Hello again, Just to let you know I will be in a short haitus for now but I will be back on July 7th, I am going to Cali in a couple of weeks so yeah. Also for this chapter, this might be my longest chapter yet and I have some doubts that it will deliver, I don't know, I'll have to see what you guys think of it. Anyways on with Chapter 27. Also I might start responding to your reviews when I get back from vacation.

Chapter 27

Into the Bright Era


Izuku glared at his captor as Ivan evily smiled at the young hero. Ivan then started to laugh as he then looked at Kensei and Mura. Ivan snapped his fingers as two of his soldiers brought out a table filled with all sorts of knives and tools.

"I've received orders from the Prime Minister himself," Ivan grabbed a knife on the table as he glanced at the edge of the blade.

"Weird how the Emperor wants you alive but the Prime Minister. Oh he's a different story,"

Ivan then swiftly turned around as he then jabbed the knife into Izuku's left shoulder.

Izuku widened his eyes, "GRAAAAGH!" Izuku screamed in pain.

Ivan wickedly laughed as he then twisted and turned the knife in the wound as Izuku clenched his teeth in pain as he felt the blade move around in his shoulder.

"The Prime Minister wants you dead, he didn't say how or why but as long as you're dead, he's satisfied." Ivan whispered into Izuku's ears.

Izuku glared at him as he tried to move.

"Oh don't even think about moving, the poison Helios gave you all will last through the whole day, then his lackey will come and give you another dose," Ivan mentioned.

Ivan's gauntlet started to heat up as it then connected to the knife, transferring the heat in the knife while it was still embedded into Izuku's shoulder. Izuku could hear a sizzling as he then felt a burning sensation through his shoulder.

Izuku screamed in pain as he felt his shoulder was on fire inside. Ivan pulled the knife out as he started to laugh maniacally.

"This is going to be a hell of a time, this is what you get for trying to rebel against the Empire. You'll all die a gruesome death, mercy will not fall upon these wretched souls," Ivan exclaimed.

Izuku heavily breathed out as he looked at his shoulder and noticed that it was blackened with blood leaking out. Izuku then noticed his hands fully covered with metal, he felt his bracelets still attached to his wrist.

"If you think this is over Deku, then you are sadly mistaken," Ivan called out.

Izuku turned to see Ivan going through the table, looking for which tool would give them all hell.

Ivan then grabbed a tweezer as he walked up to Mura.

"I'm going to torture you physically and mentally, hero," Ivan looked at Izuku.

Izuku widened his eyes as Ivan positioned the tweezer in front of Mura's left eye.

"Stop…" Izuku whispered.

Mura's eyes were widened in fear as the tweezers closed in on his left eye.

"Stop it," Izuku demanded.

Ivan's smile grew wider as he then pulled back the tweezer as he then prepared to jab it into his eye. Mura tried to move away from the tweezers as it got closer and closer towards his eye.

"You better clench yourself," Ivan warned as he then swiftly jammed the tweezer into his eye.

"STOP IT!"

"AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"


With Akame

Akame abruptly woke up as she gasped for air, she quickly sat up as she looked around her room. She placed her hand on her face as she felt a cold sweat on her forehead.

Akame looked down at her left to see Eri sleeping peacefully. Akame smiled as she gently patted her head, she got up from her bed gently. She grabbed Murasame as she headed towards where she put her clothes.

She changed into her usual attire as she walked out of the temporary base. As she walked out of the building she saw Najenda sitting near a fireplace she made.

Najenda noticed Akame as she waved at her. Akame waved back as she approached her boss.

"Couldn't sleep," Najenda guessed.

Akame nodded as she sat down next to her as she placed Murasame next to her. She stared at the fire as Najenda took a whiff of her cigarette.

"Are you worried about him," Najenda said.

Akame nodded as she clenched her fists together.

"Whenever I see him go on a mission, I always worry, worry that he may never come back," Akame stated.

Najenda nodded as she looked at the fire, "Well, it isn't your first time is it,"

Akame shook her head, "I don't know why but this feels like it just keeps getting worse,"

"Well it's because you love him right? You said it yourself," Najenda deduced.

Akame looked at Najenda, "Maybe that's the case, I don't know,"

Najenda looked at Akame with worry as she sighed.

"Look Akame, he's not going to-"

"Izuku Midoriya is not going to die," a voice appeared behind them.

They swiftly turned around to see a man with a fox mask and dressed in all black.

"Who are you," Akame stood up and drew Murasame out.

Najenda placed her hand in front of Akame, "Wait Akame, you're the one Izuku talked about when he did his first mission,"

He bowed his head, "A pleasure to meet ex-general Najenda and the infamous Akame, I go by Kitsune,"

"I figure it's coming from the mask you're wearing," Najenda sarcastically stated.

Kitsune chuckled as he stood up straight, "I rather not reveal my face, yet that is,"

Akame stood ready in case he did anything.

"Why are you here Kitsune, what is your goal," Najenda interrogated.

