A/N: Be warned, there is some disturbing stuff in this chapter.


While Deku and co. were heading back to assist in the evacuation efforts, they got a most interesting call:

"All heroes, this is Codebreaker," said Jasna. "Does anyone read me?"

"Codebreaker, this is Deku. What's going on?"

"I've captured a radio from the Russians, but I need somebody to translate for me. I'm at Komachi Soba."

"Copy that!"


Deku, Todoroki, Lazar, Tsu and Iida headed to Komachi Soba, where Jasna was. Jasna's hero costume was an aqua green bodysuit with a black box on her back that resembled a computer in addition to two black boxes on her arms that resembled modems, which were connected to the larger one. Jiro was there as well, using her earphone jacks to amplify and clarify the radio signal.

"We're here," said Deku.

"I'll translate," said Todoroki.

Todoroki took a seat next to Jasna and Jiro, and she nodded intently as she listened to the transmissions, while Deku and the rest of the team kept watch.

"Well?" said Deku.

"Judging by the reports I'm receiving so far, the Russians seem very determined to win this war, but they also seem frantic and disorganized," said Todoroki. "What's more, I'm hearing a few references to what they call a 'zyelenaya smyert''…in English, 'Green Death'."

"Green Death?" said Lazar.

Tsu put her index finger up to her mouth. "I mean, I know I'm a good hero, but I didn't think I was that good, ribbit."

Deku scratched his head. "Then who are…"

Deku froze with fear as he came to a realization regarding the identity of the so-called "Green Death", and Todoroki took notice:

"Deku, what's wrong?"

Deku tapped his index fingers together and averted his gaze. "Um…I think I know who they're talking about…"

Todoroki leaned closer. "Who?"

Todoroki froze when she too realized that the "Green Death" the Russians were talking about was none other than her dear Deku.

"Oh no!" said Todoroki. "What do we do!?"

Deku held a fist up to his heart. "One thing's for sure: I'm NOT giving up! If the Russians want me and One For All, they'll have to pry it from my cold, dead fingers!"

Lazar smiled and patted Deku on the shoulder. "That's the spirit!"

Meanwhile, Todoroki continued to listen in on the Russian transmissions:

"Uh-oh, looks like we're gonna have to earn our victory!"

"What's wrong?" asked Deku.

"According to what I'm hearing, the Russians are planning to conduct a special operation in the city of Fushoji."

"Then we have to alert the pros," said Jasna. "Earphone Jack, help me get this radio out of here."

"Right!"

Deku chimed in over his communicator:

"All pros, this is Deku. If you're reading this, the Russians are planning on conducting a special operation in Fushoji. We could really use some backup."

"Deku, this is Endeavor. I read you loud and clear and will be assisting you there as soon as possible."


The students met up with some of the pros at Fushoji. However, Russian resistance was minimal.

"Looks like they're retreating," said Todoroki.

"All the same, be on your guard, Shoko," said Endeavor. "You students check the southern and western quadrants of the city. We'll take the northern and eastern quadrants."

"Right!"

And so, the students and pros went on patrol, trying to search the city for any more Russians, wondering just what "special operation" they might have in mind. Deku in particular was feeling uneasy about the whole thing. Based on what he knew about the Russians, nothing they had planned for this city could be any good. Nevertheless, he kept his head up and his wits about him, staying ready for whatever could be lurking around any corner. Besides, with Todoroki and Lazar by his side, he was confident that they could take on whatever came his way. Even though there weren't really any Russian bombs or missiles falling on the city, the air still stung with the stench of burned-out buildings, and the sounds of machine gun fire and explosions could still be heard off in the distance. Thus far, the city seemed to be devoid of Russians, but there wasn't much in the way of civilians, either.

Speaking of civilians, the students made it to the town square, only to discover a most horrific sight: hundreds of civilians – men, women and children – all with their hands tied behind their backs, having been shot dead at point blank range. Even animals such as cats and dogs weren't spared.

"OH MY GOD!"

