A/N: Like I said, I'll be posting a chapter a day so... here's this one! I'll upload again tomorrow and then it'll be a longer wait between each chapter (a week or so? Yeah) - anyway, read, follow, fave, review - all are much appreciated!

chapter one: the yoikusa.

...

April 5, 1864.

Izuku's eyelids flew open with a start. Enough light spilled into the room to indicate that it was a new day. There was a dull chill that suggested early morning rather than further in. Hour of the dragon, snake maybe? He couldn't be that precise.

He was bound by rope and laid out on tatami in what looked to be a basic guest room. After the events of last night, he expected to wake up in some kind of prison cell. But a small pillow had been placed underneath his head and there was no sign he'd just been thrown in here carelessly. That being said, he was still captive to those people.

Katsuki's face came to mind. How long had it been since they last saw one another? Izuku recounted meeting the boy five years again, not long after his exile. He was struggling and Katsuki's family took him in. The Bakugou family were a colourful bunch, but they provided warmth to Izuku's lonely world. It was that exact warmth that gave him hope, yet served him with so much guilt.

How could he enjoy life while his mother was abandoned by the two most precious people in hers?

Not only that, but Izuku knew of the dangers he could bring just by existing alongside other people. That's why he had to leave the Bakugou family, though it hurt to do so.

"I guess that makes us brothers…"

Izuku exhaled a little. Perhaps Katsuki had never forgiven him, but Izuku felt the strangest sense of relief seeing him, and even being berated by him. This feeling that there were things in this world that would forever remain the same brought ease in such a vexing situation.

He couldn't quite recall the faces of the other two men, but they seemed to have the same uniform as Katsuki. One of them had distinctive hair though, he remembered that much. It was a scorching red, but it was also a chilling white under the moonlit gaze. Before he could see past that, the young man had struck him down.

And now here he was. Before he could ponder more than that, he heard a knock on the door and a gentle voice. "Are you awake..?"

Izuku opened his mouth to speak, but his throat was dry and no words came out. So he raised his tied legs and thumped them against the floor just enough to be heard.

To his relief, a young lady slid the door aside and stepped in, carrying a tray with food and tea. She had a youthful face with doe eyes and a presence that seemed to lift the air around her. As she set the tray down, she pouted at Izuku's current predicament.

"I can't believe you're still tied up like this!" she huffed a little, reaching over to untie the knots on the ropes binding his arms and legs. After she was done, she pulled back so Izuku could stretch a bit. "Todoroki-kun was being too cautious, please forgive him." Despite her best intentions, Izuku could only manage an awkward, raspy laugh. After seeing that he wasn't able to say much else, she went back to serving. "Oh, I brought you some tea and rice porridge. Enjoy them while they're still hot, okay?"

Her smile radiated too much light for his tired eyes. Izuku avoided her gaze as he reached for his cup of tea. "Mm," he gulped down the green tea, which felt like heaven after everything that happened last night. But he couldn't take the way this girl was smiling so whimsically. Izuku couldn't remember the last time he was greeted with such a friendly face that he couldn't believe that her hospitality was real. But when he finished his first cup of tea, she poured him a second cup and encouraged him to have as much as he wanted. "Th-thank you…"

"You're welcome, Deku-kun!" she chirped, causing him to choke on his first mouthful of porridge. Her eyes widened at that reaction, and she handed him a facecloth. "Are you okay? Oh no, did I ruin the meal?!"

Izuku shook his head in a hurry. "N-No, I just… I didn't expect you to uh…" he still couldn't look her in the eye, wiping around his mouth with the facecloth she had given him. "I just…" he chose his words carefully. "... I didn't expect you to know that name."

She quirked a brow – the way he worded it made it sound as though he had more than one name to go by. There was only one name that she overheard. "Well, Bakugou-kun referred to you by 'Deku' and nobody told me otherwise… I think it's a great name!" she replied, and Izuku didn't have the heart to correct her. "My name is Ochaco Uraraka, Vice-Captain of the 2nd Division! Welcome to the Yoikusa Headquarters!"

"Yoikusa… like… 'Night Army'..?" Izuku mulled it over, before continuing. "I haven't heard of them. The uniform I saw Kacchan wearing seemed like a variation of the Shinsengumi uniform, or something…"

Ochaco simply smiled. "We're a faction linked with the Shinsengumi, but to the public eye we're simply Shinsengumi. But the Yoikusa handle different tasks that require amazing specialists, so even girls like Tsu-chan and I can join in and help out!"