"Good question, why am I here, and to answer your second question. My goal is the same as the Revolutionary Army, to end the Empire," Kitsune answered.

"As to why am I here, I am here for her," He pointed towards Akame.

Akame widened her eyes, "For what reason," Najenda responded back.

"I guess I can fill you in. Tell me, what do you know about Izuku's world," he asked.

"Not much, just that almost everyone in his world is filled with powers," Najenda answered.

Kitsune shook his head, "Tsk, Tsk not that, I mean about how there is a symbol in his world,"

"A Symbol?" Akame asked.

"Indeed, Akame. He never talked about his mentor did he,"

"Just only once but why do you know this," Akame asked.

"I know everything, about how he carries the mantle of becoming the next generation's greatest hero," Kitsune responded.

Akame and Najenda widened their eyes as Kitsune looked up at the sky as the crescent moon was above them.

"Yes, the boy carries the weight of being a symbol in his world, but what better way to test his capabilities when he can become this world's savior," Kitsune preached.

Najenda and Akame glared at the man, "You're not suggesting…" Najenda growled.

"Oh but I am, Izuku Midoriya! Will become this world's Greatest Hero and Pillar of Hope!" The man exclaimed.

Akame and Najenda looked at the man as if he was crazy.

"Is that why he's here, to fill in this Pillar that you suggest?" Najenda questioned.

Kitsune nodded, "Indeed but the reason why I seek Akame is…"

He pointed towards her, "Can you keep up with him once he becomes that Pillar," he questioned her.

Akame widened her eyes as Kitsune laughed.

"Well, it doesn't matter at this point, one day, he will gain the notice of the entire Empire and Revolutionary." Kitsune stated.

Kitsune took a step forward as Najenda glared at the man.

"Ooh, that's a scary look. No wonder why you were once a general," Kitsune complimented.

"Is that all you have to say because from what I can tell, there's more to it than just that," Najenda deduced.

Kitsune halted as he then pointed at her, "Oh I am afraid that is it, just a warning though. Are you sure you can keep this operation from Izuku,"

Najenda widened her eyes in shock as she turned to Akame, signaling her with her hand.

Akame swiftly appeared in front of Kitsune as her blade was inches away from his neck.

Kitsune laughed as he looked Akame in the eyes, "Out of everyone in this world, he wishes to save you, so…what will you do for him?"

Akame flinched as she then swiped her blade but hit only air as he vanished into the shadows. Akame stood there as she stared at the place where he stood. The words that he uttered when he vanished were etched into the assassin's mind. She wondered though, what could she do for him.

Najenda placed her hand on Akame's shoulder as she turned towards her boss.

"Are you alright?" Najenda asked.

Akame nodded as she sheathed her blade back into the scabbard. She looked up to the sky as she wondered why Kitsune knew so much about Izuku, and who was he anyways?.


Eastern Mountain Village

Natasha swung her sword as the snow gently fell and was swiftly blown away after each swing she did. While she was swinging her sword, all she could remember was her fight against the Vigilante Deku. How she was easily blown away in an instant. The skills, the power, and prowess, she was outclassed in all of those. The white haired girl knew the world outside her village was filled with strong and skilled people. But Deku himself was holding back his strength, he wasn't using his full strength.

That's what her father wanted to see, the full strength of the Vigilante, but in the end she couldn't even match up against him. She was way too outclassed. She gritted her teeth as she then swung her sword with all her might, the wind blew as she swung.

He breathed heavily as she felt the cold snowflakes drop on her body.

She remembered the events that happened in the morning. How they lured them to what could eventually be their demise. She gripped her sword, as she bit her lip.

"Natasha?" Her father called.

She turned to see the man behind her with a worried expression on his face.

"Is everything alright," he asked.

She didn't answer as she just looked down at the ground.

Helios knew what she was thinking, he placed a hand on her shoulder as she glanced over her shoulder to look him in the eye.

"I know you may think this isn't the right choice of action, but please understand… I am doing this for the sake of the village… for your sake as well." He told her.

She turned around as she looked at him with guilt, "How? How is any of this helping us, our people are enslaved by the very people who killed Julian and Mother!"

Helios flinched at the mention of the people his daughter mentioned.

"And now they hold the very person who can possibly get us out of this hell hole," she growled.

She stomped her foot on the snow as she looked up at her father.

"HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW THAT MAN THAT HAS BEEN TORMENTING US FOR YEARS NOW!"

"Because I have no Choice!" He shouted back.

Natasha flinched as she looked at her father in shock.

"It's because I have no choice… Natasha, I hate that man as much as you do… but I can't let my hatred blind me from protecting my people. I have to cast my emotions aside in order to keep my people safe," Helios grudgingly stated.

She stood there silent as Helios waited for her to reply, he sighed as he turned around and headed towards their hut.

"Even if it means to enslave your own people,"

Helios stopped as he turned to see Natasha on the verge of tears. Helios widened his eyes as he watched her run away from him. He brought his hand as he tried to call out to her but he stopped as he remembered the last words that uttered his wife's dying breath.