Deku dropped his M16, fell to his knees and cried when he saw the brutal scene. Other students reacted similarly: Todoroki vomited upon seeing it, Tsu covered her eyes and looked away, and Kendo gasped, frozen in absolute horror. One thing was sure: Japan would never be the same.


Later that night, the students holed up in a bombed-out temple for shelter. Even now, the students of Class 1-A couldn't get the massacre out of their mind:

"Man, that was some of the unmanliest, most cowardly shit I've ever seen!" Kirishima pounded his fists against his thighs. "Whoever executes innocent people like that oughta have their balls ripped off! Now I can see why you're so angry all the time, Bakugo!"

"Kirishima, I don't like this any more than you do, but I promise you we'll get those bastards soon," said Kacchan.

Kirishima shook Kacchan slightly. "Yeah, well we better!"

"Kirishima, I understand your anger, and I too don't like this, but I think we should sit down and think about this before we do anything rash, ribbit," said Tsu.

Kirishima threw up his arms. "WHAT IS THERE TO THINK ABOUT!? Those bastards shot innocent people without givin' em a chance to run! We gotta get 'em back somehow!"

Tsu backed away a bit at Kirishima's yelling, while Uraraka wrapped an arm around her and offered her own take:

"I agree with Tsu. I want to get the Russians as badly as you, but at the same time, I don't want to do anything that would get us convicted of war crimes."

"SCREW THAT! If we don't get these guys soon, who knows how many more people will die!?"

Tokoyami put a hand on Kirishima's shoulder. "Kirishima, I think you have a valid point, and I too wish to avenge our fallen citizens, but ask yourself: why did you want to become a hero?"

"Crimson Riot was my idol growin' up, and I wanna be just as manly as him!"

"Then ask yourself: is it really that manly to do things that would most likely violate the Geneva Convention? How would your idol feel about you if he learned that one of Japan's most promising heroes stooped as low as the Russians in his mad pursuit of revenge?"

Kirishima opened his mouth to yell at Tokoyami, but found that the words died in his mouth as the black birdperson's words sank in. How could he possibly let down the guy he took inspiration from? He then sighed.

"All right, Tokoyami…you win."

"Thank you, Kirishima."

"Just know this…"

"Yes?"

"If the Russians kill us all, I'm kickin' your ass when we get to Heaven!"

"I accept your challenge."

"Hey, not to interrupt all of this, but has anyone seen Deku?" asked Todoroki.

Kacchan gestured his thumb towards the door. "I think he went outside. He didn't seem too well, so I left him alone."

"Right."

Disregarding Kacchan's desire to leave Deku alone, Todoroki stepped outside to find him. In doing so, she got an unexpected surprise when she heard what sounded like music. Approaching the source of the sound, she came to see what it was: the students of Joreh were holding a candlelight vigil for the victims of the massacre, singing the Lacrymosa from Mozart's "Requiem". Lazar led them with a recitation of Psalm 23 in Serbian:

"Gospod je pastir moj, ništa mi neće nedostajati.

Na zelenoj paši pase me, vodi me na tihu vodu.

Dušu moju oporavlja, vodi me stazama pravednim imena radi svog.

Da pođem i dolinom sena smrtnoga, neću se bojati zla; jer si Ti sa mnom; štap Tvoj i palica Tvoja teši me.

Postavio si preda mnom trpezu na vidiku neprijateljima mojim; namazao si uljem glavu moju, i čaša je moja prepuna.

Da! Dobrota i milost Tvoja pratiće me u sve dane života mog, i ja ću nastavati u domu Gospodnjem zadugo."

Todoroki gasped and put her hands over her heart when she witnessed the whole thing. Unable to contain her emotions, she let out a few tears. Growing up under the harsh tutelage of her father, she never had any time for emotions, but seeing that a bunch of people from a country she'd never been to were offering their condolences as a result of a grave tragedy, her newfound belief that there was indeed good in this world was only reinforced. As she stood there beholding how they cared, she almost didn't notice when Lazar approached her after the vigil:

"Todoroki, please accept this as a token of our sorrow. As citizens of a country that has known the horrors of war and suffered under totalitarian leaders, we couldn't let this terrible massacre go unnoticed."