"Different tasks… you mean like handling those bloodthirsty men from last night?" Izuku furrowed his brow, looking down at his food. "Uraraka-san… what were they?"

"Sorry Deku-kun, but I don't have the authority to tell you much more than that," she said with a regretful tone in her voice. "After this meal, you will be sent to questioning and well…" she bit her lip, figuring out how to press on with her sentence. "Yagi-kyokuchou will decide what happens from there. I wish you could have more say in the matter but… Todoroki-kun insisted that you be thoroughly investigated. He didn't want to tell me why and well… Bakugou-kun is still in shock."

"I understand," Izuku sighed, knowing not to press further on the subject. "Kacchan's… Our relationship is complicated to say the least. I don't think he was happy with me but… after last night, it's… I'm a little shocked to still be alive, hah…"

"Don't say that!" Ochaco gasped. "Bakugou-kun can be a little scary but um, he's with Kirishima-kun – he personally requested that I was the one to come and see you! I think he does care about your wellbeing, at least in his own way."

Izuku's eyes widened at the mention of 'Kirishima'. He remembered how, back when he stayed with the Bakugou family, that Katsuki was best friends with a guy named Eijirou Kirishima. Ochaco must be referring to him. Katsuki and Eijirou trained at the same dojo and he assumed the pair were best friends by the way they always trained with one another. Izuku considered them pretty inseparable. If they joined the Yoikusa together, it wouldn't have been a surprise at all.

"I suppose," he finally responded, though his expression was bittersweet. "Ah, I understand if you cannot tell me much, but… if there is anything you can tell me, I'd really appreciate it."

Ochaco blinked, before pressing a finger to her lips. She picked up that habit from her dear friend, but to Izuku she simply looked as though she was lost in thought. "… You're what regular humans would refer to as a 'Demon', aren't you? But you kept that from Bakugou-kun." Izuku averted his eyes, telling her enough. "Deku-kun, I'm similar to you. Some of the Yoikusa are just like you! You're not alone here."

What she didn't realise however, was the impact that her words would have on Izuku. He looked as though he might cry – to hear that at this very place, were people just like him… Izuku choked back a sob, quietly thanking Ochaco under his breath.

"Uraraka-san… were you an exile as well..?" the question was spoken with caution and it hung heavily in the air. Ochaco's response was weightless, but significant.

"Yes, I am. Every 'demon' in the Yoikusa was banished from their homeland and well, we united under that concept. We're family," she smiled, pressing the tips of her fingers together. "Not everyone in the Yoikusa is a demon, but we're all connected."

"That… sounds nice," Izuku breathed, realising that such a concept was so close in his reach. He got the impression that Ochaco was really happy for him to be here, despite the circumstances that brought them here. But he didn't know much about her, why she was exiled and so much more. Yet the knowledge that 'I'm similar to you' spread a warmth in his heart that he couldn't ignore.

This came crashing down however, as the door into the room was slammed aside, making way for Katsuki Bakugou of the Yoikusa. Izuku nearly dropped his bowl of porridge onto his lap, but Ochaco seemed completely unfazed. The young man cast a harsh stare over the two, which only hardened when met with Izuku's anxious gaze. Ochaco looked between the two and could only imagine the unspoken tale they shared.

Just as Katsuki readied himself to erupt with all the words he'd built up inside, Ochaco intercepted him carefully. "Yagi-kyokuchou has summoned us, hasn't he?"

Katsuki nodded, holding himself back for her. "Don't keep us waiting. All the captains and vice-captains are there, they seem to think you're some big deal. Don't let it get to your head, Deku. Even if you hid a Revival ability from the rest of us, you're still as useless as ever."

Ochaco protested his words, but Izuku couldn't respond. The warmth of before was replaced with a chill that sent shivers down his spine. Even though this place held people just like himself, he was still the stranger. He was still a potential threat and an enemy, and no amount of kindness Ochaco showed him would change that.

...

Izuku knelt at the centre of the main meeting room of the Yoikusa Headquarters, surrounded by many unfamiliar faces. The largest of the men, an intimidatingly muscular figure with pointed blonde hair swept back and an intense look about him was sitting back on a larger chair, while all the others had cushions to kneel upon. Izuku could easily assume that this was Yagi-kyokuchou, and either side of him were two of the men from last night. Katsuki was to the right of the man with long dark hair, who seemed to have the most senior roles in the group – the vice-commander, perhaps? A quick observation of the group told Izuku enough about the rankings. He saw Ochaco was sat behind Katsuki, who had a coat that matched others who sat in front. The difference between captains and vice-captains were apparent.