"Pro…tect…Natasha…"

The voice that haunts him to this day and the vision of his deceased son that laid in his arms.

Helios gritted his teeth as he clenched his fists.

"Why…why is this world so cruel…"

After a few hours later the sun started to set as Helios waited for his daughter to come back but she never came, he was starting to get worried as he was about to head out of his hut, but only to be stopped by the abrupt opening of his door as one of the villagers was panting heavily.

"What's wrong," Helios asked.

The villager looked at Helios with panic in his eyes.

"It's Natasha, she's heading towards Ivan's camp!"

Helios eyes widened, "Gather two of the most skilled men and have them meet me at the entrance of the gate,"

"Roger!" The villager left quickly as Helios cursed under his breath.

"Natasha…"


With Izuku

"AAAAAARGH!"

Izuku screamed in pain as he was continuously getting cut all around his body. Ivan continuously slashed his body, leaving cuts on his chest, arms and legs. Ivan smiled maniacally as he enjoyed the site.

Ivan grabbed a bottle from his table as he opened as he then let a droplet fall on one of Izuku's wounds. Izuku widened his eyes as he felt the pain intensify even more than before.

"AAAAARGH!"

Izuku screamed in pain, all while Ivan was enjoying the site and screaming. Izuku was heavily panting as Ivan grabbed his hair and shifted his head to look at his torturer.

Ivan looked at Izuku as he grinned but noticed the light in his eyes, he clicked his tongue as he let go of Izuku as the latter was too exhausted to even hold up his head.

While Ivan enjoyed his torture session, he didn't receive any information from the two Revolutionary scouts. He then looked at Mura as the man was unconscious and was missing his left eye. Ivan looked at the floor to see the latter's eye was on the floor.

He then looked at the other scout as he had a black eye and lashes around his body as well, covered in cuts and bruises he still was able to remain conscious. Ivan then looked at Izuku as he grinned.

"I forgot to ask Deku, a hero like yourself. How does it feel to be ratted out by the very people you were trying to help?" Ivan grabbed Izuku's chin and lifted his head up.

Izuku glared at the man as Ivan had an amused look.

"This is what happens when you try to meddle into businesses that don't revolve around you, look at where you are now, in depths of despair," Ivan stated.

Izuku didn't say anything, he only glared at the man as Ivan chuckled, "Just keep that look, I enjoy wiping faces like that once they realize that there is nothing they can do,"

Ivan snapped his fingers as guards rushed in as they grabbed the tool cart that he had in the cell and moved it out of the cell. Ivan was now following behind the guards as he stopped and turned around and looked at Izuku.

"See you in the morning, I can't wait," he gleed as he stepped out of the cell as the guard closed the door and locked it. Izuku heard their footsteps get farther and farther. After it was quiet, Izuku tried to move but all the pain was getting to him as he couldn't muster the strength to even channel One for All.

After struggling, he grunted as he heavily breathed as he looked at the Mura, he gritted his teeth as he just watched Ivan tear his eye out. Izuku was asking in anger as he felt like he couldn't do anything.

"Grrrr DAMN IT!" He shouted in frustration. Izuku felt useless as he didn't know what to do, he was still grasping the situation. This was the first time he was in this situation, the pain he felt, the torture methods that they used on them, he felt so angry with himself.

Izuku felt useless

He felt like a "Deku"

The "Deku" who couldn't do anything.

"De…ku…"

Izuku widened his eyes as he turned towards the voice to see Mura was still awake.

"So…rry…we got…you…caught up…in…this…mess…" Mura uttered. His voice was strained from all the screaming he did. Izuku shook his head as he looked at the ground.

"It's not…your fault," Izuku said quietly.

Izuku looked at the beaten scout, "Don't waste your energy… you should rest,"

Mura chuckled, "I…don't think…I can…for what's… in store for us…"

Izuku grimaced as he just wanted to disappear. He failed to realize the situation beforehand which cost them so much.

"If you're going to wallow away then go right ahead…but I'm not giving up damn it," Kensei blurted.

Izuku widened his eyes as he looked at the latter on his left.

"I'm not going down until I see the Empire fall, until we finally are free from this hell hole." Kensei looked at Izuku.

"For once, we now have a chance, a chance to be free from this dark place. I'm not about to lose to some guy who gets his kicks out of torturing people. I'm not going to let him win," Kensei grinned

"I'm going to take back what they took from us," Kensei exclaimed as his eyes never lost any light in them.

Izuku widened his eyes as he looked at Kensei, he felt ashamed of himself, here he was giving up when he shouldn't, so many people are suffering and yet here he is just wallowing away.

'What is wrong with me, Kensei hasn't given up so why should I? There are people who fight and endure the worst. Why should I give up when the Revolutionary Army is giving it their all to achieve the light again!' Izuku thought as he chuckled.

Kensei looked at the hero as well as Mura. Izuku stopped as he lifted his head up as he looked at the cell door.