Unable to contain herself any further, Todoroki cried and gave Lazar a big hug. Despite being overwhelmed by her outpouring of emotion, he gladly returned the hug.

"It's OK, volyena. If you must cry, then do so."

Despite all the sadness she felt from knowing that innocent lives had been taken so cruelly, Todoroki was also glad and grateful that Lazar was being so caring towards her. The other Joreh students had taken notice of Todoroki's sorrow as well, in particular Sladjana and Zorana, who joined in the hug. In this moment, Todoroki felt like the most-loved person in the world. Knowing that there were people who genuinely cared about her and wanted to comfort her in her hour of need meant more to her than any language – living or extinct – could ever describe. She felt as though nothing she ever did could possibly be sufficient repayment for how happy the Serbs made her feel. As she continued to cry, she also reflected upon her dear Deku and how she was more freely able to express her emotions because of him. Doing so made her cry some more, but she didn't care. The longer she cried, the better she felt about herself. Eventually, she stopped crying, but she continued to hold on to Lazar. Even if he wasn't her boyfriend, she still appreciated his kindness. Lazar, Sladjana and Zorana also continued to hug Todoroki until she let go.

"Feeling better, Todoroki?" asked Lazar.

"Y-yes, I…thank you all so much! You really are true friends!"

Zorana smiled. "You're welcome, my dear Todoroki. Here…"

Zorana gave Todoroki some tissues, which she blew her nose and dried her eyes with. Sladjana put her hand on Todoroki's shoulder, causing her to turn around.

"Todoroki, that was really brave of you to cry like that! I hope you're feeling better now!"

"Much better, Sladjana!"

Todoroki gave Sladjana a couple of cheek kisses – what the French would call "la bise" – before giving her a big hug, which she gladly returned. Sladjana let out a happy sigh when she received Todoroki's affection.

"Wow, I can see why Midoriya loves you so much! You really are a nice person!"

Todoroki chuckled. "I try!"

Todoroki remained locked in the hug for a moment more before letting go of Sladjana. She then turned to Zorana.

"Zorana, I'd like to extend the same favor to you, too."

Todoroki also gave Zorana "la bise" as well as a big hug, and Zorana gladly returned Todoroki's affection as well.

"I'm not a lesbian, but has anyone told you you're a very beautiful girl?" said Todoroki.

Zorana chuckled. "Todoroki, you're so sweet!"

Once again, Todoroki kept her arms wrapped around Zorana for an appreciable amount of time before letting go.

"If you'll excuse me, I must find Deku," said Todoroki. "Have any of you seen him?"

Milovan pointed to a nearby hill. "I think I saw him go that way!"

Todoroki nodded. "Hvala, Milovan."

Milovan smiled. "Nema na čemu!"

Todoroki climbed up the hill much as Kate Bush would've run up it. After a short trek, she did indeed find Deku, who was sitting on a rock, head drooping down, his cheeks resting in his hands. Pausing briefly, she walked up to him.

"Hey, Deku."

Deku sighed. "Go away, Shoko."

Todoroki frowned. "What's wrong? You seem very troubled by the massacre."

"'Troubled'!?" Deku lifted his head and pounded his thigh. "That's a real understatement! I've seen and heard my fair share of crap during my time at UA, but this…this is too much! How can any state leader possibly sanction such cruelty and go to sleep at night!?"

Todoroki knelt down in front of Deku, put a hand on his cheek and smiled. "Deku, I know you're upset, but none of this was your fault! You're doing the best you can, and I'm really proud of you!"

Deku loosened his angry look. "Shoko…"

"No matter what happens, no matter how bad things get…I'll always love you!"

Unable to be angry any longer, Deku hugged Todoroki and cried. Despite having cried once and being worn out from it, she gladly hugged him back.

"It's OK," said Todoroki. "Cry as much as you need to."

