Hi everyone, thank you for coming and checking out my fanfic. I hope people are enjoying it so far, I know I'm having fun writing it. I'd love to hear people's thoughts so far, though I fear y'all gonna hate me for this chapter real soon... /thinking emoji
chapter two: deku.
...
May 5, 1864.
A month had passed since Izuku Midoriya had joined the Yoikusa, a faction located in the great city of Kyoto. During that time, he had been training under Tenya Iida, Captain of the Third Division. Every day was crammed with studying, fitness training, sword training and chores around the headquarters. Tenya was a brilliant tutor, but Izuku began to realise that his brilliant tutor rarely ever ran out of steam. This man fit more work into Izuku's schedule within a month than any work he'd done in a lifetime leading up to this.
Ochaco checked up on the pair regularly and Izuku realised the close bond she and Tenya shared. It was Ochaco who suggested that the Yoikusa recruit Tenya in the first place.
Most nights, Izuku ate and studied alone in his room, but he was fine with that. His fellow members of the Yoikusa all had important work to do, which meant they couldn't always be with him. He hoped that once he was allowed to do fieldwork he could have more opportunities to get to know everyone. That being said, he didn't even know many of the names of the lower ranked soldiers who worked under the different captains and divisions.
He learned that Ochaco wanted to be in the Third Division, but after witnessing her powers, Katsuki made many demands. They sparred every day, usually in the late afternoon. Ochaco had this power to control the gravity of a person or object using her hands, and whenever she employed that power, defeating Katsuki came rather easily. However much it annoyed her captain, he always demanded to go again. She insisted she train without using her powers too, even though Katsuki overpowered her every time. Izuku was impressed by Ochaco's resilience.
Katsuki wanted to master fighting against those with demon powers; that much was obvious. As long as Izuku has known Katsuki, the spiky haired young man was competitive and set himself difficult goals. Strangely enough, Izuku had always admired that driven side though it often became a double-edged sword.
That competitive, goal-oriented Katsuki also held grudges and anyone who stood in his way was the target of his frustrations. Izuku felt the disdain emulating from the Second Division Captain, but he wasn't able to approach the subject since arriving here.
He wasn't the only one who was vexing. Izuku knew there was information being withheld from him by the Fifth and Sixth Divisions. Eijirou's presence didn't feel right – before it was just a hunch, but Katsuki has definitely been avoiding him. Clearly something was up. Fumikage and Mezo were a mysterious pair who often talked in hushed voices and Izuku couldn't help but wonder if they were conspiring. Izuku was desperate to bridge the gap with the Fifth Division pair, but conversations were always cut short. Even Eijirou was considerably quieter than Izuku had anticipated, but that may be due to the cold shoulder he was getting from Katsuki.
As for Tsuyu, she had left for a couple weeks and was due to return in a few days. Izuku hoped that perhaps he could try get to know her more, as he hadn't been able to do so earlier.
Despite the distance the Fifth and Sixth Division created between themselves and Izuku, he wondered if the Fourth Division was getting too close. Every week, Denki and Hanta were petitioning Aizawa to grant Izuku permission to go out drinking with them off-duty. Even though the answer was no each time, the two young men were very persistent. Izuku wasn't sure how to feel about this – he was happy the two wanted to bond with him, but he hadn't worked up the courage to admit he didn't enjoy the concept of partying it up in Shimabara.
Ever since the first meeting, Yagi-kyokuchou and Aizawa-sanchou barely had a moment's freedom to themselves. They were meeting with members of the Shinsengumi, not to mention the Bakufu. One of the meetings, Shouto accompanied them and from what Izuku could gather, it was because the Yaoyorozu were there.
Izuku still didn't know much about Shouto. The First Division Captain had a way of making himself unavailable, which only heightened Izuku's suspicions. Shouto was the last person to meet with Hisashi Midoriya, but touching upon the subject was near impossible. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one confused about that. Denki mentioned that he talked to Kyouka about it, but even Kyouka wasn't willing to give up information. All she'd say is that Izuku would be told when Shouto was ready to discuss it.
But when will Shouto ever be ready to discuss it?
Time was going to pass and Izuku would finally be allowed out of the headquarters to do patrol as well, and this information Shouto had could be vital.
...
Late May 5, 1864.
