Chương 26: Internship
The rhythmic clatter of the train's wheels was the only sound between the occasional chatter of Class 1-A. The air is thick with excitement as they approached their drop-off points for their internships. Kaminari sat by the window, his face glowing with anticipation. The landscape zipped by in a blur, but all he could think about was Endeavour—his hero, almost his idol—waiting for him at the agency. It was a dream come true.
Across from him, Todoroki sat with his arms crossed, watching Kaminari with a piercing gaze. After a moment of silence, Todoroki broke it.
"You chose Endeavour?" His voice was steady, but it carried an edge.
Kaminari blinked, turning from the window. He hadn't expected a conversation with Todoroki, especially not this kind of tone. He smiled, the excitement too overwhelming to care about the tension in the question. "Yeah! I can't believe I got the offer, honestly. It's going to be amazing learning from him."
Shoto's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Amazing? You have no idea what you're walking into." There was no jealousy in his voice, only cold disdain. "That man... he only cares about power. He's not the kind of hero you think he is."
Kaminari's initial excitement assessed the tone, he could stop faking it.
"He's not a hero. Not the kind you're thinking of. He's only interested in making himself stronger, no matter the cost. You'll just be another tool for him to prove a point. You really think it's that simple?"
Kaminari stared at him for a moment, digesting the words. He knew Todoroki had his own complicated history with his father. "No, it's not just that."
Todoroki glances at him, sensing the tone shift.
"I need to learn control, real control. If I can control my powers better, learn from someone like him... I'll be that much closer to becoming the hero I want to be. And if the price is to become a tool, so be it."
Todoroki's expression softened for a brief second, but he looked away, unwilling to engage further. Kaminari didn't press him. He could feel Todoroki's anger wasn't aimed at him personally; it was just his history with Endeavour.
Kaminari turned back to the window, watching as the city skyline loomed closer. He couldn't help but let his excitement bubble back up. This was his chance—his moment to learn from the best. Nothing was going to ruin that.
As the train slowed to a halt, Aizawa signaled for the students to gather their things. The heavy doors slid open, and Raio, alongside Shoto, stepped off onto the bustling platform.
...
His heart raced as they approached the steps of Endeavour's agency, its massive, imposing building towering before them. The emblem of fire and power was a constant reminder of who ran this place.
Kaminari could barely contain himself, his grin wide as they climbed the steps. Todoroki walked beside him, his demeanor much more subdued, the weight of his past hanging visibly on his shoulders.
Standing at the top of the steps was a tall, muscular woman with wild green hair that seemed as if it were made of fire itself. She was wearing the official uniform of the Endeavour Agency, the flame-like design matching her fiery appearance. Her vibrant eyes sparkled with intensity, and her grin was confident, sharp—exactly the kind of hero you'd expect to work under Endeavour.
This was Burnin, one of Endeavour's top sidekicks.
She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as she looked the two of them over. "You two must be the interns. Welcome to Endeavour's Agency. You ready to see what real hero work looks like?"
Kaminari, unable to hold back his enthusiasm, grinned and saluted. "I've been ready for this since day one!"
Burnin chuckled, her laugh loud and full of energy. "Oh-ho, I like that attitude! Let's see if that spark can last more than five minutes in a real fight, newbie. You're here to sweat, not just smile!"
Kaminari gave a confident smirk, his competitive side peeking through. "I'll try not to burn out too quickly."
Burnin leaned in slightly, smirking right back. "Don't worry. If you do, we've got plenty of fire to keep you going." She threw a playful wink his way, clearly enjoying the banter.
Todoroki, standing beside Kaminari, remained silent, his gaze lingering on the agency entrance. Burnin glanced at him, the tension in the air not lost on her, but she decided not to press. Instead, she clapped her hands, her voice booming with excitement.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road! Follow me, interns. You're about to see what it really means to be heroes under Endeavour."
As they followed her into the building, Kaminari could feel his pulse quicken. This was it—the beginning of his journey as an intern under the man he admired most. He spared a glance at Todoroki, who seemed distant, but Raio's enthusiasm was unshakable. Nothing was going to ruin this experience for him.
...
After changing into their hero suits, they once more followed Burnin.
As they reached the end of the corridor, Burnin came to a stop outside a large door, the plaque reading Training Room Alpha.
Burnin gave them a quick glance. "Endeavour's waiting inside. Good luck, interns. Try not to melt under the pressure." she said with a playful grin before pushing open the door.
Raio inhaled sharply, the anticipation building as he stepped inside.
And there he was. Endeavour.
The towering figure of Todoroki Enji stood at the far end of the training room, his fiery mustache casting a menacing glow over his stern features. His arms were crossed over his massive chest, his intense gaze immediately locking onto the two of them as they entered. The sheer presence of him was overwhelming, like standing too close to the sun. Kaminari's breath hitched for a moment—this was the man he had idolized for so long.
"You're here." His voice was deep, authoritative, cutting straight through the air. "Let's skip the pleasantries. I don't have time for that."
