading for a stoppage. Tetsutetsu stood for a second longer, conflicted about what he should do. His classmate was just attacked, not without justification, but attacked nonetheless.
"Kaminari, enough." Todoroki finally stepped in, placing his hand on Raio's shoulder, his words calm but firm.
Raio jerks his arm free from Kirishima's grasp, his breathing heavy and his fists trembling. He glares at Monoma but doesn't take another step.
"You love running your mouth about Class 1-A, about Bakugou, about anyone who outpaces you. But here's the truth, Monoma: No one's thinking about you. Not during battles, not during missions, not during raids. You're so obsessed with being seen that you don't realize how invisible you actually are. You act like you're better than everyone else, but all I see is someone so desperate for validation he'll tear down anyone who shines brighter than him. You think that makes you clever? No, it just makes you pathetic." His voice is low, cold, the restrained fury just made him more menacing.
"Kaminari, we're all on edge, but this isn't the way—" Kirishima tried to plead with his friend, his tone softening.
"Save it." Raio cuts him off with a sharp demand.
He turns and storms down the corridor, his footsteps echoing loudly. The group watches him go, stunned into silence, some still can't believe what has just transpired.
"I'm sorry for him. He's... going through a lot." Todoroki broke the silence, his voice steady and apologetic, glancing at Monoma, who's still cradling his jaw, before turning to Kirishima. "Let's go."
"Yeah." Kirishima nodded, though clearly troubled.
The two follow after Raio, leaving Kendo kneeling beside Monoma, who groans in pain.
Kendo stood frozen, the shock still hanging in the air like a thick fog. Her eyes were locked on Kaminari's retreating figure, each step he took sending a small ripple of disbelief through her. The weight of what just happened didn't fully hit her at first; the punch, the venom in Raio's words—it was all so sudden. She had seen Kaminari angry before, but this? This was different. This wasn't a burst of energy or a hot-headed outburst. This was something deeper, something that felt like it had been simmering for far too long.
Monoma was still holding his jaw, staring at the floor, and the others were too stunned to speak. Kendo glanced at them, but her gaze quickly flickered back to the corridor where Kaminari had disappeared. She didn't need to see him to know he was hurting—she could feel it in the way he'd left, in the silence that had followed him.
...
Todoroki and Kirishima followed close behind, their footsteps heavy in the silent hallway. Kaminari's pace was swift, his back tense as he moved with purpose, not sparing a glance behind him. Kirishima's expression was a mix of concern and frustration, while Todoroki's was quiet, more thoughtful, like he was trying to understand his friend. Neither of them spoke; the weight of the situation hung between them like a thick fog. They both knew better than to push Kaminari right now, but they couldn't just let him storm off alone—not with the tension still in the air.
"Kaminari... We were th-" Todoroki's broke the silence only to be met by Kaminari's interruption.
"I'm in. Let's go to Yaoyorozu's room, she can help us." As if he already knew what was going to be said, he was leading them to the one person who may know where they can start. Tsukauchi and All Might weren't there over nothing.
...
Kirishima and Todoroki stepped inside the room, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination. Kirishima's face lit up slightly when he saw Yaoyorozu. "You're okay! Thank goodness."
Yaoyorozu gave him a small nod, then glanced at Todoroki, who stood stoically by the window. His gaze shifted to Kaminari. "Something happened?" She asked.
Kaminari's expression hardened, the weight of the recent events already clawing back into place. "Nothing happened. We need to talk."
Kirishima nodded, stepping closer. "Listen, Yaoyorozu. We can't just sit here and wait. We have to do something. We need to get him back."
Yaoyorozu gasped softly, moving further into the room. "But… how can we? The pros won't let us go after him."
Kaminari glanced between them, his mind racing. "I think you know how." he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "The tracking device you made, I'm sure you can make a copy."
Yaoyorozu struggled to push herself up, her brows furrowing in concern. "Are you seriously thinking about going after them on our own? That's reckless."
Kirishima's eyes darkened, his usual cheer replaced by raw resolve. "We know this much. But we're going in, regardless of the peril. Bakugou is my friend, I stood there in that classroom doing nothing as villains took my friend away. What kind of man am I if I just leave it for others to solve it?"
A quiet settled over the room as Kaminari's gaze dropped to the floor. The tension was thick, each of them caught between the risk and their loyalty. But in Kaminari's mind, Kirishima's resolve mirroed his own: Frustation for not being able to do more.
"We need to decide right here, right now, what kind of heroes we want to be." Kaminari said at last, lifting his eyes to meet theirs. "This isn't about fighting villains. It's about saving our friend." He ended as he unwrapped the bandages of his arm. The burn scars are mostly healed, though some are still raw.
"Then it's settled, we are doing this. Yaoyorozu, will you lend us assistance?" Todoroki glanced over her with steady eyes being met with an unsure gaze. Her conflict between doing what's right or what's necessary are battling against one another.
"It's not settled yet." Kirishima interceded before Yaoyorozu could formulate an answer. "We can't leave him out of this, he's going to want to participate." Kirishima was right about this, Todoroki nodded in agreement.
"Only one way to find out. Tomorrow." Kaminari ended the conversation before a nurse entered the room.
...
-Kaminari's POV-
It's the second day after the villain attack. I'm already discharged from the hospital, though I haven't left yet, there's still a question left unanswered.
As I walked down the hospital corridor, each step weighed down by exhaustion and the lingering sting of guilt. The murmur of voices grew louder as I neared the waiting area, and I can feel the eyes of Class 1-A on me the moment I stepped into view. The room fell silent, an anticipation and worry hanging thick in the air.