Aizawa-sanchou had ordered Izuku and all the other captains to attend a meeting, just in the gap between the First and Second Divisions taking over from the Third and Fourth's duties. Yagi-kyokuchou wasn't present and neither was anybody in the Fifth or Sixth Divisions, but Aizawa mentioned something about having already spoken with them.
There was a heavy silence that filled the air and Izuku was weighed down by it. Most of the people gathered in the main meeting room gave off a sombre vibe and Izuku felt like the only one there who didn't understand why. Even Tenya, usually serious and earnest; or Ochaco, hardly without a kind word or warm smile, weren't sources of encouragement here.
"So Aizawa-sanchou, what's all this about?" Denki cut through the tension like a knife, looking as though he just wanted to get this meeting over and done with as soon as possible.
Kyouka quirked a brow in the blonde's direction, but held her tongue. One thing Izuku knew is that whenever Denki had something to say, Kyouka usually had some kind of remark at the ready. He was surprised not to hear that cynical tone of hers responding.
Still, Aizawa was more awake than usual and able to address everyone. While he wasn't known to show a lot of emotion, there was an underlying frustration as he spoke. "Conflicts have broken out in the Mito Domain. 'Sonnou Joui' is the philosophy being used, and the Ronin fighting under that philosophy are intending to overthrow the Shogunate. Yamada's been drawn into the conflict."
Ochaco gasped, cupping her mouth with a hand. Many of the others looked stricken, others sympathetic. Izuku, not really knowing who 'Yamada' was, could only stay quiet. What little he could tell was that this was someone very important to Aizawa. With a soft whisper, Ochaco explained to Izuku that Yamada and Aizawa grew up at the same dojo, which solidified Izuku's earlier guess.
There was something in what Aizawa brought up that Izuku did recognise however. 'Sonnou Joui' - 'Revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians'. It was a philosophy with heavy negative sentiments towards the shogunate, but moreso the West. As the concept promoted the idea of shifting loyalties from the shogunate to the Emperor, Izuku knew it wasn't something the Shinsengumi or the Yoikusa could get behind.
"I have received permission from Yagi-kyokuchou to go and investigate the situation for myself," Aizawa continued, leading to more gasps from the others. They all were aware of the importance of Yamada to Aizawa, but didn't realise the sheer depth of it. "I leave in one week. While I am away, Todoroki will be assuming my duties. You will refer to him as Todoroki-fukuchou, vice-commander of the Yoikusa. Kirishima's Division will be stepping it up, working together with both Todoroki and Bakugou's Divisions on the night duties. Asui will assist Todoroki, while Kirishima will assist Bakugou."
Katsuki scowled, clearly unimpressed with this new rearrangement of duties. "Oi, I know Shitty Hair's been a lot better than he was before, but those fuckers in his unit… Will they actually behave themselves?"
Aizawa frowned, but he was certain in his decision. "Tokoyami's Division has made a lot of breakthroughs with their research. Kirishima's Division have been following instructions and been through a lot of training. They're ready."
Izuku couldn't help but feel as though he was missing something really major here, but he wasn't sure if he should interject.
With Aizawa's response though, Katsuki chose the method Kyouka did it earlier when it came to Denki – he held his tongue. It allowed the commander to continue speaking. "Jirou, I want you to take up station in Shimabara. Aoyama gave us the go-ahead to let you do more information gathering."
"Osu—" Kyouka began to respond, only to get cut off by a loud, exuberant interruption from the Fourth Division Captain.
"Hey, does that mean Jirou's gonna dress like a geiko?" Denki sounded more enthusiastic than everyone in the room put together. Kyouka's cheeks reddened from embarrassment, averting her eyes to the floor while Katsuki reached over to smack the back of Denki's head. "Ow!"
"Nobody gives a fuck about that right now, Denki!" Katsuki snapped at him, though everyone else knew he was wrong. Denki gave many fucks about what Kyouka would be doing for her information gathering missions. Not that anyone was dumb enough to correct him.
"I'll do what I have to, not that it's any of your concern," Kyouka replied fairly diplomatically, neither confirming nor denying.
Aizawa cleared his throat loudly, drawing the attention back to him as he continued assigning duties. "Shinsou, you're to accompany Jirou and keep an eye out for trouble. If she needs your back-up, do as she says."