"You're right, sorry that was uncool of me. We are going to take back what they took, to fight back when those who can't…beyond the door lie people suffering more than me. I can't falter now," Izuku determinedly agreed.

Kensei grinned, "Damn straight! Now let's figure a way out and-!"

Before he could speak any further, he heard footsteps approach their cell as all three of them looked to see the same girl that Izuku fought against at the village.

She had glass bottles that had an orange fluid in them. The girl opened the cell as she approached them.

"Oh…would you look at here…the backstabbing…bitch…" Kensei uttered.

She glared at him as she approached Izuku as she brought the bottle up to his face.

"Please…"

Izuku looked at the girl that was filled with mixed emotions.

"Please save my village…" she whispered.

"I'm sorry…what was that…?" Kensei asked.

She sighed as she looked at Izuku dead in the eye,"Please save my village,"

She looked at Izuku with pleading eyes as she was on the verge of tears. Izuku wanted to ask why, but then again, he couldn't ignore a person pleading for help. Izuku knew the risk of saying this but everyone has a story, whether or not that they can be trusted or not, he couldn't ignore it.

"I will," he firmly answered.

The girl looked at him with bewilderment. She then opened the bottle, she didn't think he would accept so quickly. She thought she had to put up more of a fight to convince him but when she looked into the hero's eye, all she saw was determination.

She rummaged through her bag as she pulled out three bottles that contained an orange liquid inside of it.

"Here this is the anti-serum for the poison I drugged you all," she stated.

"How can…we trust you…" Mura asked.

She flinched as she looked down.

Izuku looked at her, "Your name…is Natatsha…right?"

She nodded as Izuku looked at her grey eyes. Izuku opened his mouth as Natasha widened her eyes as she then proceeded to feed him the supposed antiserum. Izuku drank it all as he noticed it tasted like medicine, it was strong that made Izuku gag a bit.

"Hey! What are you doing!" A voice called out.

An imperial Soldier spotted her as she turned around as she hid the bottle behind her.

"I was just giving them another dose of the poison, I thought that was what Captain Ivan wanted," she lied.

The imperial looked at her with suspicion, he then walked up to her as he then pushed her aside as he then looked at Izuku as he had his eyes closed.

Mura and Kensei widened their eyes as he wasn't moving at all, not a flinch.

The soldier widened his eyes, "Damn it woman! You killed-!"

Izuku's body then lit up as electricity danced around him as he then opened his eyes as he then ripped off the restraints on his left hand.

'Full Cowling 30%!'

Izuku then shoved his fist onto the man's face as he then sent the soldier flying. Knocking the man out cold as he laid there, leaning against the wall, slumped.

In an instant he felt a shock of pain course through his arm as his left arm fell limp. Izuku looked at the wound that Ivan left as it was still causing him to lose his concentration.

Natasha came up to him as she then started to treat the wound on his left shoulder. She gently placed a cold towel on it as Izuku winced in pain.

She then proceeded to grab bandages out of her bag that she had as she wrapped over his wound. Izuku knew he wouldn't be able to use his left arm. As of right now he deduced that he could only use 15% of One for All right now.

He didn't want to risk bleeding out while using his full power. Izuku then looked at his right as he then used 15% on his right arm as he then tried to push his arm out as he struggled to free himself. Natasha then pulled out her weapon as she jabbed her blade on the wall where the restraints were attached to as she then used her blade as a crowbar to pull the restraints off.

Izuku then used more force as he could hear the restraints starting to budge as he then fully ripped it off. Izuku then fell down as he breathed heavily. Izuku struggled to get up as his legs were still not fully functional. As he stood up he wobbled a bit as Natasha held him in place he then shook his head, signaling that he could stand.

Izuku then flexed his right arm as it was a bit more functional than his left. Izuku then activated Full Gauntlet on his right as he charged a 20% on the right as he then grabbed Mura's chains and smashed it into pieces as the latter fell to the ground as Izuku barely caught him in time as he leaned the man against the wall as Mura was catching his breath. Natasha came up to him as she fed him the antiserum.

Izuku then proceeded to move towards Kensei as he then smashed the chains that were holding him up. Kensei fell on his shoulders as Izuku also placed him against the walls. Izuku looked around and spotted their clothes on the counter that Ivan placed his torture tools on.

"We need to hurry and get ready before someone suspects something." Natasha warned.

Izuku nodded as he carefully slipped his hero suit on. He noticed his red shoes were still here but they took his iron soles and leg braces.

'They must've taken them to their armory or it's with Ivan, either one,' Izuku then looked at Kensei and Mura as they were in no condition to move at all.

Izuku shook his head, 'I can get that back later, for now I need to get these three to safety. I can plan something once we get out of here,'

Izuku grabbed Mura's and Kensei's clothes as he handed Natasha Mura's.

"Can you put this on him, I'll go put Kensei's clothes on," Izuku asked.

Natasha nodded as she grabbed them and helped Mura put on the clothes while Izuku did the same for Kensei.

As they were finished Kensei slowly got up as he then stretched a bit.

