A/N: As some of you know, I've been updating a TodoDeku story called Gonna Kiss You On the Boulevard, which is quite possibly the largest such story on this site, if not in the whole My Hero Academia fandom. Anyways, when I posted Chapter 22, "Super Bomb", my perennial fan Ryuujin96 pointed out that what Deku, Todoroki and Tsu did meant that Japan would either have to pay reparations to Russia, return the tsunami bomb or risk war. Well, rather than edit or delete the chapter, I decided to roll along with the concept of "what if Russia declared war against Japan?" and this fic was born.

Just a word of warning: due to the nature of this fic, there will be a couple of references to what's going on in Ukraine right now. If that sort of thing triggers you, then please turn away from this fic. Otherwise, read on and see how Deku, Todoroki, Tsu, Class 1-A, Class 1-B and some new friends band together for another epic fight. Also, at the end of every chapter, there will be some resources on helping out Ukraine. I won't be able to link directly to these, but hopefully, you'll be able to find them through the usual search engines. Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!

On another note: this fic takes place at an indeterminate point in Season 5, between the Endeavor Agency arc and the very beginning of the Paranormal Liberation War.

On an unrelated note: tomorrow (February 25) is my birthday.

IZUKU: Ever since I enrolled in UA High School, nothing has ever been "business as usual". The moment the League of Villains attacked the USJ, I knew that my time at this school was going to be one hell of a ride. One of the biggest surprises I got came during the Sports Festival, when my classmate Shoto Todoroki confessed to being a girl disguised as a boy. I eventually got used to knowing Shoko – her real name – as a girl, and we've even fallen in love, but even that didn't make things at UA any easier or less weirder. Little did Shoko or I know was that a mission that we did with Tsuyu Asui was going to have consequences on an international scale…

Today was a rare, seasonably warm day in Moscow, and deep within the halls of the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Pakhmutov was conducting whatever business state leaders would typically conduct in their day-to-day routine. Though having served two terms as President already, Pakhmutov served another term as Prime Minister, after which he had won a third term as President in a questionably legitimate election, and just as had happened during his first two terms, he'd since committed numerous acts in office that pushed the Russian Federation into a democratic backslide that many figured would put the country back in the old days of the Soviet Union. However, what not everybody knew – least of all Pakhmutov himself – was that he was going to do something so despicable that most of the leaders on the world stage would condemn him harshly for it. Such a ball would get rolling when he heard knocking on his door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and in entered Russia's Minister of Defense Sergei Shaposhnik.

"Yes, what is it, Sergei?"

"Comrade President, I have grave news for you: Fleet Admiral Remezov reports that the Severnaya has sunk somewhere off the coast of Japan, with all hands lost. A dive team from the Friedrich Engels attempted to recover the Severnaya's payload, but they were killed, and subsequently, the Friedrich Engels too was destroyed. Only a few survivors escaped."

Pakhmutov pounded on his desk and sprung to his feet. "WHAT!? Who would have been so cocky as to commit such a heinous act!?"

"According to intelligence received from the survivors of the Friedrich Engels, a group of pro heroes from Japan was responsible for the attack."

"Is that so!? Well then, Sergei, inform Valery and have him ready all units in the Eastern Military District. If the Japanese don't return that Poseidon, then we shall have no choice but to declare war against Japan and prove to the world that the glory of the Soviet era still lives."

"Very good, Comrade President."

Shaposhnik left Pakhmutov's office. All either of those two men knew was that in the coming days, weeks, even months, nothing would ever be the same.

Meanwhile, in the city of Musutafu, Japan, the students and faculty of UA High School were gearing up for another day of learning. It hadn't been a year, but already, the students of Class 1-A had been through more harrowing experiences than most hero trainees would go through in their entire school careers. Nevertheless, they had come out of each confrontation as victors, and had grown stronger and forged closer bonds as a result. While they didn't know what today had in store for them, they nevertheless went to their homeroom – led by Shota Aizawa, aka the pro hero "Eraserhead" – with their heads up, knowing that whatever came their way, they could handle it. After Aizawa took attendance, he got on with a special announcement, satisfied that all of his students were present:

"Before we begin today's lessons, I have a special announcement to make: UA will be playing host to a hero class from Joreh High School, coming all the way from Zelengrade, Serbia. Naturally, I not only expect all of you to be on your best behavior, but also to treat these students with the respect and dignity expected from all pro heroes. Any questions?"

Immediately, Izuku "Deku" Midoriya shot his hand up.