"Very well," Hitoshi replied, and that was that. Izuku wondered how he and Tenya worked with one another, with how quiet Hitoshi is in comparison to his captain.
His curt response was convenient for Aizawa though, who continued with his briefing. "Midoriya, you have shown improvements during the time you have spent here. Because of this, I want you to assist Todoroki as his page. You're not ready for battle, but you will continue your training to help you reach that point."
Izuku bowed his head. "Thank you, Aizawa-sanchou. I will do my best!"
"And another thing," Aizawa cut in, clearly not finished in instructing the boy. "Midoriya, I want you to take that name 'Deku' and own it. Outsiders of the Yoikusa will only know you as 'Deku', not Izuku Midoriya, not even as a Midoriya. Those among the ranks below captains and vice-captains have been told that you faked your identity and that you were only pretending to be the real Izuku. Becoming 'Deku' will become your protection."
He felt like Aizawa had just slapped him across the face, enough to leave a handprint. Being a Midoriya was the only identity he ever had, and Aizawa wanted him to abandon it. Izuku understood the logic – as Izuku Midoriya, he's hunted for his powers – but as Deku, he's nobody. The name was given in such a mean spirited moment of childishness all those years ago by Katsuki, but now Aizawa was making it his shield. He didn't know how to feel other than stricken.
Even Katsuki's expression was somewhat unreadable. Aizawa took that name he'd used for Izuku countless times and assigned it a role. It wasn't something even he could argue with.
"S-Sorry, Deku-kun…" Ochaco exhaled, her voice guilty. Izuku was confused by her apology and she could see that, so she pressed on with her explanation. "Aizawa-sanchou came to me about an alternative name and well… I really liked it, because I was reminded of Dekiruyo – you can do it!"
Izuku's eyes were wide and mouth gaping in shock, but it wasn't a bad feeling at all. He looked around the room and could see others with small smiles of support. Denki gave him a thumbs up and a grin, Hanta nodded approvingly and Tenya clearly understood as well. When Aizawa asked Ochaco about a new name, a new alias for Izuku, she went straight to one of the most encouraging words in their native tongue. She told Aizawa to make such a kind sentiment his protection.
Just like that, she changed the meaning of the name from something that put him down to something that raised him up higher than he could ever imagine.
He had never known what it was like to have his spirits lifted so suddenly after what he believed to be a downfall. To see others around him clearly agreeing to this new meaning gave him the most warmth he'd ever felt since arriving here. Nothing can take this away from him, or no one.
Katsuki clenched his fist and scowled at Ochaco, unable to contain his true thoughts on the matter. "Oi oi, that's how you interpreted that fucking name?! You can't just make up new definitions just because the original meaning doesn't suit you!"
"Why not? Lots of words mean more than one thing – it's the way you use a word that defines it," countered Ochaco – and nobody expected her to talk back to her captain like that, not even Katsuki himself. "But ah, if Deku-kun doesn't like the name then um, he can choose a new one, right?"
"No, I'll use it," the young man in question responded, smiling gently. "Before this conversation, I honestly would have refused the name. I didn't like the way it was used and I, I wanted to correct you on my name so many times, Uraraka-san. But now that I know your reasoning, I really like it. For the sake of the Yoikusa, I will become Deku from now on. The Deku that makes people think dekiruyo!"
Not even Katsuki knew what to say, but he was clearly fuming. The only thing keeping him from lashing out was Aizawa eyeballing him with caution. He pushed himself back up to his feet and stormed out of the meeting room, if only to prevent himself from mouthing off at his exiting commander and fellow captains and vice-captains.
Ochaco sighed a little, clutching at her chest and shaking nervously. "W-We've really done it now, huh..?"
"You were brilliant, Uraraka," Aizawa denied her the chance to feel any guilt for upsetting Katsuki. "As vice-captain, I expect you to tell your captain when he's in the wrong. I don't want you to roll over for anyone going forward." She took on those words and would make sure to ponder them later. For now, Aizawa would finish off the meeting. "Listen, I know you're all going to be able to take care of things around here. Everyone in the Yoikusa understands the goal we have all united under. I'll be gone for a while, but I will be back. Don't have me returning to find you've all waged war against one another instead."
"We won't!" Izuku replied, others echoing the sentiments also.