Raio nodded quickly, swallowing the excitement that rapidly turned into something else. He had expected intensity, but something about Endeavour's aura was... off. There was no warmth, no admiration for his interns. Just cold, calculated strength.
"You both know why you're here. To learn. To improve. To become the best. I don't care what your reasons are for wanting to be heroes." He flicked his eyes toward Raio briefly, then settled back on Shoto. "I accepted you, Kaminari, because of your raw potential. If you can't handle what's ahead, you'll be a waste of time, understood?"
Raio's heart sank a little. The tone, the complete lack of acknowledgment for anything beyond his abilities—it wasn't what he imagined at all. Where was the pride? The passion? The hero who stood as a symbol of power? The version of Endeavour in his mind had shattered in an instant, but Raio kept his expression neutral. He had trained himself not to show disappointment.
He nodded, hiding the storm of emotions beneath the surface. "Understood."
Endeavour turned, gesturing toward the back of the room, where training equipment was lined up. "We begin immediately. Training room is ready. I want to see your limits."
With that, Endeavour started walking toward the equipment, his back turned to the two boys, expecting them to follow without another word.
Raio glanced at Shoto. The silence between them was heavy, as if Shoto had already known what Raio was now realizing. His idol wasn't the person he thought he'd be. And yet, Raio steeled himself—this was still his chance to learn from one of the greatest heroes.
The training room was vast, its walls reinforced with metal designed to withstand the intensity of combat Quirks. Massive targets lined one side of the room, their surfaces charred from previous sessions with Endeavour's flames. Endeavour stood before them with arms crossed, his presence as overwhelming as ever. His sharp eyes swept over both Shoto and Raio with a critical gaze.
"Objective is simple. You'll be hitting these targets, maximum output, no holding back."
Shoto gave a curt nod, calm and focused, ready to get this over with. Raio, on the other hand, felt his pulse quicken,. the raw, untamed electricity inside him roared, waiting to be unleashed.
He could feel the pressure mounting, but this was what he signed up for. He wanted to be here. He had to prove himself—to Endeavour, to Shoto, to himself.
"Shoto, you're up first."
Shoto stepped forward without hesitation. He planted his feet, raising his right hand. Frost began to form around his fingers, the air growing frigid. With a calculated exhale, he launched a massive blast of ice toward the target. The icy barrage struck dead center, instantly covering the metal target in a thick sheet of frost. Without missing a beat, he followed up with a burst of flames from his left side, the searing heat vaporizing the ice in an explosive display of raw power. The target shook but remained intact, albeit steaming.
Endeavour gave a slight nod of approval. Then his gaze shifted toward Raio. "Kaminari. You're next."
Raio prepared himself, feeling the familiar surge of electricity course through him. The speed, the power—it all built up inside like a storm ready to break loose. He hadn't felt this free in a long time. Without the collar's restraint, everything seemed heightened. The charge around him crackled as bolts of electricity coiled like serpents, wrapping his body in a violent, untamed aura.
He took a breath, trying to steady himself, the image of his sister Ana flickering in his mind. For her. He was going to do this for her.
The next moment, he exploded into motion.
In a split second, Raio became a streak of pure lightning. His body shot forward, a blur of yellow and white light as arcs of electricity coiled around him like a living armor. The sheer force of his acceleration cracked the ground beneath his feet as he rocketed toward the target. His speed was blinding, the crackling roar of electricity filling the room as the coil of power tightened around him, molding him into a human thunderbolt.
Approaching the target, Raio clenched his fist. The electricity crackled around him, intensifying with each step, the buzzing sound filling the room. He braced himself, pushing his right hand forward in a powerful punch. But as he prepared to deliver his punch, an image flickered through his mind. Nikolas, standing there with disappointment in his eyes, merged with the haunting memory of Ana. Her laughter echoed in his ears, but that joy was quickly replaced by the silence of her absence. The warmth of his earlier confidence evaporated, replaced by a chilling sense of dread.
The instant his fist connected, the lightning surged violently from his body, wrapping around him like a wild storm. The impact wasn't just a hit—it was a detonation. A shattering blast of electrical energy tore through the target, obliterating it into molten fragments. Sparks and arcs of electricity lashed out in every direction, scorching the floor, walls, and ceiling, leaving the air thick with the smell of ozone.
Everyone in the room flinched at the sheer force of the attack, including Endeavour.
When the dust settled, Raio laid there, his hand still crackling with remnants of electricity. The shockwave of energy knocked him back, sending him sprawling to the ground, pain radiating through his limbs like lightning striking the earth.
Raio lay there for a moment, panting heavily, the taste of copper in his mouth. The crackling energy faded, but the turmoil within him surged. He clenched his teeth, fighting back the memories, the guilt, and the anger that had built up over the years. How could I be this stupid? he thought, frustration mixing with fear. I thought I was ready? An embrace with my family would cure years of grief?
Burnin and the other sidekicks, who had been watching with relaxed curiosity, now stared with wide eyes. The smoldering remnants of the target were nothing but molten debris. One of the sidekicks muttered under his breath, "Holy..."
