In the hours that followed, compared to the chaos outside, the atmosphere on I-Island was calm and orderly.
The construction crews responsible for rebuilding the central tower's roof worked quietly, supported by advanced technology and Quirk abilities.
The professional Heroes recalled from various countries wore bitter smiles as they walked toward their respective boarding gates, apologizing to onlookers along the way.
This naturally included notable Heroes such as the Soloist, the Matador, the Peacock Lady, and the Queen Bee—names Midoriya Izuku had paid particular attention to earlier.
The troubles they were about to face were only beginning. Their careers and reputations were sure to take a serious hit.
At the same time, Melissa's father, Dr. David Shield—the primary culprit—was taken into custody by several American police officers and Heroes. Melissa naturally followed him.
At the time, emotional girls like Kyoka and Momo burst into tears. But thankfully, nothing had happened to Melissa herself, so while everyone felt sorry for her, the mood wasn't overly tragic.
After that, everyone went back to doing their own thing. Those without any tasks could continue enjoying the attractions on I-Island.
Meanwhile, Kaminari, Kyoka, Momo, and Bakugo were rehearsing intensely in the music hall.
In addition to rehearsing their new songs, they needed to practice their older tracks several more times due to the addition of Bakugo Katsuki.
"Only My Railgun," "Hero," "Braveheart," "Become a Pokémon Master," "Blue Bird," and their newest track, "Poem of Heroes," made up the setlist for tomorrow night's music banquet.
Additionally, Kaminari planned to use this golden opportunity to perform the theme song for his company's upcoming comic Yu-Gi-Oh.
That would be "Fierce Duelists," the piece he had played with Kyoka and her family before. If Bakugo could keep up and there was enough time, they'd also perform another instrumental-only track.
The reason he brought up that song was because he realized "Only My Railgun" didn't quite work as background music for an intense battle.
It worked better as entrance music. For instance, when he became a Hero in the future, he wanted "Only My Railgun" to play the moment he appeared.
When that music started, everyone would know, Kaminari Denki is here!
Its symbolic impact would rival All Might's iconic line, "It's fine now, because I am here!"
Kaminari firmly believed that the power of a great song could be just as impactful as a single powerful phrase.
In short, the BGM he wanted to compose this time was music meant to accompany a full-power fight, something intense and powerful.
As for how to play it at just the right time, he'd leave that to his good friend Pikachu!
For the other songs, like "In Your Heart LALALA," Kaminari had previously promised Kyoka he'd sing it only for her.
So, he would never upload that song online or perform it publicly. It was something private, just for the two of them.
"Bakugo's amazing. He picked up all the drum patterns so fast," Momo said in admiration.
"Tch." Bakugo, sitting at the drum kit, clicked his tongue and looked away as if it wasn't a big deal.
"Looks like you've been listening to our band's songs," Kaminari teased while fiddling with his electric guitar.
Bakugo's face instantly turned red, and he snapped, "Stop running your mouth already!!!"
"Okay, okay. Let's run through the old tracks again, then we'll start working on 'Poem of Heroes' and 'Justice Enforcement,'" Kaminari said casually.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kyoka, Momo, and the others exchanged glances. They had agreed beforehand not to disturb practice unless it was something important.
"Is it someone from I-Island?"
While they were speculating, the door slowly opened—and someone unexpected walked in.
Kyoka looked at the figure in surprise and asked, "Tokoyami-kun, why are you here?"
That's right—the one who entered was Tokoyami Fumikage, the most calm, soft-spoken, and second-most "cool guy" in the class!
"Well…" Tokoyami hesitated, opened his mouth, then closed it again, saying nothing.
The atmosphere became awkward. Kaminari and the others were eager to practice but didn't want to rush him, so they all just stared in silence.
"Oh my god… didn't you already think this through? Why are you hesitating now?"
Just when Kaminari Denki was about to tell him to hurry up or head out, Dark Shadow suddenly emerged from Tokoyami and shouted irritably.
"So, Tokoyami, what do you want to say?" Kaminari asked helplessly.
Tokoyami and Dark Shadow exchanged a look, and Dark Shadow offered, "Want me to say it for you?"
"Hmm… no. It's better if I say it myself," Tokoyami said after a brief pause.
"Alright, partner. It's up to you!" With that, Dark Shadow retreated back into Tokoyami, drawing everyone's attention to him once again.
"I want to join you," Tokoyami said softly as he walked forward.
"Join us?!" Kyoka looked at him in surprise. Momo followed up, "Tokoyami-kun, what can you do?"
Kaminari and Bakugo both looked quietly at Tokoyami as he pointed at Kaminari's electric guitar and said, "I can do that."
His tone was serious, resolute, and confident—so much so that everyone believed him. Kaminari immediately handed over the guitar.
"Then give it a try. Follow this sheet music."
Tokoyami slung the guitar over his shoulder without hesitation, took the sheet, and looked down. The title at the top caught his attention immediately.
"Justice Enforcement…"
Seeing a title so full of power, Tokoyami's dark eyes lit up.
The four others watched silently as Tokoyami studied the notes. Kaminari was especially focused, because he had realized a weakness in their band.
They didn't have a dedicated guitarist. Normally, Kaminari could sing and play at the same time, but during longer concerts, doing both would exhaust him.
The energy and stamina needed for singing and playing together was far greater than doing either alone. That's why most bands had separate lead vocalists and guitarists.
If Fumikage could really take on the role of guitarist, not only would it solve their issues for tomorrow's I-Island concert, it would help with all future medium and large-scale performances.
"—T…"
Tokoyami handed the sheet music back to Kaminari, then began to familiarize himself with the electric guitar. Soon, he launched into a smooth impromptu solo.
His fingers were a bit stiff at first, but as time passed, his playing grew more fluid and confident by the second.
"That's it!"
As the impromptu solo ended and the final note faded, Tokoyami raised his head and looked straight at Kaminari.
"Let's begin, Captain."
Kaminari was stunned for a second, then broke into a satisfied smile. He clapped his hands, signaling Kyoka, Momo, and Bakugo to take their positions.
Ten seconds later, a thrilling ensemble rang out in the music hall. At that moment, the BGM once known as "Justice Enforcement" from One Punch Man was brought to life in this world by the Pikachu Band!
Male vocalist and leader – Kaminari Denki!
Female vocalist and bassist – Kyoka Jiro!
Manager and keyboardist – Momo Yaoyorozu!
Drummer – Bakugo Katsuki!
Lead guitarist – Tokoyami Fumikage!
At this moment, the full five-member pro-level band of Heroes, one with the brightest future was complete… and they would take the stage before the entire world tomorrow night.
(To be continued.)
***
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