Deku gladly held onto Todoroki as he let the tears flow forth. While sadness and crying were nothing new to him, it never was easy to break down like this, especially in front of another person. However, with her, it was different. The fact that she was willing to be there for him and be a beacon of hope in this cruel world meant that he was only too glad to pour out his emotions for her. What really enhanced the impact for him was the fact that this was somebody whom he'd helped to break free of her own shackles, so he felt extra-loved. Even better, her soft, warm touch made his troubles melt away that much quicker. As Lazar had done with her, so too did she continue to hold onto him even after he stopped crying. At that point, he took some deep breaths to calm himself further, taking in her scent with each breath. Finally, once he'd had his fill, he backed away from her, but kept his hands on her.

"Feeling better, my dear Deku?"

Deku nodded. "Yeah…I guess. I'm still angry at the Russians for what they did, but…I mean…the fact that you still love me makes me happy."

Todoroki ruffled Deku's hair. "That's how you should feel, loverboy! Now here…"

Todoroki handed Deku some tissues, which he blew his nose and dried his eyes with.

"Thanks again, Shoko! I'll never forget this!"

"You're welcome!"

Deku and Todoroki turned around when they heard footsteps approaching, only to notice that a familiar face had joined them…

"Thought I might find ya up here," said Kacchan.

Deku got up from his rock and approached Kacchan. "Kacchan, listen…if for any reason neither of us comes out of this alive, I just wanna let you know…I forgive you for every time you yelled at me and treated me like crap. I realize you'll probably still think I'm stupid, but I…I just couldn't go on without being honest with you."

Kacchan stared at Deku briefly. Then, he cleared his throat:

"Deku…that's not stupid at all. Actually, if we're bein' honest, I don't hate you anymore, either. Ever since I got captured by the League of Villains, I realized that this world needs you more than ever. For all our lives, I looked down on you. I thought you were just gonna be this helpless, Quirkless son of a bitch who would never amount to anything in his whole life. Even then, though, I still felt like you were one step ahead of me, too. I hated that, and I just couldn't let it go, which is why I treated ya like my own personal punching bag, just so I could feel superior. In reality, I was only using myself as a punching bag, beating myself up for my own inadequacies. When we got into UA and things didn't play out the way I hoped they would, I wanted to hurt you even more. Every day, I watched you grow stronger and stronger, making all the right decisions regarding your Quirk, and I kept pushing myself as hard as I could, hoping that I could even be slightly stronger than that. There were times when I locked myself in my room and cried because I knew I could never be as good as you. But now, with these Russians invading, seeing you willingly risking your life not only to save your friends, but also people you've never seen before, I…I can't possibly hate the guy who would willingly risk his life to save me. You're my best friend, and I thank you for everything you've ever done for me."

Kacchan was starting to form tears in his eyes. Nevertheless, Deku smiled.

"Kacchan, you're the best!"

Deku gave Kacchan a big hug, and though weirded out by the gesture, Kacchan not only welcomed it, but he returned the favor as well. Since Sladjana had touched his heart, he felt much better about doing things like this. Nevertheless, there came a certain point where…

"Deku, you're my best friend, but I'm gonna stop before this gets too gay."

Kacchan let go of Deku, who did the same. Then, Todoroki put her hand on Kacchan's shoulder:

"Bakugo, there's nothing wrong with being gay!" She smiled. "Besides, doesn't 'gay' also mean 'happy'?"

Kacchan shrugged. "That's weird, but OK, good point…I guess."

"Speaking of happy, I saw you hugging Midoriya, and that was very sweet of you!" said Sladjana. "Come here!"

Kacchan gently backed away. "No no, WAIT…!"

Before Kacchan could get away, Sladjana kissed him again, and once again, he passed out from the sheer sensuality of it all, causing Deku and Todoroki to giggle.

"I still can't believe Kacchan's getting all flustered by a girl!" said Deku.

"I know!" said Todoroki. "If I weren't dating you, I would kiss him too just to tease him!"

Sladjana looked at Deku and Todoroki and smiled, while Kacchan groaned as he attempted to recover from being knocked out. Even if this massacre would haunt them forever, at least they had the satisfaction of being able to lean on each other.


THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE BUCHA MASSACRE MARCH 2022 - NEVER FORGET.

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Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.

Россия, ты можешь взять Бахмут, но Украина вернет его, и ты проиграешь эту войну!