However, there seemed to be someone missing. The cushion beside Katsuki was left empty and the vice-captain sitting behind that cushion was a very peculiar, almost froggy like girl. She whispered to Katsuki, something about a captain running late.

Just as Katsuki was about to storm out to drag the missing captain in, a familiar face burst in. What was a tense atmosphere before now felt a bit lighter as a young man was reddened hair spiked back announced his entrance.

"I'm here, I'm here..!" he hurried to his spot, ignoring Katsuki's fuming in his direction. "Midoriya, I never thought I'd see you again! What a sight for sore eyes!" Izuku immediately recognised him to be Eijirou Kirishima. His hair had colour put through it, which made him doubt Eijirou for a moment. But that toothy grin? It was distinctively Eijirou.

A dark haired man sighed, reaching up to adjust his glasses. "Kirishima-san, that is the third time you have been late to our meetings this month. I understand you have been recovering, but it is concerning."

Ochaco gasped lightly. "Three times? Amazing, three times in five days!" She didn't even sound the slightest bit disappointed, earning a withering look from the man with the glasses.

Eijirou laughed. "Iida, you kept count!"

Katsuki slammed his fist against the tatami, but it didn't exactly startle many of the group. "How about everyone shuts the fuck up so Yagi-kyokuchou can speak?!"

The man who Katsuki was referring to cleared his throat. Izuku expected him to have a very harsh kind of demeanour, especially with the respect that Katsuki clearly had for him. Izuku was trembling with anxiety, his mind racing a million miles an hour. He did his best to recall everything that had happened, so he could at least give his side of the story. This moment he can't run away from, nor hide. He had to give it his very best.

"So, young Midoriya, you must be wondering why we have brought you here," Yagi-kyokuchou began, "that will be explained to you shortly. I am Toshinori Yagi, Chief of the Yoikusa. How much do you know about the Yoikusa?"

Izuku had to pause his mind to think of an answer. "Y-You are – I mean, the Yoikusa are a faction linked with the Shinsengumi. The Shinsengumi were formed by the Bakufu last year to protect the shogunate in Kyoto. I imagine the Yoikusa protect the shogunate as well, but with Yoikusa, i-it can be translated to 'Night Army', so I guess most of your work takes place at night..? B-But you deal with some quite different, erm, unique kind of work like… everyone here are specialists of some kind." He bit his lip, unsure whether the response he gave was satisfactory, or about to get him in more trouble.

A small smile graced the Chief's lips. "You are a bright young man, Midoriya. Not unlike your father, Hisashi Midoriya." Izuku audibly gasped at the mention of his father, but Toshinori continued to speak. "Yes, we do know him. We also know of your exile from Aldera. I'm impressed you made it this far. Many of us were certain you would have been captured by now."

The man sitting between Katsuki and Toshinori spoke up, pushing some strands of hair away from his eyes as he did. "Judging by your reaction, you haven't heard from your father in a long time." After Izuku nodded in reply, the man continued. His voice was rough and hard to gage emotions from and it only heightened Izuku's nerves. "So, we want to hear your story. We don't want any old story and we definitely don't want you feeding us what you think we want to hear."

Izuku almost forgot Katsuki's presence, but he was still shaking ever so slightly with pent up anger. "Don't you dare lie, Deku. I can tell when you're lying," he growled, showing just enough restrain that told his companions he wasn't going to lash out. Not yet, anyway.

Ochaco peered over the shoulder of her captain to give what she hoped was a reassuring smile to Izuku. She could tell Izuku was a clever guy and that now was the time to be the most honest version of himself.

He didn't realise until right then and there just how much he needed that smile. It gave him enough courage to push forward in this meeting.

So Izuku told them everything he knew.

...

My name is Izuku Midoriya, and I came from the hidden demon village of Aldera. It was a very isolated community, but it was that isolation they sought to protect. I had my mother and my father and while life wasn't exciting, it was a gentle life. Well, no. Not entirely. In the home life was simple and gentle.

I didn't really fit in, because I didn't seem to inherit powers like the other kids did. They didn't want to be my friend because of that – I didn't have anything 'cool' to contribute, I guess.

