Hearing All-For-One's words, Kaminari immediately understood what he meant. The risk of allowing the other party to implant this so-called "electricity-absorbing Quirk" into his body was self-evident.
First, the man had previously mentioned that multiple Quirks could cause severe physical collapse or damage to the brain and spirit.
Although All-For-One claimed he had successfully tested it on others, his words were far from trustworthy. Even if it worked once, it didn't guarantee a 100% success rate.
Kaminari didn't buy it. How many experiments could the guy have possibly run? A hundred? A thousand? He suspected it was more like a dozen attempts followed by dozens of casualties.
Secondly, beyond the potential risks of receiving the Quirk, the very act of letting someone capable of stealing Quirks touch him was terrifying.
Who could guarantee that All-For-One wouldn't suddenly decide to take his Quirk instead of giving him a new one?
This was a gamble, a bet on his future, his life, and on the integrity of someone who definitely didn't look trustworthy.
Would he, Kaminari Denki, dare to make that bet?
The alley fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the occasional sound of distant car horns.
When the soft moonlight peeked through the drifting clouds, it bathed Kaminari in its pale glow, illuminating half of his figure. Two contrasting tones, light and shadow danced on his body, sharp and distinct.
All-For-One and the Pikachu beside him watched quietly as Kaminari made his decision.
After a long pause, Kaminari raised his gaze. His golden eyes, which had been downcast in contemplation, now stared directly at All-For-One.
At that moment, the moonlight suddenly vanished as thick clouds once again veiled the moon.
"'Pikachu'—Combat Mode!"
"Pi-ka!"
With a crackling sound, Pikachu leaped into the air. A dazzling golden light burst forth like a miniature sun, banishing the darkness around them.
As the brilliance settled, Kaminari's body was clad in a luxurious, glowing robe of gold. The light dimmed to a faint shimmer, resembling golden ripples flowing across the surface of the fabric.
"Oh? So you've chosen to refuse my gift?" All-For-One asked with evident disappointment. He suddenly felt he'd underestimated Kaminari's resolve.
"No," Kaminari shook his head. "I accept your gift, and I sincerely thank you. But that doesn't mean I won't take precautions."
He wasn't naive. Even if he suspected that resistance would be futile if All-For-One tried to steal his Quirk, he wouldn't stand there unprepared.
"Hahaha... You really are interesting, Kaminari-kun."
"Thanks. Well then... shall we begin?" Kaminari extended his hand.
He had deliberately chosen the "Combat Mode" because it left his palms uncovered. He couldn't be sure if physical contact was necessary for All-For-One's Quirk to work.
"Of course."
Without hesitation, All-For-One placed his large hand atop Kaminari's.
The clouds shifted once more, allowing the moonlight to return. It cast a pale glow on the moment of contact.
Buzz!
Golden electricity crackled from All-For-One's palm, flowing into Kaminari's hand.
Gradually, the glow faded from the larger hand while the smaller one began to shimmer with a golden halo. The energy spread rapidly up Kaminari's arm like golden flames.
"Urgh..."
Kaminari grimaced as a wave of burning heat surged through his body. It felt like scalding steam rampaging through his veins.
Golden halos shimmered across his body, and tiny golden particles appeared on his exposed skin—his face, neck, and hands. These particles vanished upon contact with his skin, like snowflakes melting on warm water.
"'Pikachu'—stop charging immediately!"
Kaminari frowned as he sensed the electricity in his body surging at an alarming rate.
Since the fight with All Might had left him nearly drained, Pikachu had been steadily replenishing his reserves from the energy crystal.
"Hah..."
The moment the charging stopped, Kaminari exhaled in relief. Without Pikachu's energy input, the power build-up slowed significantly.
He quickly compared the efficiency of this new Quirk to his battle suit's charging capabilities.
If the suit could store nearly four million volts in about four hours, this new Quirk would take at least eight to ten hours to reach the same level.
"This Quirk... feels a bit weak."
All-For-One chuckled, seemingly unsurprised by Kaminari's reaction.
"Of course. This Quirk is like a newly awakened ability in a four-year-old child."
"What?!" Kaminari's eyes widened. "Didn't you say it came from an adult? Quirks usually grow stronger with the body's development!"
"Hehehe..."
All-For-One chuckled softly, his tone resembling that of an elder amused by a child's innocent question.
"Kaminari-kun, there's no such thing as a perfect Quirk. Do you really think I can steal someone's Quirk and transfer it while retaining all its original power?"
"No matter how much training or development the previous owner invested in their Quirk, once I take it, it reverts to its base level. You'll need to train it from scratch, though the original owner's methods might offer some insight."
Kaminari slowly nodded, processing the explanation.
"That... actually makes sense. I guess I was being naive."
He shifted his gaze back to All-For-One.
"Now tell me, what do you really want from me? I don't believe you gave me this Quirk without expecting something in return.
"But let me be clear: I'm grateful, but I won't blindly follow your orders. If I don't agree with something, I'll refuse without hesitation."
All-For-One raised both hands in a gesture of feigned helplessness.
"I'm just very interested in you. That's all. There's no hidden motive here."
The moonlight in Saitama City that night was bright and clear.
In the alley, the shadows of the two figures stretched long on the ground, one large, one small. They stood close together, but their shadows never overlapped.
***
This book is complete. Support me on Patreon to read all advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.