Finally, Shouto opened his mouth to speak. "There is one last thing we should do to close off the meeting then," he began, all eyes on him now, but Shouto's eyes were firmly on one person, "Welcome to the Yoikusa, Deku. From tomorrow onwards, you will assume your duties as my page. Everything you do will be for us, the Yoikusa, the Shinsengumi, the shogunate and Iemochi Tokugawa!" He spoke with a passion that Izuku had never seen in him before, but it drew him in like destiny. Even though Shouto wasn't one to talk with a great deal with emotion very often, the importance of this group and his role within it clearly mattered a great deal. "Deku, will you walk the same path as us going forward?"
Right then and there, Deku accepted his new role, his new name, his new everything that was bestowed upon him. If he wasn't considered a member before, he is now. His gaze locked with Shouto's and he already knew his truth before the words spilled from his mouth and sealed his fate.
"Yes, Todoroki-fukuchou! I, Deku, swear upon the Phoenix Heart, that I will work with the Yoikusa, I will fight alongside the Yoikusa, I will see the dreams carried by the Yoikusa through to the very end… and that dream we're all working towards, I would see Japan covered in ash before I ever let that dream die..! Like the legendary phoenix, nothing will knock us back, we will only rise from here. That is my heart's promise."
Shouto and Deku would not break that gaze the whole time the latter spoke. The match was lit and the candle between them burned with a newfound glow that others had never seen before. This determination Shouto and Deku felt came from places that the other does not know about, but somehow they understood.
With a new name and dream to see through, Deku truly found his purpose.
With the Phoenix Heart, Shouto saw a new core within the Yoikusa, something that would give everyone hope.
With this new breakthrough, Tenya could only reflect on what Yagi-kyokuchou said only a month ago:
"The truth is, I think the one who may be able to bring the most out of young Midoriya will be you, Shouto Todoroki."
Tenya smiled to himself. Knowing the kind of man Shouto is, and having gotten to know Deku very recently, Tenya didn't think those words could hold any weight. Right now however, he was seeing a new beginning.
Shouto and Deku, two sides of the same coin, who will fight for Japan.
However, in the back of his mind was their enemy, and Tenya knew that when it came to the Yoikusa, Deku has only scratched the surface.
Moving forward, would the heart of the phoenix be enough?
...
May 6, 1864.
"Starting today, I will train you up as a samurai."
After a whole month of avoiding Deku, these were not the words he expected to hear from Shouto Todoroki first thing after breakfast. He even had training swords prepared for them, clearly raring to go.
Deku blinked a few times, processing what was happening. "Usually I'm on clean-up duty after breakfast…"
"And now you're training to be a proper samurai," Shouto responded, not allowing room for further protest. They heard approaching footsteps and paused to see who was coming down the hallway. Shouto placed one of the training swords into Deku's hands and turned to face Denki and Hanta. "Ah. Kaminari, Sero. You're on clean-up duty today."
"Hah? Since when?" Denki fired back – this was sprung on them out of nowhere!
Hanta joined in protest. "That's right! Deku's being on clean-up for ages now, when did this change?"
Shouto pondered these responses. "If you two won't do it, then the only ones available to would be Bakugou or Jirou. Can you ask them to do clean-up?"
This silenced the pair's protests. They exchanged meaningful glances and decided that yes, they do treasure their lives after all. Deku could understand neither wanting to ask Katsuki to do the cleaning, but he couldn't help but wonder what Kyouka did to have these two young men fear the concept of asking her instead.
The pair entered one of the courtyards in the Yoikusa Headquarters and Shouto instructed Deku to do some warm-up exercises. He remained silent and watched as his trainee got to work. After a while, Deku was simply practising his swing. He felt he was doing okay, remembering everything that Tenya had taught him. However, it was only when he got to that point where Shouto spoke up again.
"Iida's style of kenjutsu doesn't suit you," Shouto remarked, his words cutting into a month's worth of training. "Your technique is good and you follow instructions well, but the reality is you're no Iida. He's taller and faster than you are, which means the application of his moves will definitely incapacitate his target." He approached Deku and compared the trainee's height to his own. "Iida's style is Mugai Ryu and it suits him perfectly, but you haven't got the right build. I'll teach you Tennen Rishin Ryu, but I'll get Kaminari to train you on his iaijutsu."