Hisashi Midoriya was one of the few villagers who left regularly. He decided to go studying in this country called ah… I think it was 'Koninkrijk der Nederlanden' – he went there to study western medicine. My father was gone for about five years, I think. I don't really know why and well, my mother didn't tell me, but the people of Aldera were distancing themselves from him. Eventually he was exiled for good. Nobody would tell me why.

When I was about 15, our village came under attack. It was some other demon clan and well… they said… I was terrifying. I just wanted to protect my mother more than anything.

Calling my power a Revival ability isn't wrong, but… it's so much more than that.

If I get struck down and I die, I will always recover. All wounds gone, even severed limbs return to my body as if nothing had happened. Even if my head was cut, I'd return to normal. But that was the least of it. In my revival, a burst of flames would shoot out from my body and turn everything nearest to me to ashes…

They said I had a Phoenix Heart.

Aldera faced more attacks after that. Demons from all over started to come for my power and my Phoenix Heart… it didn't just kill my attackers. It can kill anyone who gets too close to me. I couldn't control it, but I tried to, I really did.

It wasn't enough though, I got exiled. Aldera didn't want me – my presence brought danger to everyone else. It hurt so much to leave but I… I know why. I didn't want them hurt any further. So I ran and I ran and well, there was only one person I really knew on the outside, which was my father. I've been searching for him ever since. In my personal belongings, I have a painting of me with my parents. It's the best reference I've got.

Even though I had people help me to survive, I could never stay long. I knew I had to keep moving, even if it hurt those I left behind.

I got a lead recently, and it told me that Hisashi Midoriya had been in Kyoto, so I came here with the hopes of finding him again.

Last night, I arrived later than I hoped and I was struggling to find an inn with an available room. That's when I got pursued by these crazy, bloodthirsty men. I was reminded of the demons that have attacked my home village in the past but… these men had less inhibitions. I knew I couldn't run, so I made the choice to let them kill me. I don't know whether I wanted them caught by my Phoenix Heart or not.

When I woke up, some of your men were already at the scene. I didn't really get to talk much – at first there was the shock of seeing Kacchan again and um… I really did want to come peacefully. I was pretty desperate.

Something else happened and I don't understand it, even now.

...

Izuku hesitated for a moment before continuing further. He locked eyes with the young man to the left of Toshinori, the one with the white and red hair, the heterochromia eyes and a cool demeanour about him. "You… you reacted strongly when I said my name was Izuku Midoriya. As soon as I said that name, you proceeded to knock me out." Then he fidgeted, wondering if he was being too outspoken just now. They let him talk for so long that his mouth ran away with his words. "S-Sorry, I'm talking out of line, aren't I? Forgive me."

To his surprise, the other man seemed unbothered. "It's fine. You want to know why I did what I did. That's a reasonable reaction."

Toshinori looked between the two. "In any case, I think we can safely determine that young Midoriya here has no direct link to his father other than by blood," he concluded, though that truth stung a little. The Yoikusa Chief's eyes fell back on Izuku and the latter realised that this conclusion may be for the best in this particular situation. "You are not the only one looking for Hisashi Midoriya. This may or may not come as a surprise to you, but many are seeking the extensive knowledge that your father possesses. You mentioned that he was a practitioner of western medicine, but it goes much further than that."

It didn't take a scientist to guess at what Toshinori was referring to. "Those men from last night… the symptoms they had. Do you want my father to help with things like that?" Izuku enquired, or rather was seeking clarification. "Please, I don't know much about my father and… this is the most I've heard of him in so long."

There was a pause in the conversation as Toshinori's eyes scanned the rest of his subordinates. Even though Katsuki was clearly holding his tongue, it seemed as though the others approved their Chief continuing to speak.

"We believe that Hisashi Midoriya can make or break this situation that is slowly, but surely sweeping the nation. It is imperative that he be found before this escalates any further," Toshinori began, with Izuku's nerves steeling for the truth. "There is a formula that has been developed using the blood of demonkind to give an ordinary human astonishing power beyond all belief. While this power can be controlled, most will succumb to the side effects."

"The bloodlust..?"

