After returning home, Kaminari took a quick shower before informing his parents that he would be leaving for I-Island the day after tomorrow.
Since he would be away for three days, he naturally had to communicate with his family, especially considering he was only fifteen, still a minor.
"What? You got an invitation to I-EXPO too?"
His parents exchanged glances, surprised. They had actually planned to surprise him with the same news, they were going as a family of three.
"Too?" Kaminari blinked in confusion.
"Yeah. As a well-known entrepreneur, I received an invitation to the expo and can bring two family members with me," his father explained, a hint of pride in his eyes.
Though he tried to maintain a calm demeanor, it was clear he saw this as recognition of his career success.
"I see… It must be because of Dr. Tenma."
Kaminari then explained how he had received his own invitation through Dr. Tenma.
"That's perfect! We were actually worried because we couldn't bring Kyoka with us," his mother said cheerfully, clapping her hands. She genuinely liked Kyoka.
"Yeah, this way, we can take care of Dr. Tenma's son while you and Kyoka enjoy yourselves."
His father, on the other hand, had initially hoped Kaminari would end up with Momo. But since he had already chosen Kyoka, he had naturally accepted it.
"This is great!"
Kaminari was relieved, his parents were definitely more experienced when it came to taking care of kids.
"In that case, we have an extra spot left. Kaminari, call Tetsutetsu and ask if he's interested in going," his mother suggested with a smile.
"Got it!"
Kaminari immediately agreed. Sitting on the couch, he pulled out his phone and dialed Tetsutetsu's number.
Honestly, he had felt a bit guilty for not choosing him earlier. He had been too focused on Kyoka at the time, but now, things had worked out for the best.
Ring… Ring…
"Yo, Kaminari?!"
Tetsutetsu's voice sounded surprised. Before Kaminari could say anything, his friend continued.
"Whoa, weird timing—I was just about to call you! I need to ask you something!"
Kaminari blinked. "You were gonna call me?"
"Yeah! You've heard of I-Island, right?" Tetsutetsu's voice was filled with excitement.
Kaminari paused. He had a feeling he knew what was coming. "Wait… Don't tell me—you also got an invitation to I-EXPO?"
"Yeah!"
Tetsutetsu sounded a bit confused. "Wait, how'd you know?!"
"Why? Is it so weird that I have an invitation too?" Kaminari shot back.
"They told me I was invited as the first-year champion of the U.A. Sports Festival. I thought I was the only one!"
Tetsutetsu grumbled before continuing, "I get to bring two people with me, so I was just about to ask if you and Kyoka wanted to go."
Hearing this, Kaminari felt touched and a little ashamed.
Is this the difference between having a girlfriend and not?
When something good happens, if you have a girlfriend, you think of her first. If you don't, you think of your bro.
Kaminari then told Tetsutetsu about how he had gotten three spots through Dr. Tenma, as well as the three spots his father had received.
"That's why I was calling, to ask if you wanted to come with us!" Kaminari said, making it sound like his idea.
"Damn, man… I'm actually touched!"
On the other end, Tetsutetsu was so moved he felt like hugging Kaminari if he had been there in person.
"Cough, cough—chill out, bro," Kaminari muttered, embarrassed. He quickly changed the subject.
"You still have two guest spots, and I have one left. We need to decide who else to bring, or it'll go to waste."
"Yeah."
Tetsutetsu, who was sitting on his bed while casually lifting a 30-kilogram dumbbell with his other hand, thought for a moment before making his choice.
"Aside from you, I want to bring Kirishima. He's the manliest guy in class!"
"Fair enough. Your call. We'll all go together then."
After a bit more chatting, Kaminari hung up and turned to his parents.
"Well, looks like Tetsutetsu doesn't need our extra spot."
His parents exchanged glances before his father hesitantly suggested, "What about that girl, Momo Yaoyorozu?"
"Momo?"
Kaminari thought for a moment. "She should have gotten an invitation—her family's…"
"Ah. Right."
His father immediately realized it. If he had been invited, then Momo's wealthy family would definitely have been invited too.
Still, Kaminari called Momo to check.
As expected, her family had received three invitations. However, her parents weren't interested in attending.
After finding out that Kaminari and Kyoka already had their spots secured, Momo decided to invite Ashido, Asui, and some of the other girls, planning to let them guess who would go.
"Iida, being from a hero family, and Todoroki, as Endeavor's son, should also be going."
Kaminari realized that most of his classmates would probably be there. Given their backgrounds, many of them would have their own ways of securing an invitation.
"And Midoriya… if he's going, that means All Might will be there too."
At that thought, Kaminari's expression stiffened.
A strange feeling crept into his chest, an uneasiness he couldn't shake.
"Is something… going to happen on the island?"
For a brief moment, he considered canceling the trip altogether.
Maybe it would be safer to keep his parents and Tobio away from whatever was coming.
But rationally, that made no sense.
I-Island was a completely man-made fortress, home to over 70% of the world's leading scientists and researchers.
Its entire purpose was to push the limits of Quirk research and hero technology.
To protect that knowledge and the brilliant minds behind it, the entire island was mobile, constantly changing locations.
On top of that, Quirk usage was completely unrestricted there.
Yet, despite all that, not a single crime had ever taken place on the island since its construction.
It was the most technologically advanced place in the world, with the most sophisticated security systems, not to mention a heavy presence of pro heroes.
"There's no way something could go wrong… right?"
And yet…
For some reason, the images of Midoriya and All Might kept flashing in his mind.
"Why do I feel like something's off?"
(To be continued.)
***
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