"Yes, Midoriya?"

"Mr. Aizawa, I'm excited to meet these students, but why are they visiting?"

"According to the headmaster of Joreh, they have heard much about the success of our hero program and wish to see if they can learn anything from us. Any other questions?"

Katsuki Bakugo put his hand up.

"Yes, Bakugo?"

"Are we gonna have to learn Serbian?"

"According to what I know about Joreh, they have an English language course as well, so we shouldn't have any problems communicating with them. Nevertheless, translators will be on hand for students who aren't very good at English. Any other questions?"

Tenya Iida put his hand up next.

"Yes, Iida?"

"What can we expect from having these students visit?"

"Aside from training alongside them during your Heroics classes, you will also be showing them aspects of our culture. All Might has even planned a special battle tournament for all of you similar to what you encountered during the Sports Festival. Any other questions?"

The next person who put her hand up was Ochaco Uraraka.

"Yes, Uraraka?"

"I'm excited to meet students from another country, but I'm also nervous because I'm worried that I might do something that would offend them."

"Rest assured, all of the faculty and students here will be given lessons on Serbian customs and etiquette, and we can expect that they will be given lessons on our culture and etiquette as well. Any other questions?"

Shoko Todoroki put her hand up next.

"Yes, Todoroki?"

"I too am looking forward to meeting these students, but what about UA's security measures, and where will they even stay?"

"Like other guests, these students will be given Special Entry Permission IDs. Furthermore, the dormitories have been constructed with additional floors for visiting students to stay. Any other questions?"

Nobody else had any other questions.

"OK then. Before I conclude, I have another announcement: Midoriya, Todoroki, Asui, report to the Administration Office after class; All Might has a message for you. Everyone else, go about your usual business."

Deku, Todoroki and Tsuyu Asui headed for the Administration Office.

"I wonder why All Might wants to see us," said Todoroki.

"Most likely, it has to do with that bomb recovery mission we just did, ribbit," said Tsu.

Deku stroked his chin. "That makes sense. Given the nature of the mission, it's likely that the Russians are angry at us and that they might start a war with us. On the other hand, I couldn't really tell, but I felt like we were in international waters, which would probably make things different, but then again, I'm not totally familiar with laws regarding international waters, though I could look them up. Even if I did, I'm not sure if it would make much difference at this point because mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter mutter…"

"Midoriya, you're creeping me out again," said Tsu.

Deku snapped to attention and rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, sorry!"

Soon enough, they reached the Administration Office, where Deku knocked on the door.

"Come in," said a familiar voice.

Deku, Todoroki and Tsu entered the office. Sure enough, awaiting them was Toshinori Yagi, once the #1 hero All Might.

"Have a seat," said All Might.

Deku, Todoroki and Tsu seated themselves on a nearby couch.

All Might smiled. "So, I heard about your mission with Selkie. Congratulations on your success." All Might adopted a more serious look. "Having said that, I have to inform all of you that the Russians are demanding that the Japanese government return the tsunami bomb under threat of war."

"I'm not surprised," said Deku. "I was just talking about this earlier."

"What happens now?" asked Todoroki.

"Well, if the Russians do decide to go to war with Japan, then it's most likely that the students and staff members of this school will be called to arms. While I do worry about you, I know that all three of you are very capable young folks, and I have the utmost confidence that you'll succeed if war breaks out."

"Well, thank you, All Might," said Tsu. "That means a lot to us, ribbit. Anything else?"

"That's all for now, but I'll call for you if there are any updates on the situation. In the meantime, you three get back to class, OK?"

"Yes sir!"

Deku, Todoroki and Tsu left the Administration Office.

Later on, at lunchtime, Deku, Todoroki and Tsu were sitting with each other. Overall, things seemed to be going normally, but Uraraka took notice of Deku:

"Hey Deku, is everything OK? You seem to be eating more slowly than usual."

Deku lowered his chopsticks. "I'm all right. It's just…Todoroki, Tsu and I had a difficult mission. I'm glad we got out alive."

"OK, just checking."

Todoroki swallowed some of her zaru soba. "You've changed, Deku. When you got back from your work study with Sir Nighteye, you were crying. This, however…you seem to be more in control of your emotions."

Deku smiled. "Well…that's because I have the most beautiful girl to lean on when times get tough!"

Todoroki blushed, but nevertheless smiled. "Deku, if you keep being this sweet to me, I'm gonna give you a big, cuddly hug!"

