Chương 20: U.A Festival (A brother's resolve)
At the infirmary, Recovery Girl is standing over Kaminari with a scowl on her face.
"Kaminari, this is the third time you've ended up in my infirmary this tournament. You need to start taking better care of yourself," she scolds.
Kaminari chuckles nervously and scratches the back of his head. "Sorry, Recovery Girl. I'll try to be more careful next time."
Suddenly, the door bursts open and in rush Kaminari's parents.
As Kaminari's parents entered the infirmary, they both wore expressions of concern mixed with pride. Maxwell, as usual, had a stoic expression, but the glimmer in his eyes revealed his pride for his son's performance. Edith, on the other hand, had a soft smile on her face as she approached Kaminari's bed.
"Raio, are you alright?" Edith asked, gently placing a hand on her son's arm.
Kaminari grinned and gave his mom a thumbs-up. "I'm fine, Mom! Just a little tired."
Maxwell leaned in and examined his son's injuries. "Good thing girls fancy scars. You did well, son. We're proud of you," he said in his usual monotone voice. Kaminari couldn't help but feel happy but at the same time unneased at his father's appraisal.
"Thanks, Dad."
As Kaminari's parents kept on, Todoroki caught a glimpse of them out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't help it, watching Kaminari, a boy who had the same upbringing as he did but contrary to him he still has their support made Todoroki feel but a twinge of envy at the sight. Quietly, he pondered his own relationship with his father and wondered what it would be like to have parents who cared about him in the same way.
Todoroki's thoughts were only paused when he felt a hand gently land on his shoulder, being so deep into his own thoughts, he failed to realize Edith coming over to his bed. "You fought well," she said. Todoroki was taken aback, but nodded in response, still feeling the effects of the intense battle.
"I...I didn't win," Todoroki muttered.
Maxwell spoke up, "But you did your best, that's what matters."
Todoroki gave a small nod, "Thank you."
Edith suddenly embraced Todoroki in a warm hug. At first, Todoroki was taken aback by the suddenness of it, but then he relaxed and welcomed the embrace. It was like a motherly hug, something he had been deprived of for so long.
"You did amazing, Shoto," Edith whispered. "We're proud of you."
Todoroki felt a warmth spread through him at her words. "Thank you," he said quietly...
"But you're hurting me."
Edith quickly released him from the hug, looking apologetic. "Sorry, dear," she said with a smile.
Todoroki couldn't help but feel grateful for the small moment of warmth and affection.
Kaminari watched as Todoroki received the hug from Edith, and couldn't help but feel happy for him. It was clear that Todoroki wasn't used to receiving that kind of affection, but he seemed to welcome it nonetheless.
...
"You two, parents of Kaminari, come over." The sweet moment was interrupted by Recovery Girl's stern face, something that made them get worried. As they came back over to Raio's bed, Recovery Girl started.
"There's no easy way of saying this, so I will just say it as it is. Kaminari, your injuries will not be able to heal until your next match." She says as she flips over papers. Edith and Maxwell look at each other, Raio watches his arm, still mangled and with signs of frostbite, and his shoulder's scar.
"Raio's healing factor is not enough?" Maxwell asked.
"It is more than enough, actually, the only reason his arm is not necrotic is because of his healing factor keeping the frostbite away. Nevertheless, the damage is extensive, not just from this bout with Todoroki but from the previous ones as well, the accumulation of injuries suffered from both his opponents and from his quirk usage is overwhelming the healing factor, and my quirk can only do so much." She continued.
Edith is looking at Raio's injuries, quietly pondering. Maxwell crosses his arms, not knowing what to say.
"The way I see it, there's only two options to consider: forfeith the finals or fight injured. As your doctor, I strongly advise you to not continue, no golden medal is worth this." Recovery Girl's words struck Raio deep, he didn't know what to do, what to say.
"There may be a third option." Maxwell spoke, the mere suggestion was enough to have him getting glares from both Edith and Raio.
"Raio, your coll-"
"I am not ready." Before Maxwell could finish, Raio interjected, there was no doubt on his mind, he was not ready to take the collar off.
"I understand you feel this way, son, but you and I both know that the only reason your injuries have not been healed yet is because of your restrainer. If you take it off, maybe you could stay on the tournament." Maxwell's idea doesn't sit well, Raio's attempts with Jirou and Yaoyorozu were nowhere near as successful.
"Maxwell, you cannot be serious, nevermind what taking the collar off might do to Raio, we have to consider what it might do with his classmate." Edith finally spoke, her reasoning sound, Raio's power unleashed could be fatal.
"He got so far, to stop right here..."
"We need to think about the safety of others..."
Recovery Girl's office fell silent as Edith and Maxwell discussed Kaminari's collar. Todoroki tried to tune them out, but the sound of their voices made it hard to concentrate on anything else. Suddenly, the door to the office burst open, and Endeavor strode in. Todoroki's fists clenched at the sight of his father.
His eyes burned with fury as he glared at the three of them.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," Endeavor said. "And let me tell you this: Kaminari's next opponent will be insulted if he holds back. He needs to show his true power and fight like a true hero."
Endeavour took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "You both make good points," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "But in the end, it's Kaminari's decision. He's the one who has to face his opponent in the finals. And he can't do that if he's holding back."
As he walks forward, he completely ignores Todoroki, who can't help but be furious.
Endeavour glared at Raio. "If Kaminari is going to be a hero, he needs to be willing to take risks. He needs to be willing to push his limits, to go beyond what he thinks he's capable of. Otherwise, he'll never be a true hero."
"Kaminari's next opponent will be insulted if he holds back," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "And what will that accomplish? You'll be giving your opponent the upper hand, and that's something you can't afford to do in this competition."
Edith spoke up, her voice shaking slightly. "But what if he gets hurt? What if he can't heal?"
"He's a hero," Endeavour said firmly. "He knows the risks. And he's willing to take them. It's his decision, not ours."
Todoroki couldn't help but speak up. "That's not Kaminari's style," he said firmly. "He fights to protect, not to win at all costs."
Endeavor shot his son a withering glare. "You lost to him, didn't you?" he spat. "While holding back no less. Don't you think that's an insult?"
Todoroki's eyes narrowed. He could feel the anger rising in him. "Kaminari won fair and square," he said through gritted teeth. "And he did it without using his full power. That's something to be respected."
Endeavor snorted. "Respect is earned through victory, not pity," he retorted.
"Endeavor, please lower your voice." The door to the infirmary burst open and in walked All Might, looking somber, he said in a stern but calm tone. "I understand your concerns, but we must remember that Kaminari is still recovering. The decision of whether or not to remove his collar must be made carefully, with his health and safety in mind."
Endeavor scowled, but he seemed to relent. "Fine," he growled. "It's Kaminari's decision, not ours. But don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the office. But not before giving Todoroki a hard look. "And you," he said, his voice full of contempt. "Don't let your emotions get in the way of your duty. You're a hero too, whether you like it or not."
Todoroki bristled at the words, but remained silent, his eyes fixed on the floor.
All Might walked into the room and sat down next to Kaminari. "Hey, kid. How are you feeling?"
Kaminari looked at him with a mix of emotions. "I'm alright, considering the circumstances," he said with a weak smile. "But All Might, why are you here?"
"Although I was worried about the well being of both of you, indeed I have come in here for other reasons." All Might nodded, looking at Kaminari intently. "I wanted to talk to you about something," he said, pausing for a moment.
"What is it?" Kaminari asked, his heart pounding in his chest.
"The bout is over, Bakugou Katsuki will be your final opponent," All Might said, watching Kaminari's reaction closely.
Kaminari's eyes widened in shock. Bakugou was one of the strongest students in the class, and Kaminari knew he would have to go all out if he wanted to beat him, he knows there was no holding back if he hopes to win the Festival. It seems as if the universe is giving him no other alternatives.
"I came here to know if you are able to continue with the finals. If you choose to forfeit, there shall be no shame at all."
Kaminari stood silent for a moment before speaking.
"Let's do this." Raio's resolve echoed through his words.
"But Raio, your injuries... We can't let you do that." Edith tried to reason with her son once more.
"I remember the day Ana told me she wanted to be a hero," Kaminari began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought it was just a phase, like all kids go through. But she was serious. She wanted to make a difference, to help people. And I... I just laughed it off. I didn't think she could do it."
He paused for a moment, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the tumultuous emotions within him. "But then... she died. And it was my fault. I didn't do enough to protect her. I didn't believe in her enough. And now... now she's gone, and I'll never be able to tell her how sorry I am."
Kaminari wiped a tear from his cheek, his resolve hardening. "But I can make it up to her. I can become the hero she wanted to be. I can make a difference, just like she would have. And that's why I have to do this. I have to compete in the tournament, even if it means risking my own safety. Because if I don't... if I don't, then what's the point? I'll just be another failure, another disappointment. And Ana... she deserves better than that."
He stood up, ignoring the pain, his determination shining in his eyes. "I'm going to do this, Mom. For Ana. This is my way of atoning for my failure. I can't let her dream die with her. It's the least I can do for her.""
Silence took over the infirmary, Edith couldn't help but shed tears, Maxwell looked away, trying to hold back his. Todoroki watched from afar, All Might smiled as Recovery Girl sighed.
"It is decided then, there will be no changing his mind." All Might spoke, his voice breaking as if he is trying to contain tears.
...
The stadium erupted in cheers as Present Mic announced that the final match would indeed take place. The tension in the air was palpable as the audience eagerly waited for the two powerhouses to face off against each other.
Mina leaned over to Uraraka, "Who do you think will win?"
Uraraka shook her head, "It's hard to say. Kaminari has come a long way and he's determined to win, but Bakugou is really tough."
Kirishima nodded in agreement, "Bakugou's got some serious power, but Kaminari's got some tricks up his sleeve. I wouldn't count him out just yet."
Midoriya looked on with a worried expression, "I just hope Kaminari isn't pushing himself too hard. He's been through a lot already."
"He's gonna need more than tricks to take on Bakugou," Mina pointed out. "But I'm rooting for him anyway."
"I just hope they both come out of it okay," Uraraka said, looking worried. "I don't want anyone to get seriously hurt."
Present Mic's voice boomed through the arena, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's the moment you've all been waiting for! The final match of the U.A. Sports Festival is about to begin!"
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