"I think I can move a little, just enough for me to follow behind," Kensei stated.

Izuku nodded as he turned to Mura, he was in the worst condition as he couldn't see from his left eye anymore and he was exhausted after losing a lot of blood. Natasha patched his eye up so he wasn't constantly bleeding.

Izuku needed a plan but first he needed to know the layout of where they were at.

"Natasha, do you know the layout of the camp?" Izuku asked.

She turned and nodded, "There's four watchtowers covering the entire camp, we can use one that's close by to the cell for an escape.

"Hold on, escape? What about these scum?" Kensei asked.

Izuku shook his head, "Right now we need to leave, none of us are in any condition to fight, we'll come back I promise," Izuku answered.

Kensei wanted to protest but felt Mura's hand on his arm. He turned and looked down at him.

"He's right…we can't fight…just yet," he agreed.

Kensei frowned but nodded as he looked at Izuku.

"We're coming back to kick these guys asses, then fine by me," Kensei smirked.

Izuku smiled as he then looked at Mura with worry.

"Can you hold on just a little bit longer?" He asked.

Mura smiled,"Yeah, I can but I don't think I'll be able to move,"

Izuku nodded as he walked up to Mura as he then turned his back on him as he crouched down.

"I'll carry you on my back then," Izuku suggested.

Mura nodded as he then placed his body on his back as Izuku then lifted him up as he was now on his back.

Izuku looked at Natasha, "Alright we need to go now, lead the way,"

Natasha nodded, "Right," as she then headed out of the cell as Izuku and Kensei followed behind but Kensei stopped at the unconscious guard as he then grabbed the soldier's gun and sword as he then followed behind the others.

As they reached the entrance to what it seemed to be a cave they were in. Natasha stopped behind a rock as Izuku followed with Kensei tailing right after.

"There are guards guarding the entrance," she whispered.

Izuku spotted two guards in front of them. They seemed to be only looking forward, Izuku looked beyond them as he saw an array of tents as there was a large space in what looked to be the middle of the camp.

"I can take down the guard on the left," Natasha informed.

Izuku nodded as he looked at Kensei. The latter nodded as Izuku placed Mura down as he then moved to the right side of the entrance. Natasha snuck behind the guard on the left as Izuku was behind the right.

Natasha swiftly put the guard in a chokehold and covered his mouth. The right guard turned as he saw this, he tried to speak but Izuku didn't give him the chance as Izuku swung his leg across his face as he slammed the guard against the wall, knocking him out.

Natasha made the guard faint as she dragged his body inside the cave. Izuku followed suit as he then placed the guard behind the rock.

Izuju then ran back towards them as he then swiftly placed Mura on his back as Natasha and Kensei were out of the cave while Izuku followed behind.

Natasha turned left as they quietly ran past a few tents as some were lit and some had no light in them. He felt the snow gently landing on his nose.

Natasha stopped behind a pile of crates as Kensei and Izuku hid behind a cart full of barrels on the other side. They spotted one of the watchtowers a few feet away from them as they saw only one guard but he was sleeping.

Izuku looked up as he saw a guard looking out with binoculars. Natasha moved quietly as she sneaked past the guard that was asleep.

Izuku followed after as Kensei was right behind him. They then heard the guard slowly start to wake as Izuku and Kensei widened their eyes. They swiftly rushed towards Natasha as she was behind a crate.

"Huh? I thought I heard something. Oh well," he said as he went back to sleep.

All of them sighed as they then proceeded to approach the ladder to the watchtower as they started to climb it.

Slowly making their way up until.

*GONG*

*GONG*

*GONG*

They turned to the noise as if a bell was rung. They then proceeded to hear shouts, "The prisoners escaped!"

"All men find them and execute them on sight,"

"Roger!"

Izuku widened his eyes in fear as he then looked up, "Quickly! We don't have much time,"

Natasha nodded as she quickly climbed up with Kensei behind her. Izuku followed suit as Natasha reached the top as the guard noticed her.

"Hey what are-"

Natasha swiftly pushed him off the tower as he fell straight to the floor. The two caught up as they stood there.

"Over there! On the watchtower,"

"Open Fire!"

Bullets were then fired at them as they took cover. Izuku looked out of the watch tower as their way out was right there.

"I want a squad to the other side of that barrier, I don't want them to escape!" He heard Ivan order.

Izuku knew this was risky but he had no other choice. He grabbed Kensei's arm as the latter looked at him.

"Kensei trust me on this," Izuku looked him dead in the eye.

Kensei was confused but he was suddenly thrown out of the watchtower and over the barricade.

"AT LEAST TELL ME DAMN IT!" He shouted as he landed on the snow.

Izuku proceeded to grab Natasha as he threw her over as well as she yelped.

Izuku watched as she landed next to Kensei as they looked up. He grabbed Mura over his shoulder as he threw him as well as both Kensei and Natasha caught him.

Izuku then proceeded to jump as well but not before a burning heat shot through his right shoulder as he saw a flaming bullet pass through his shoulder. He turned to see Ivan form a finger gun as his finger was lit with a flame.