"Kaminari!" Mina's voice broke the stillness, her eyes wide with concern as she rushed over me. "Are you okay? You look—"
"Like you went through hell," Sero finished, standing a few steps behind her, his usual grin replaced by a frown.
I can't bring myself to be easy-going, all I managed is a weak smile. "I'm okay." I said, though my voice betrayed just how tired I really was.
Iida's brows furrowed as he stepped forward, ever the class representative. "Kaminari, we need an update. How are the others? Is everyone accounted for?"
My expression tightened. I glanced at each face in the room—Mina's wide eyes, Todoroki's stoic but subtly concerned gaze, Kirishima's clenched fists, and Ochaco's anxious expression. The weight of their shared pain pressed down on me like a hydraulic press.
"Yaoyorozu still recovering, but she's stable; Jirou and Hagakure are being treated for their injuries. They're both still uncounscious. And… Ragdoll is still missing."
The mention of Ragdoll cast a somber shadow over the room. Even the normally buoyant Mina fell silent, biting her lip as she looked away.
Ojirou's voice broke through, softer than usual but no less worried. "What about you, man? You look like you barely made it out."
My eyes met Ojirou's, a spark of determination flickering there despite the fatigue. "I'm here, aren't I?" as I'm forcing a small grin. "A little worse for wear, but I'll be fine."
Ochaco's voice wavered as she asked, "And… Bakugou? Has there been any news?"
The room tensed, waiting for an answer that I couldn't give. I shook my head, frustration evident. "Not yet..." I paused, sensing the shared anxiety among them all. The weight of their worry, their hope, was almost too much.
Before anyone could ask further questions, I straightened up, drawing a deep breath.
"We'll figure this out, we have to."
As I glanced at Todoroki and Kirishima, I am reading the same fierce determination in their expressions. Without another word, I turned leading the way down the hall. The group followed, a unified force of worry, hope, and unspoken resolve as we made our way to Midoriya's room.
I raised my fist, knocking softly before pushing the door open, the true conversation was just about to begin.
...
The soft hum of the hospital room's fluorescent lights and the rhythmic beeping of medical monitors were the only sounds as we all gathered around Midoriya's bed. Midoriya lay propped up by pillows, bandages wrapping his arms and forehead, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion and frustration.
...
"I should have been stronger," Midoriya muttered, voice thick with regret. "If I'd just been—"
"Stop." Todoroki interrupted, his voice sharp but not unkind. His eyes met Midoriya's, a flash of determination sparking between them. "This isn't your fault, Midoriya. None of us could have anticipated it."
Kirishima stepped forward, eyes ablaze with an unyielding resolve. "Then we're going to save him next time."
I felt every single heart drop at the end of this phrase, but Kirishima wasn't going to stop, the plan is being unveiled.
"We've been here yesterday, All Might and the Police Chief were talking to Yaoyorozu. She revealed to them that she created a tracking device and latched on the Nomu's back, she gave the receptor to them..."
Before he could finish, Ilda took a rigid step forward, his face stern. "So you're going to ask her to make another receptor?"
Kirishima felt guilt at the mere thought of suggesting it, but Todoroki wasn't.
"What if we ask?" His defiant tone didn't sit well with many, the room's mood tensed as Ilda clenched his teeth, clearly not accepting such plan.
"It's just like All Might said!" Ilda's voice tone is on verge of shouting, he's not happy.
"...It's best to leave this to the pros! This is not the place for us to act, idiots!" He's clearly not happy, for him to act like this, it's clear this affects him in a different, personal way.
Kaminari clenched his fists at Ilda's words, his jaw tightening. "Ilda, we don't have time to wait around! If we don't act now, who knows what will happen to Bakugou?"
Todoroki nodded, the calm in his voice hiding the turbulence of his emotions. "If we let this opportunity pass, we might not get another chance. Waiting isn't an option."
Kirishima brows furrowed deeper, his hands shaking as he tried to keep his composure. "We know that! I could've done something then! When I heard that my friend was the target, yet I couldn't do nothing! I didn't DO nothing! If I don't do nothing right now, I cannot call myself neither a pro-hero nor a man! "
A tense silence fell over the room, broken only by the shallow breathing of the injured. Kaminari's eyes darted to each of his classmates, searching their faces for support, or perhaps defiance. He found it in the set of Todoroki's jaw, the fire in Kirishima's eyes, and the silent understanding in Mina's expression.
Then, Tsuyu spoke up, her voice gentle but cutting through the tension like a blade. "If you're saying you're going to fight, that you're going to break the rules again and act on our own… those acts are just like the same of those villains." "
The air shifted instantly. Kaminari's heart thudded as the words sank in, each syllable like a stone sinking into his gut. His eyes darkened, fists shaking at his sides. "So you will see us as villains then?" He snapped, the raw edge of hurt in his tone. "So be it. Grab your phone, call Aizawa-sensei, the police, All Might himself. All I know is a friend is in the villains' grasp, and I'm not going to sit iddle like a coward, not when I know something can be done."
The room fell silent as the weight of Kaminari's outburst settled. Tsuyu's wide eyes met his, surprised by the force of his reaction. But before anyone could respond, Kaminari turned on his heel on last time before storming out, the door clicking shut behind him.
"You have a right to think that those who break the rules are scum, but for me, those who abandon their friends are worse than scum."
The silence that followed was suffocating until the doctor stepped into the room, clipboard in hand. His presence broke the frozen moment, drawing attention away from the tension and back to Midoriya's condition.
"Let's proceed with the examination, please, clear the room." The doctor said, oblivious to the storm that had just passed through the room.
...
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder