After leaving the kids behind, Kaminari and Jirou got into the car, letting Kirishima take the wheel. The drive to the city was a long two-hour journey, but time passed quickly as Kaminari and Kirishima chatted, while Jirou was busy on her phone, texting the girls.
Kirishima glanced at Kaminari, a small smirk forming on his face. "So, that kid Tetsuo… he seems bright."
Kaminari raised a brow. "How'd you figure that out? He barely spoke."
Kirishima shrugged. "I dunno, something about him just reminded me of someone familiar." A certain broccoli-haired teen flashed through his mind, making him grin.
Kaminari chuckled. "Oh, trust me, I get that feeling every day." His smile faded slightly. "I just hope he gets what he dreams of."
Kirishima nodded, but before he could reply, Kaminari continued.
"But it also worries me." His tone turned more serious. "Being a hero… It's not the same as before. He looks up to you guys. I just—" He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I fear he'll be disappointed when he sees what's out there."
Kirishima placed a reassuring hand on Kaminari's shoulder. "Don't stress too much, man. I'm pretty sure that kid's got something special. Maybe he's exactly what hero society needs right now."
Kaminari offered a small smile, but his mind still lingered on his concerns.
The rest of the ride was filled with laughter and banter, though Kaminari couldn't help but steal glances at Jirou now and then, sending her silent signals.
Jirou's eyes narrowed. "Hold your horses, Battery Pack." A light blush dusted her cheeks.
Kirishima snickered, watching them. Even after nine years of marriage, Jirou still had that tsundere charm whenever Kaminari teased her. It was something Kaminari clearly enjoyed.
As Kirishima turned back to the road, his phone buzzed with a notification. He glanced at it briefly and smiled.
Waiting for you. <3"
It seemed Denki wasn't the only one with a date tonight.
At The Gathering
When the Kaminari family arrived at the venue, the atmosphere was already buzzing with excitement. The place was alive with laughter, old friends catching up, and warm embraces exchanged between classmates.
Though some couldn't make it in person, they had sent heartfelt messages and gifts. Others arrived later, still in their job attire after a long day of work.
Kaminari walked over to where Kirishima, Sero, and Ashido were gathered.
The moment Kirishima and Ashido saw each other, they instinctively linked arms, laughing like they'd never been apart.
Kaminari smirked and nudged them. "Okay, you two, when's the wedding?"
Ashido rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Kaminari. We're acting down for real this time."
Kirishima chuckled. "Yeah, man. We've been through a lot, but this time… we're serious."
Kaminari raised a brow. "About time, you two."
Sero, who had been quietly sipping his drink, let out a dramatic sigh. "Meanwhile, my dating life is going nowhere."
The group burst into laughter as Sero crossed his arms. "But hey, at least my business is thriving. Ever since I stepped down as a pro-hero, I've been focusing on expanding my company."
Kaminari clapped him on the back. "Good for you, man."
Before he could say more, Kaminari's gaze landed on someone familiar walking toward them. He blinked in surprise.
"Is that who I think it is?"
A familiar voice answered with a soft chuckle. "Denki."
Mineta stood before him, but he wasn't the same short, perverted kid from high school. He had grown—both in height and demeanor. He wasn't as tiny anymore, nearly reaching Kaminari's shoulder.
Kaminari grinned and threw an arm around him. "Whoa! Man, did you hit a growth spurt in your twenties or something?"
Mineta chuckled. "Guess I did." His tone was calmer, more composed than Kaminari remembered.
Nearby, another reunion was taking place.
Momo excitedly pulled Jirou into a hug. "Jirou! It's been too long."
Jirou smirked. "Well, someone's been busy. Madam Congress, huh? Don't go getting corrupted, Momo-chan."
Momo adjusted her glasses with a small smile. "Oh, come on. You know I only have the best interests at heart."
Before they could continue, the sound of a car pulling up caught everyone's attention.
The doors swung open—
And out stepped a man with a scowl, spiky ash-blond hair, and the same intimidating presence as always.
Katsuki Bakugo.
Before he could say a word, Kaminari, Ashido, Kirishima, and Sero rushed toward him like overexcited kids.
"BAKUGO!"
"Damn, it's been too long, man!"
Bakugo let out an annoyed huff, but the slight curve of his lips gave him away. "Yeah, yeah, you extras. Missed me already?"
Kirishima grinned, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "Of course, bro! It's not a real party without you!"
Laughter erupted as the reunion continued, but Kaminari glanced around. "Hey, where's Midoriya? Didn't he come with you?"
Hatsume Mei—still as energetic as ever—pushed up her goggles and scanned the area. "Midoriyas aren't here yet?"
Bakugo scoffed, crossing his arms. "They'll be here soon. Uraraka's meeting with her party members ran late."
Right on cue, another car pulled up.
As the door opened, a man with dual-colored hair stepped out, his very presence radiating power and authority.
Shoto Todoroki—the No. 1 Hero in Japan.
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
"NO. 1 IS IN THE HOUSE!" Sero called out, grinning.
From the same car, two figures followed.
Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka.
Mr. and Mrs. Midoriya.
The moment Bakugo saw them, he strode forward—
And without a word, pulled both Todoroki and Midoriya into a tight embrace.
No one spoke. They didn't need to.
After all these years, after everything they'd been through, this moment was enough.
Bakugo finally pulled back, smirking.
"How's it been, extras?"
And with that, the night truly began.