Ivan was grinning ear to ear as he then shot another one.

Izuku acted quickly of what control left over his right arm as he formed his hand into a finger flicking motion as he activated 20%

'Air Force! Delaware Smash!'

As he flicked his finger, a cold strong pocket of air was shot as it collided with the flame bullet as it caused an explosion in the air which propelled Izuku out of the camp as he then landed further away from the trio.

Ivan was shocked at the power he displayed. But also shocked that the Vigilante was using that kind of power without any equipment.

"Is his Teigu…a blood type Teigu like General Esdeath?" He muttered

Izuku grunted in pain as the burning sensation on his shoulder felt like it was burning his body.

Kensei lifted up the hero as he signaled Natasha to follow as she did with Mura.

"There they are! Fire!"

Bullets started to fire as the escapees used the trees as cover as they ran as fast as they could.

"Damn it we can't see them, there going too deep into the woods," a soldier complained.

"Grab some torches and find them!" Another soldier ordered.

They ran as fast as they could as the cold was starting to get them as Izuku was starting to lose consciousness.

"Stay with me Deku! We're getting out of here," Kensei stated.

Izuku nodded as he tried to keep his eyes open. He looked forward but only saw the darkness and the snow blocking his view. They couldn't see anything but that didn't mean that they could stop as they ran and ran deeper into the forest while the voices of the soldiers got more distant.

Izuku looked behind to see Natasha and Mura struggling to keep up. Izuku looked around to see if they could find a place to hide.

Izuku suddenly spotted a nearby ditch that had a hole in it. Izuku pointed towards the direction as Kensei looked and spotted the hole. He swiftly changed directions as Natasha followed behind.

They entered the hole as they rested there and as they breathed heavily, the snow started to become a blizzard.

"That's… good…now the snow will cover up our tracks," Natasha gasped for air.

Kensei nodded as he leaned his head back, "Now all… we need to do is rest…"

Izuku nodded as he then slowly started to lose consciousness. The world then turned black as he closed his eyes.


Next Day, With Night Raid

A white pigeon was soaring the sky as it then descended down as it approached a lake and above the lake was a cliff as the pigeon landed on a certain prosthetic arm. Najenda then unwrapped the price of paper that was attached to the pigeon.

"Looks like they took the bait, good job you two," she complimented.

Standing behind her, Akame and Mein were in swimsuits as they nodded as they held their respective Teigus.

Akame looked down at the lake to see the others relaxing and having fun as she looked at Eri to see her having the time of her life.

She gently smiled as she sat down. Mein sat down next to her as she looked down.

"Ah damn it, look at them having fun while we're working," she groaned.

She spotted Eri as she then whined,"Gaaah! Damn it I wanted to play with Eri,"

Akame chuckled, "You seem to like Eri a lot,"

Mein just huffed, "Well I sort of gained a soft spot for her,"

Akame smiled as she then looked towards the horizon as she thought about the operation today but also a certain green haired hero.

Mein noticed this as she placed her hand on her shoulder, "Are you worried about Izuku or the operation,"

Akame brought her knees up to her chest as she thought about it.

"Both…both are worrying me," she answered.

Mein nodded as she looked at the horizon.

'Akame is already dealing with enough, if push comes to shove, I'll kill her sister for her. I won't let Akame deal with that sort of pain,' she thought.

Akame also thought about the words that Kitsune spoke about last night. About how Izuku held the weight of his world and why Kitsune knew so much about him.

'What can you do for him?'

Those words replayed into her head as if it constantly haunted her. More and more she was getting distracted from her mission. Everything about Izuku has made her think about what she truly wants, sure she wanted to end the Empire but she also wanted to express these feelings deep down inside her.

The feelings that reawakened when she spent time with Izuku. She wanted to experience the love that Leone was talking about between them. But also wanted to focus on her mission.

She was struggling to find the balance between the two as it weighed down on her. Najenda looked at the assassin as she noticed her expressions.

Najenda thought about what happened last night as well. Asking questions about the mysterious figure.

'Why did he tell her that, why does he know more about him, who is he?'

All the questions were left unanswered. Najenda wondered what Kitsune's true goal was. To rely on another person from another world to carry that burden, surely he has an alternative plan in the mix.

Najenda couldn't stop thinking about it as well but for now she needed this mission to go off as a success.

'With Izuku on his mission, there is no telling he'll return when the operation is in play,'

Najenda looked up into the sky, "Let's hope we finish before he does,"


With Izuku

Izuku's eyes opened as he saw the void in front of him. Almost all of his body was missing except his hand. He looked around as he saw a man behind him.

Izuku fully turned as he noticed the man had white hair. The man turned around and faced the young hero. Izuku widened his eyes as he saw a large scar stretched down the right side of his face.

The man walked up as he then placed his hand inside Izuku, directly towards his heart.

"Wake up, there is more to be done," he spoke.

Izuku then felt himself being pulled back as he saw the man vanish in the void.