Deku lowered his training sword, mulling over Shouto's words. He'd seen Denki and Hanta sparring before – it made sense to learn Denki's iaijutsu. Their heights and builds were extremely similar. "Tennen Rishin Ryu is what most of the Shinsengumi like to use, isn't it? I have the groundworks for it, but Iida-kun hasn't taught me as much about bojutsu or jujutsu…"
Shouto didn't look surprised. "Mugai Ryu traces back a few centuries and its entire curriculum was kenjutsu. The Iida family are very proud of their traditional education, so it's expected that he would have focused his teachings from it. Of course, the Iida family have taken the basis of Mugai Ryu and applied iaijutsu. His quick-draw rivals Hajime Saito. He has never needed to truly apply bojutsu or jujutsu." Words faded into silence as Deku took it all in. Shouto stepped back and gestured for Deku to raise his sword. "I want you to attack me using what you've learned so far."
Despite saying such a thing, Shouto had his own training sword hung at his belt. His stance wasn't a fighting one. Deku wasn't sure what to make of that, but Shouto obviously knew what he was doing. Still, he remembered the footwork Iida used and he prepared himself for this. He shifted his own training blade to his hip and observed Shouto's positioning. The distance between them, the angle Shouto would draw from and most importantly, if he can find the opening.
He kicked off from his left foot and in his lunge, Deku's blade swiped from his hip and pierced the gap. His prediction that Shouto would manoeuvre himself to the left wasn't a wrong one, and with a turn of his heel he could follow through. The blade was pushing through, he was inches from the target and a kill was in his sights.
The air left him for a moment and his back slammed against the ground. His training sword flung from his grasp and off to the side and the only thing that kept Deku from pushing up again with the kunai at his throat and Shouto hovering over him.
"I suspected as much," Shouto spoke, cutting to the truth yet again. "Your body cannot keep up with your thought process and you know that. But your Phoenix Heart is your fall back. When you can't win, you die. By the time you revive, your fight is over." The tip of the dagger was dangerously close to sinking into flesh and it took all of Deku's willpower not to just let it happen. Not this time. "This world you've chosen to enter isn't like that. When you can't win, everyone dies." His trainer's voice was bitter and alone told tales of experience that was beyond Deku's imagination. "That heart of yours beats for all of us now. As your captain, I won't allow you to betray us."
With that, Shouto drew back his kunai and pushed himself back to his feet. Deku only then realised the close proximity between one another and the way Shouto could have reduced him into ashes in merely a second.
His heart beat faster when he realised the depth of Shouto's words and the importance placed upon him. But the feeling that would remain etched in his memory along with such words was the scorches against one sleeve and the bite of frost at his neck. And only when Shouto pulled away did the spring air seep through and neutralize that cutting contrast.
Deku knew Shouto was a demon, just like himself. Since coming to the Yoikusa, he saw the different kinds of demons that existed within. Ochaco's kindness, Hitoshi's aloofness, Denki's enthusiasm and then… then there was Shouto Todoroki.
He couldn't put a finger on it. Last night was the first stepping stone and Deku knew that, but he couldn't tell what that stone looked like from the captain's perspective and how he crossed it. How was it that he managed to do that? What sparked Shouto to show the side that was so passionate for the cause, yet barricade the very reasons behind it? The scorched fabric of his sleeve and the chill that ran down his neck was going to haunt him, but Deku knew that somewhere within Shouto, existed the key to his father.
A similar sentiment was returned.
May 10, 1864.
Denki took the lead in showing Deku his footwork and movements, the latter mimicking him. Observing their training was Tsuyu Asui, who had recently returned from her trip late yesterday afternoon. Her announcement at the meeting was said to have brought about a lot of mixed feelings. Deku didn't think Katsuki's mood as of late could be any fouler, but apparently that was proven wrong. Thankfully Denki was a free speaker and unafraid to share his opinion, even with the original bearer of the news in present.
"Look, I just kinda wish Bakugou would get over himself! Yeah, we all don't really like that Monoma guy and hell, nobody really knows how to interact with Kan, but we need more people! Especially with Aizawa leaving in two days!" Denki ranted as he did some practise swings. "Kirishima's doing us a huge favour making use of that Tetsutetsu connection!"