Shoto, who rarely showed much emotion, stood silently, staring at the destruction.
Endeavour stood over him, his expression unreadable. "That's all for now. 10 minutes." he said, his voice cutting through Raio's fog of confusion. There was no trace of sympathy, just a firm dismissal that echoed in the training area.
Raio's chest heaved as he visibly struggled to contain his power, his arm completely numb. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him, but instead of pride, all he felt was frustration. His powers were still untamed, still a wild, destructive force that he had little control over, and now this...
"Kaminari." Shoto stepped forward. "You okay?" He didn't wait for an answer, instinctively placing a hand on Raio's shoulder, grounding him. "Let's go."
As Shoto helped him to his feet, Raio felt strange. That's not an action I would expect from Todoroki.
...
Just as they were walking past Burnin, she caught sight of Raio's pale face, sweat glistening on his brow and eyes clouded with turmoil. Her expression shifted from curiosity to concern.
"Hey, you good?" she asked, a hint of gentleness in her tone, breaking through Kaminari's internal storm. "That was… intense."
Raio nodded, though he knew it was a lie. "Yeah, just… had a moment." He attempted a smile, but it felt hollow.
...
The locker room was quiet, the echoes of the day's training fading into the background as Raio leaned against the cool metal lockers. He stared at the floor, his mind replaying the incident from earlier. The burn of disappointment lingered, and he felt the weight of expectations pressing down on him.
The door creaked open, and Burnin stepped in. "Hey, Kaminari!" her cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere.
Raio forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"I know today was rough, but don't let it get to you. You showed real potential out there!" she said, her voice light and encouraging.
"Yeah, potential… Right," he replied, his voice flat.
Burnin's smile faltered as she took a step closer, sensing the heaviness in his tone. "You know, it's okay to feel frustrated. Everyone has off days."
He shook his head, turning away. "I thought I could handle it without the collar. I thought I was ready." His fists clenched, and he pressed his back against the lockers as if he could merge with them and disappear.
"Kaminari," Burnin said gently, her tone shifting to one of understanding. "You are here to get the help you need, whatever it may be. Is there something you want to talk about?"
Raio's heart raced, and he met her gaze, a mix of anger and pain flashing in his eyes. "I—" He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. "I just messed up. That's all."
Burnin stepped closer, her expression softening. "It's okay to not be okay. If you ever want to talk, We're here for you. You don't have to go through this alone." Her voice was calm and sincere, offering warmth and support.
He looked away, his disappointment palpable as he fought to maintain his composure. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. I just need to focus on training," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Burnin studied him for a moment, concern etched on her face, but she nodded, respecting his space. "Alright. Just remember, I'm here if you need anything." She turned to leave, her footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor.
As the door clicked shut behind her, Raio stood alone in the dim light of the locker room, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. He leaned his head back against the cool metal, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability. Disappointment washed over him, mixed with the haunting memories of Ana, leaving him feeling more isolated than ever.
...
As Burnin stepped out of the locker room, she nearly collided with Shoto, who was standing just outside the door. He looked tense as he caught sight of her.
"Is he okay?" he said, his voice low.
She glanced back at the closed door, then turned her attention to Shoto. "He'll be alright. Just needs some time." she replied, her tone reassuring yet filled with concern.
Shoto shifted his weight, unsure of how to proceed. "I don't know how to help him," he admitted, frustration creeping into his voice.
Burnin studied him for a moment, recognizing the turmoil behind his calm facade. "You can't fix everything, Shoto. Sometimes just being there is enough. He needs someone to listen, not someone to solve his problems."
"It's his fault," Shoto muttered, guilt heavy on his shoulders. "If he hadn't pushed so hard..."
"It's nobody's fault," Burnin interrupted, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're both here to grow and learn. You can't control everything, especially how others feel. You just need to show him that you care. That's what matters."
Shoto frowned, his mind racing. He had never been good at dealing with emotions, especially those of others. "But what if I say the wrong thing?"
"Then just say what's in your heart," she replied with a gentle smile. "If you're honest with him, he'll appreciate it. He's fighting his own battles; he doesn't need you to have all the answers."
He sighed, contemplating her words.
"Just keep an eye on him, okay? You both need each other right now." she said, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping back.
Shoto nodded, his resolve strengthening as he watched her walk away.
...
Shoto walked beside him, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice low but steady.
"Everything you expected?"
Raio glanced at him, meeting his eyes briefly before looking away, his voice cold, flat. "No."
Shoto replied, leaning against a locker. "Next time, aim for 'slightly charred' instead of 'obliterated.'"
Raio smirked. "Got it. Slightly charred for training day two. You're really helping my confidence here." Raio shot back, a grin on his face.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Antedeguemon
Antedeguemon 1 - Talk about first impressions.
2- Don't meet your heroes is the theme I had in mind for this. Raio won't forget he's dealing with humans under those masks.
Have some idea about my story? Criticism? Feedback? Comment it and let me know.
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