Izuku abruptly woke up as he then looked around, he found himself inside the hole they were resting in. Izuku then slowly placed his left on his right shoulder as he felt it, it was patched up. The pain was still there but it seemed to be taken care of.

"You're awake," Izuku turned to see Mura right next to him.

"Mura, where is everyone else," he asked.

"They went to go get some food, Natasha also patched up your wound you received," Mura informed.

Izuku nodded as he relaxed a bit, "Are you alright, you seemed a bit jumpy when you woke up," Mura asked.

Izuku nodded, "Yeah just had a weird dream,"

Mura chuckled,"I'm guessing getting tortured left a bad impression huh,"

Izuku grimly nodded as he stretched a bit as he moved his arms around. He flinched in pain as it was still not good to move around too much.

He then heard the snow crunch outside, like there were people outside walking towards them.

Izuku looked at the entrance, ready to pounce on them. Mura was ready to as he was ready to attack as well.

"We're back!" He heard Kensei's voice.

As soon as they heard his voice they lowered their guards as Kensei peeked through with Natasha as they were holding a bag of berries and Kensei was holding a deer over his shoulder.

"Seems like hunting was a success," Mura stated.

Kensei smiled as he rubbed his nose, "Hah, nothing I can handle,"

Natasha gave him a deadpan look, "I remember you missed the first shot,"

Kensei turned quickly, "Hey I told you not to talk about that,"

Mura chuckled, "Yeah I thought so,"

"Hey!"

Izuku adjusted himself upright as he then let them adjust in.

"Alright! Let's get this boy cooking," Kensei then dragged a makeshift sled with a pile of sticks as he then started to pile them up as he then grabbed a piece of flint and a stone the size of his palm.

Natasha was skinning the deer as Izuku and Mura watched as they did the work.

A few minutes later, Kensei lit the pile of sticks in flames as Natasha was dome prepping as it was now starting to cook the meat. They sat near the warmth of the flames as they huddled close for warmth.

"Oh by the way Deku, I think you need to hear this," Kensei got his attention.

"We passed by the camp early today and saw that Natasha's people were being enslaved," Kensei informed.

Izuku widened his eyes in shock. Natasha gripped her hands together.

"Also when they didn't do their jobs, they would get executed on the spot," Kensei added.

Izuku clenched his fist in anger as he looked at the fire. He looked at Natasha as she had a mix of anger and sadness on her face. Izuku gritted his teeth as he closed his eyes.

'How far deep will the Empire go to make other people suffer, what do they even gain from this!' Izuku thought as he heard sizzling.

"Oh the meat is done, let's dig in while it's hot," Mura suggested.

All of them nodded as they grabbed a piece of meat and ate. As they were eating Mura felt the tension in the space they were in.

Kensei then sighed, "Deku, what's our plan here, you know we can't let this keep going,"

Izuku stopped as he looked at the fire, they weren't fully recovered yet and had little supplies to keep surviving out here.

'If we attack now, it'll likely be us getting killed in the end, right now we need more equipment…!' Izuku widened his eyes.

Izuku looked up as he looked at Kensei,"Is there a way to contact the Revolutionary Army for reinforcements,"

Kensei nodded, "I did that already last night, but I haven't heard from them back,"

Izuku nodded, 'Most likely they can't send reinforcements, right now all we can do is wait. But that won't do us any good since we can't wait when there is people that need saving,'

Mura clapped his hands as everyone looked at him, "I know this is a critical time but right now we need to fill our stomachs and find a better place than this, we're too close to the camp right now, we need to preserve our energy right now,"

Izuku looked at the fire as he still wasn't fully healed yet, it would take a few weeks to get his wounds healed, but he didn't have the luxury to do that. It was do or die, but for now he needed to listen to Mura.

After they ate, they burnt out the fire as they headed out of the small cave they were in as they got their things ready.

Izuku was carrying Mura on his back as he looked at the other two, they both nodded as they then headed away from the camp.

*Zzzzt!*

Izuku turned his head quickly as he lifted his right leg up as he deflected a shard of Ice that was aimed towards them.

Kensei was surprised as he looked at the shard of ice in confusion. Natasha however looked at the ice in shock as she looked up to spot a man with similar hair color as her as he wore a white furred coat, draped around his shoulders as he held a battle hammer that had a strange aura that was glowing around it.

"Natasha, back away from them. I'm returning them to Ivan," Helios ordered.

Natasha shivered as she looked at her old man's eyes, filled with determination and drive.

Mura felt it too, this man was serious on his objective. Kensei got ready to fight as he pulled out a sword but Izuku stopped him.

Izuku gave him a look as Kensei widened his eyes as he nodded. He sheathed his blade as he grabbed Mura off his back as Mura was surprised as he looked at Izuku.

Izuku tried to flex his arm but he still felt that sting of pain. Izuju still couldn't use his arms, he was at a disadvantage. But fighting Helios wasn't his goal, it was to try to persuade him. All he need to do was-

*Zzzt!*

Izuku instinctively dodged to the left as the battle hammer came down where he stood as ice erupted from the ground. Izuku looked at Helios as the man lifted the hammer and placed it on his shoulder.