Deku and Uraraka laughed, while Tsu raised an eyebrow at the whole thing:

"You know, Todoroki, I've noticed that ever since you revealed that you were a girl, you've become more affectionate than you used to be, ribbit."

"I concur with Asui," said Iida. "It's unlike you to be so loving to people."

"Why shouldn't I be? Because of Deku's faith in me, I have that much more faith in people, and now I just want to give everybody hugs, especially Bakugo!"

Deku elbowed Todoroki.

"Um…don't look now, but I think you really did it this time…"

"ALL RIGHT, WHICH ONE OF YOU NERDS MENTIONED MY NAME!?"

Sure enough, Kacchan had stomped on over to their table upon hearing Todoroki mention his name. Tsu pointed at Todoroki.

"YOU GOT TEN SECONDS TO TELL ME WHY YOU'RE TALKIN' BEHIND MY BACK, ICYHOT!"

Todoroki smiled. "Why are you so angry, Bakugo? I was just talking about what a good guy you are!"

"YEAH RIGHT! YOU WERE PROBABLY MAKIN' A JOKE AT MY EXPENSE SO YA COULD GET DEKU TO LAUGH AT ME!"

"My dear Bakugo, would I have any reason to lie to you, a fellow hero trainee?"

"OF COURSE YA WOULD! YOU'RE PROBABLY STILL JEALOUS THAT I DID BETTER THAN YA AT THE SPORTS FESTIVAL AND…"

"Bakugo, calm yourself!" said Iida. "Todoroki had no ill intentions towards you!"

"YEAH, YOU'RE PROBABLY TRYIN' TO…"

"Whoa, take it easy there, brother!"

Eijiro Kirishima had come over and put his hand on Kacchan's shoulder.

"WHY SHOULD I TAKE IT EASY!? ICYHOT WAS TALKIN' ABOUT ME BEHIND MY BACK!"

Kirishima raised an eyebrow. "Ya sure about that?"

"Kirishima, believe me when I say that I was only saying nice things about Bakugo."

Kirishima smiled. "I believe ya, Todoroki! You're good people, ya know that?"

Todoroki smiled. "I can't understand how I constitute more than one person, but I'm glad you think so highly of me!"

Kirishima gave a thumbs up. "We all do!"

"WAIT…ARE YOU SERIOUSLY STICKIN' UP FOR HER!? WHAT HAPPENED TO 'PALS BEFORE GALS'!?"

"Hey, Todoroki's a pal too, brother!"

"HOW IS SHE EVEN…!?"

Kacchan glanced over to Todoroki's seat, only to notice a distinct lack of Todoroki.

"WHAT THE HELL!?"

Kacchan quickly glanced around, trying to determine where Todoroki had gone off too. By the time he caught sight of her, she was almost upon him.

"Come here, Bakugo!"

Before Kacchan could even react, Todoroki gave him a big hug, causing him to let out an angry gasp. Rather than returning the gesture, he clenched his fists.

"IcyHot, let go of me."

"Not until you hug me back!"

"I swear to god, if you don't let go, I'm gonna…"

"Well?"

Kacchan growled. "Fine…"

Reluctantly, Kacchan hugged Todoroki back, causing her to giggle a little. Even if she was a thorn in his side, he couldn't argue with how soft, warm and cuddly she was. In fact, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't bring himself to hate her like this. During this time, a few other students were giggling at him, principally Momo Yaoyorozu, Kyoka Jiro, Mina Ashido and Toru Hagakure. Even Deku couldn't help but giggle at how cute he thought it was that Todoroki and Kacchan were hugging each other, which caused Uraraka to giggle as well, much to Tsu's and Iida's bemusement. Fortunately for Kacchan, though, Todoroki let go of him soon enough.

"Feeling better?" asked Todoroki.

Kacchan shrugged. "I guess."

Todoroki then frowned. "Bakugo, are you really sure you're OK?"

"What do ya…"

Kacchan froze when he realized that he was absolutely red in the face. He then growled as he covered his face and headed back to his table with Kirishima. Even Todoroki giggled a bit as she returned to her seat next to Deku.

"Bakugo may have the most rotten attitude, but he seemed like he really needed that," said Todoroki. "I will admit, too, he is very handsome."

Deku smirked. "Really?"

"Although, not as handsome as a certain green-haired, green-eyed boy I know!"

Todoroki gave Deku another kiss, which brought smiles to Uraraka's and Tsu's faces. Even Iida couldn't help but smile.

Later on, in the dorms, the students of Class 1-A in addition to the other classes were going over various brochures and pamphlets related to Serbian culture.