"Correct," Toshinori nodded, glad that Izuku wasn't slow to catch on. "The Yoikusa's focus is in regards to how demonkind are affecting the course of history. Many demon exiles believe that their circumstance is an invitation to do whatever it is they wish, now that their homeland has abandoned them. Other demon clans wish to interfere with human affairs as well. The role of the Yoikusa is to reduce demon influence and help the Shinsengumi maintain the peace. With the eyes of the world on Japan, there is a high risk if this formula and demons themselves were to become international knowledge. We cannot let this happen."

Izuku seemed to be responding more calmly than most expected, but Katsuki knew the boy was panicking a lot more internally. "Y-You're telling me this because you want me to help…" at first he spoke the obvious, but Izuku let dumb courage take to the surface of the million emotions he was going through at once. "I want to help you. If the work you do, if finding my father – if all of that can save Japan, then I want to do my part to help." He bowed deeply, placing his hands flat against the tatami as his nose almost brushed it. "Please let me, Izuku Midoriya, be of use to the Yoikusa!"

Toshinori exhaled a sigh, but it was light and airy. "Raise your head, young Midoriya. You may join us."

"Y-Yes! Thank you very much!" Even though he raised his head, the follow up made him bow all over again. "I will do my best!"

Suddenly others in the group began throwing in their own words of encouragement and welcomes. Katsuki made a 'tch' sound, while Eijirou fistpumped the air. Not everyone was entirely ecstatic with the decision, but they understood it. When Izuku sat up and others simmered down, Toshinori continued to speak, introducing other members of the Yoikusa one by one.

The long haired man next to him was the Vice-Commander, second highest ranking in the Yoikusa, Shouta Aizawa. Captain of the First Division was Shouto Todoroki and his vice-captain was a kunoichi, Kyouka Jirou. Following up was Katsuki Bakugou as Captain of the Second Division and Ochaco Uraraka as his vice-captain. Captain of the Third Division was the glasses wearing young man Tenya Iida, whose vice-captain was a very peculiar looking fellow named Hitoshi Shinsou. The Fourth Division Captain was an enthusiastic guy named Denki Kaminari and his vice-captain was Hanta Sero. The Fifth Division Captain was Fumikage Tokoyami, an intense looking young man with another intimidating person for a vice-captain, Mezo Shouji. Finally, there was the Sixth Division Captain Eijirou Kirishima and the froggy looking girl as his vice-captain, a young woman named Tsuyu Asui.

Following up from the introductions, Izuku worked out what each of the Divisions specialised in. The odd numbered divisions had more skills in intelligence and strategy while the even numbered divisions handled a lot more of the combat and well, the gritty work. Yet the divisions worked like pairs, with divisions one and two working in the night, while divisions three and four worked during the day. Finally, fifth and sixth divisions worked with research – Izuku wasn't entirely sure what that entailed but he felt it best not to ask just yet.

It seemed as though each captain and vice-captain combination had a demon featured, though the majority of the entire Yoikusa membership were ordinary humans. Izuku wasn't sure if it was his own power helping him, but he felt he could guess who the demons were and who the humans were. Toshinori Yagi and Shouta Aizawa were definitely the former, they seemed to radiate strength that couldn't be matched. Shouto Todoroki, Ochaco Uraraka, Hitoshi Shinsou, Denki Kaminari, Mezo Shouji and Tsuyu Asui appeared to be the other demons in the group. Something felt incredibly off about Fumikage and Eijirou though, and he couldn't put his finger on it.

Before Izuku could size up everyone properly, Toshinori brought his attention back to him. "Young Midoriya, I want you to be trained before officially joining a division. For now I'd like Iida to train you and assess your skills."

Tenya nodded rather enthusiastically. "Understood, Yagi-kyokuchou! I will see to it that Midoriya-kun reaches the standards of the Yoikusa."

Aizawa looked amongst the group, seeing if everyone was content with that. "While Iida is taking care of our newest member, I will assume his fieldwork duties. I will be the judge of when Midoriya's allowed to leave headquarters though, got it?"

"Osu!" everyone responded to that.

"Divisions One and Two, go and get some rest. Division Three will meet with Kayama – I believe she has new intel for us. Division Four, get ready for patrol. I've got a letter I want you to pass onto Nagakura-san while he's on patrol, so make sure you cross paths with his group. Division Five, keep running those tests we discussed in our last meeting. Finally, Division Six… Organise your troops and rebuild the damages in our security. Everyone, dismissed!"