"Don't give me a reason to kill you, Deku," Helios said.

Izuku wasn't paying attention because he was wondering what was making that noise and why his head felt like it was warning about the attacks.

*Zzzt!*

He widened his eyes as he barely dodged a sideways swing of the hammer and then flipped backwards as he landed further away from Helios. Izuku stood ready as he activated 15% Full Cowling.

Helios brought his hammer to the right side as he was prepared to attack.

Izuju then stomped on the ground as he then dashed forward towards Helios as he then waited for Izuku. As the hero got in close, Helios swung downwards, aiming for the head. Izuku was aware of this as the same zap on his head was warning him, he dodged to the right as he jumped up in the air as he swung his right leg towards Helios's face but the Chief was quick enough to use his hammer to block the attack which made him skidding back a bit.

Izuku didn't let up as he charged afterwards. Helios's hammer started to glow brighter as he slammed it down on the ground as shards of Ice erupted from the ground.

*Zzzt!*

Izuku jumped up as a shard appeared beneath as he then used the shard as a stepping stone as he then boosted off of it as he charged towards Helios. The latter brought his hammer up as he then was about to swing it downwards towards Izuku's head as the hero brought his leg back as he was ready to swing his right leg upwards towards his chin.

As they both swung at the same time, they clashed as Izuku's feet clashed against Helios's hammer causing a massive wave of cold air blew around the area as the ground started to crack.

Izuku's lightning around his body started to spark around as Helios was using his full strength to push Izuku back. Izuku felt himself losing the battle.

Izuku clenched his teeth as he squeezed his eyes close.

"Leave!"

Izuku opened his eyes to see Helios pleading in anguish and sorrow.

"Leave this place! Don't involve yourself with my village matters!" Helios shouted.

Izuku gritted his teeth as he then planted his left foot on the ground as he then rotated his right foot on the right side of the hammer that was about to cave in his head.

"You say that… but what good will that do , Ivan is tricking you! Hes using your people as slaves!" Izuku shouted.

"You think I don't know that! But what choice do I have? If my people fight, it is a losing battle against the Empire!" Helios argued.

Helios put more strength into the Hammer as he then overpowered Izuku as he swung the hammer towards his abdomen, making a direct hit and sending the hero skidding back.

Izuku gasped for air as he struggled to keep himself balanced. Helios charged in once more as he then swung his hammer multiple times in the air, as he did that shards of ice were sent hurdling at Izuku.

*Zzzt!*

Izuku quickly ducked under as he moved to the left as he completely dodged it. Izuku looked ahead as he saw Helios right in front of him as he brought his hammer down. Izuku instinctively activated Full Gauntlet on his arms and he brought both of them up to block.

As the hammer collided, a loud metal clash could be heard in the area. Izuku felt the rush of pain spreading through his shoulders as he grunted in pain. Helios then added more pressure as he tried to crush Izuku under the hammer.

"Leave! Damn it, why risk your life for complete strangers!" Helios shouted.

Natasha watched as the two fought, she wanted to help Izuku but going against her father, she couldn't do that. Izuku was struggling under the pressure as he tried to fight back.

"LEAVE!"

"To Hell with that!" Izuku shouted as he then used all of his strength to push back the hammer as unleashed 20% Full Cowling. Helios stepped back as Izuku was already upon him with speed that far surpassed his.

"If you want me to leave then I refuse to go! Not when your daughter is trying to make a difference! I won't back down! No matter how many times I fall!"

Helios widened his eyes as Izuku's knee collided with his face as Izuku shifted his body, turning his body in a 360 as his right leg was out, going for a right swing with his leg. He used all his power as he kicked the man right in the face. Helios's face was filled with shock as the hero sent the man flying towards a tree.

"I'll be a hero that people look up to! Just like 'he' did for me!"

As the man collided with the tree, he remembered the day, the day he lost his wife and his son. The day he swore an oath to his wife.

To protect their only daughter. Helios fell to the snow covered floor as he tried to get back up but he couldn't, he felt his body just wouldn't respond to him. He looked up to see Izuku breathing heavily as he clenched his arm in pain.

Izuku looked at the man as he sighed in relief, during that kick he did just now, he toned it down to 10% so he wouldn't hurt him too much.

"Why…why help complete strangers, why butt into businesses that you aren't involved in," Helios asked.

Izuku looked at him as determination and hope were etched into the young man's eyes.

"Because…Meddling when you don't need to…"

Helios widened his eyes as he saw something he never thought he would see ever in his life again.

"Is the Essence of being a Hero,"

Helios eyes became glistend as tears started to form, how long has it been…

How long since he ever felt so relieved.

For the longest time, here, who stands before him…

A Bright Future Ahead…

One that would free this world from corruption…

The boy that brought something into the people he's encountered…

And that…

Is Hope…


End