"Aw man, going over this is making my head spin!" Denki Kaminari put his palms up to his forehead. "This is the first time I've ever had contact with foreigners aside from our visit to I-Island* and the Egypt mission**!"

"Fret not, Kaminari," said Fumikage Tokoyami. "By all the accounts I've received, Serbians are friendly people…provided that we avoid mentioning the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s or debating the statehood of Kosovo."

"I just hope that their girls are hot!" said Minoru Mineta.

Jiro shocked Mineta with one of her earphone jacks. "Seriously? We're supposed to be hospitable to these students and all you can think about is their girls?"

Kaminari smiled. "He's got a point!"

Jiro scowled at Kaminari. "Don't make me shock you too, poindexter!"

"Hey, check this out!" Kirishima pointed to a brochure he was reading. "It says here that Serbians are big into coffee! Those guys must be really manly!"

Deku stroked his chin. "I dunno, I prefer starting my day off with a good cup of green tea, but I don't mind coffee, either."

Hagakure bounced around a bit. "We've gotta look super-cute in case there are any cute boys!"

Ashido pumped her fists. "For sure!"

Jiro crossed her arms. "Seriously? You're just as bad as the guys!"

"Sadly, I must agree with Jiro," said Iida. "I understand your excitement about getting to meet students from a foreign hero school, but try to remember that romance is but an ancillary activity at best here!"

"Dude, what are you, the Girl Police?" said Kaminari.

"Kaminari, I'll thank you not to smother me with sarcasm!"

"I agree with Iida," said Mashirao Ojiro. "As much as I like the idea of meeting students from another country, I think we should concentrate on getting to know them as friends and also showing them what it means to be a hero."

Todoroki put down the pamphlet she was reading. "I'm excited to meet these students, too, but it seems like drinking alcohol plays more of a part in their culture than ours, and the information provided says that we must accept all gifts from them, so what if they bring alcohol as a gift? School rules prohibit alcohol."

Deku smiled and put a hand on Todoroki's back. "It's OK! I'm sure their students have been told beforehand not to bring any alcohol!"

Kacchan crossed his arms. "Too bad. I was lookin' forward to havin' some Serbian booze."

Kirishima pointed his hand, palm-up, at Kacchan. "I was, too, but is it really worth gettin' kicked outta school?"

Kacchan snorted. "Fine."

"Živeli!" Mezo Shoji held up one of his many arms as if toasting. "Živeli!"

"Practicing your Serbian, Shoji?" said Tokoyami.

Shoji nodded. "Yes, more specifically, the traditional Serbian toast. Their language is fascinating. I mean, I've never seen any language besides Japanese that can be written using two different alphabets."

"There's a name for that," said Todoroki. "It's called digraphia, more precisely synchronic digraphia, and there are other languages that use it too, such as Hindustani and Malay."

"You know a lot about languages, Todoroki. Do you speak any besides English and Japanese?

« Je parle plusieurs langues. Ich spreche zum Beispeil auf Deutsch."

„Wirklich?" said Tokoyami. "Ah, a ty ukrayins'koyu movoyu rozmovlyayesh?"

Todoroki nodded. "Tak, ya hovoryu ukrayins'koyu, i ya govoryu po-russki."

"Vpechatlyayushchiy."

Deku stretched and yawned. "Well, it's been a good day, but I'm feeling tired. I think I'm going to bed early."

Todoroki smiled. "Before you retire, let me kiss you good night!"

Todoroki gave Deku a hug and a kiss. The girls gave an "awww" when they saw this.

"Good night, Deku!"

"Good night, Shoko!"

And so, Deku retired for the evening. Whatever happened while the students from Joreh were visiting, he vowed that he was going to make it a pleasant stay not only for them, but also for himself and his friends.

*-See My Hero Academia: Two Heroes

**-See My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission

RESOURCES TO HELP UKRAINE:

UNICEF: Currently working to help children and families affected by the war, particularly those without potable water or electricity due to infrastructure damage.

RAZOM FOR UKRAINE: Working to provide critical medical supplies for emergency and tactical situations in the field and in hospitals. Also has other ways you can take action, such as contacting elected officials and signing petitions.

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS: Has response teams providing medical care not only in Ukraine, but also in neighboring countries with Ukrainian refugees, such as Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.

UNITED24: A global initiative to support Ukraine whose funds go to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Healthcare and Ministry of Infrastructure.

SIGN MY ROCKET: For a donation, you can have an artillery shell signed.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.