Izuku was amazed at how much Aizawa took charge just now, firing off orders and everyone setting about following said orders. He wondered if some of them might give into temptation to size up their newest member for themselves, but they were diligent. Well, the one named Denki gave Izuku's shoulder a squeeze on the way out and something about trying not to collapse under Tenya's training regime.

Just what was he getting himself into?

Before he could delve deeper into any of that, he found himself left alone in this meeting room with just Toshinori, Tenya and to his surprise, Shouto. Perhaps the Chief had told Shouto to remain while the others left to do as told.

"Yagi-kyokuchou, why did you ask me to stay?" Shouto asked, proving Izuku's guess to be correct.

Toshinori smiled slightly, but then the tone in his voice raised his expectations. "The truth is, I think the one who may be able to bring the most out of young Midoriya will be you, Shouto Todoroki. You were also the last person to make contact with Hisashi Midoriya within this group."

With a gasp, Izuku swivelled to face Shouto, locking gazes. "Is that true? You've met my father?!"

Shouto averted his eyes, finding Izuku's reaction to be a bit much. "Briefly. My father knows him better than I do." For reasons he would not explain, that response came out like cutting knives and Izuku wasn't prepared to push him further to understand it.

"That being said, you two are our best hope for finding young Midoriya's father. That is why, Iida, I want you to train him with Todoroki's division in mind," Toshinori instructed firmly. Not even Shouto could say no.

"Very well!" Tenya was extremely compliant. "In that case, I request Todoroki-kun to find a way to be more open at least with Midoriya-kun. If the fate of the Yoikusa and Japan itself is dependent on their partnership and co-operation to locate Hisashi Midoriya, then I would assume my request is more than reasonable." Compliant but also unafraid to make logical demands of others, Izuku realised.

Shouto bit his lip, but nodded. "I… will try."

Toshinori nodded around at the three young men. "There's plenty of time for Midoriya to get to know everyone. If everyone understands their duties, you're all dismissed."

Izuku finally rose to his feet along with the others and followed Tenya out of the room, thanking the Chief on his way out.

The Third Division Captain had quick feet as he paced through the hallways and led him out into the courtyard. Tenya showed Izuku around the headquarters of the Yoikusa, which allowed him to familiarise himself with the setting. Izuku was thankful that he had been raised a studious sort, because he couldn't imagine many others keeping up with all the information Tenya was transferring across. His explanations were extremely wordy and he spoke almost too hastily to keep up with. Almost.

He did get a lot out of the tour of the headquarters though. Not only was he able to gage where everything was, the laws of the Yoikusa and the schedule Izuku would be running by each day for the meantime, Tenya had acquired him his own uniform, a wooden katana to practise with and other soldier essentials.

"I can see why you were selected to train me," Izuku commented when he was finally led back to his new living quarters. "It's a lot to take in, but I'm really grateful. Thank you, Iida-kumichou."

Tenya couldn't contain his smile over Izuku's compliments. "No, you're the one I should thank, Midoriya-kun! Your timing in joining us was impeccable," he remarked, placing a hand on the shoulder of his trainee. "Our proud nation has the eyes of the world upon it, and it is more crucial than ever that we protect it. As the paths of demon and human intertwine, it is imperative that we work towards an outcome of peace and prosperity. Your desire to help us did not fall upon deaf ears, Midoriya-kun. I, Tenya Iida, Captain of the Third Division, will not fail you."

While his speech was dramatic, Izuku could feel that Tenya's intentions were honourable, genuine and from the heart. He couldn't help but return the smile he was graced with.

"I know you won't and well, I'll be giving it my all too. The Yoikusa could have done whatever they liked with me, but they chose to let me help. We will find my father – I won't let anything stop me."

...

1869.

Back then, I was ready to embrace these people and this new life, for I, Izuku Midoriya had finally found my place in this world. A place where I was no longer alone, where there were others who were just like me. There were like-minded people and despite all our differences, our hearts carried similar goals.

I would reach that point where I would go to the ends of the world for any one of these people.

Beyond the grave however, the flames would always pull me back without them.

Would my dear, dear friends who have left me be proud of the man I am today?

The way I am living now, I want to uphold everything you have given me these past five years. Everything I received, the joyful moments, the times spent where hearts drew closer, even the memories that bring me to tears, are my most precious memories.

I will never forget them, even when the day comes where I turn to ash and never return.

A/N: and that's the first chapter! Next chapter we return to 1864, with Izuku settling into his new life with the Yoikusa! Reviews are love, until next time!