Tsuyu clicked her tongue, and Deku couldn't help but stare a little. It was only recently that he realised just how frog-like she was, and it felt like she missed nothing. Nothing happened without Tsuyu noticing it, and at first Deku didn't really understand it. However, throughout this training, she pointed out more mistakes than even Shouto or Tenya would. Everytime their eyes made contact, he'd look away apologetically and do his best to apply her critique. He never knew any girls who were this blunt, but she was honestly very helpful. Everything she pointed out was true.
"Kaminari-chan, I thought you were agreeing with Bakugou-chan before?" Tsuyu quirked a brow, pressing a finger to her bottom lip. That was a habit he quickly observed from the girl. As soon as that index finger reached her lip, some kind of cutting but accurate remark would follow soon after. "I heard your complaints to Sero-chan before I left, kero."
Denki gasped a little. "Oi, oi, Asui – uh, Tsu-chan, that was before Aizawa-sanchou made that whole announcement about joining Yamada with that whole Mito Rebellion problem!"
"Yes, I was not surprised to hear the news. If Aizawa-sanchou were to lose Yamada-san, he may not return to us."
"Oi, if Aizawa doesn't return, what if Kan steals his job?! That would be the worst..!" Denki worried, but Deku couldn't help but feel it was the wrong concern. He just wanted Aizawa and Yamada to be safe and sound.
From what Deku could gather, Tsuyu was sent out to see about recruiting Sekijiro Kan and his men to align themselves with the Yoikusa. One of the notable members was Eijirou's original sparring partner, Tetsutetsu, but apparently within Sekijiro's group were people who had the others on edge. The main name dropped as a point of contention seemed to be a young man named Neito Monoma, but the reasons why weren't exactly clear.
Nevertheless, Eijirou insisted on sending Tsuyu out to make contact with the group and Yagi-kyokuchou approved the request.
Deku bit his lip, lowering his training sword. "What's Todoroki-fukuchou's opinion on the matter?"
"Doubt he cares either way," remarked Denki, giving a shrug of his shoulders. "All he cares about is—" he stopped himself when Tsuyu gave him a pointed look. "Well, y'know…"
Tsuyu exhaled a little. "Well, Momo-chan is really happy. Tetsutetsu-kun's wife is a very dear friend of hers. She'll arrive before the rest of them do."
"Oh, so if the wife is happy, then it's fine?"
"Wife?" Deku enquired, finding that he was definitely missing something here.
Denki grinned wide, bearing his teeth. "Did Todoroki seriously not tell you? Wow, he really is private as ever!" He chuckled, clearly amused with this. "Uh yeah, the Yoikusa are funded by the Yaoyorozu family. Todoroki is married to their only daughter, Momo Yaoyorozu. They're loaded."
This definitely came as a surprise to Deku, but the marriage certainly made sense. The Yaoyorozu family are certainly influential as well as very wealthy, and the very little he knew of the Todoroki was that they were highly ranked amongst demon kind. A group like the Yoikusa certainly earned a lot for the work they do, but they needed a lot of funding as well. With the Yaoyorozu loyal to the shogunate, they were certainly a valuable sponsor.
"I see," Deku replied a little sheepishly, "I guess it was a mistake to assume everyone here wasn't married."
Tsuyu tapped her bottom lip. "Iida-chan is married."
At least one training sword collapsed to the ground, and it wasn't Denki's. "Eh?"
"His second child will be born soon, kero," Tsuyu continued, enjoying the expression of Deku's face. "His wife is very talented with making katanas. She's very funny and talkative, I like her."
Denki was this close to doubling over with laughter. "Iida is soooo hilarious when it comes to his wife and kid, y'know? You could go days, even weeks and not hear him mention them once, but if ya go and actually ask him 'bout them, he won't shut up for years!"
All Deku had to do was ask? Suddenly Deku found himself really fearful of everyone. There were all sorts of secrets and information that they all possessed, and he was still a long way away from being up to date with it all.
"Uh… is there anything else I should know?" Deku asked a little weakly. He leaned over to pick his sword up again, still a bit stunned by the revelation of Shouto and Tenya having wives, the latter even having a child. What else was he missing? "I-I'm not trying to be nosy, I swear, it's just… sometimes it's a bit lonely not knowing things like that..?"
The other two exchanged looks. Denki loved sharing other people's gossip and Tsuyu had a way of just knowing things. Between them was most likely volumes upon volumes of information about the members of the Yoikusa. Deciding where to begin was the issue.
Eventually Tsuyu opened her mouth to answer, preventing Denki from getting a word in. "I think it would be best to ask each person individually when it comes to private matters, Deku-chan."
"But if Hanta mentions having some demon princess lover, he's full of shit," Denki just had to throw in that addition.
"And if Kaminari-chan mentions having ever had a lover at all, he is also a liar."
It was Denki's turn to drop his training sword in shock.
...
Late May 10, 1864
Deku had returned to his quarters for the night, having laid out his futon and readied himself for sleep. He was exhausted, but Shouto was right about Denki's iaijutsu style being a better fit for him than Tenya's.
It amazed him just how well versed Shouto was when it came to the education of his comrades. Tenya was also extremely knowledgeable about it as well, but Shouto seemed to really understand it to the core. It was as though the way of the samurai was his livelihood. Shouto had mentioned over dinner the other night about always reciting his own mantra before going to sleep and suggested that Deku do the same. If Deku was ever going to become a samurai worthy of serving under him, he was prepared to do whatever it takes.
"My name is Deku. I fight for the Yoikusa, I fight for the Shinsengumi, I fight for the shogunate, and I fight for Iemochi Tokugawa. I am a samurai and bushido is my way of life. Righteousness, courage, compassion, respect, honesty, honour, duty and loyalty. My Phoenix Heart beats for everyone now… My name is Deku. I fight—"
A strangled scream cut through his mantra, followed by sounds of panic and finally, a commanding voice over the top of it all. Deku sat up and reached for his katana, before getting up to pull on his sandals. Whatever the commotion was, Deku knew he had to help out. He slid aside his door and listened out for where to head next. The source of the noise was close to the entrance. Were there intruders?
"Deku-chan!" Tsuyu spotted him down the hallway and sprinted over to him. "How much medical knowledge do you have?" Her voice carried a lot of urgency and in the corner of his eye, Deku could see some of the other captains heading toward the sound.
As his father was a practitioner of western medicine, Deku took it upon himself to learn as much about it as he could. He had hoped that it would bring him closer to finding his father. While he had no such luck, this knowledge was needed and needed now.
"I wouldn't call myself a doctor, b-but I know how to tend to the wounded, and I know about preventing infections and uh…"
Tsuyu's expression hardened. "That's good enough. Tokoyami-kumichou has been wounded badly. Help me stabilise him until the surgeon arrives!"
Deku's jaw dropped, but he hurried after Tsuyu. He hadn't interacted with Fumikage much since joining the Yoikusa, but from the little he knew… No, it just couldn't happen. He's seen Fumikage spar with Mezo and quite frankly, he was among the very best in the Yoikusa. The concept of any of the vice-captains sustaining wounds was tricky to picture, but one of the captains themselves? It wasn't right, it wasn't possible.
They drew close to Fumikage's quarters where they found Ochaco holding Eijirou against the wall opposite the sliding doors. The Sixth Division Captain was biting hard into the flesh of his own hand, but where Deku expected blood to be drawn there was none. To Deku's horror, the strangled screams belonged not to Fumikage like he expected, but Eijirou. He was absolutely incoherent.
His heart raced as it took him back to the night of April 4, his arrival in Kyoto. He recalled crazed eyes and bloodlust. Speech couldn't be understood, only the mania and this nausea-inducing thirst. Red pooled through the hallways and Eijirou's unfocused eyes followed the path it made into Fumikage's room. Deku didn't know this Eijirou.
This wasn't Eijirou Kirishima, Captain of the Sixth Division. This was the monster, all five that pursued Deku in the streets of Kyoto. He could feel their blades hunger for his flesh all over again.
Deku wanted to be sick.
Ochaco was pleading with Eijirou, telling him to suppress it, urging him to get back to Katsuki out in the field. The only thing keeping Eijirou in place was Ochaco's power, but he was muscular and determined to break through her grip. She was maintaining her ground, but Deku wasn't sure if she could handle him for much longer.
"Uraraka-san," Deku called out, approaching to try and help her. Tsuyu gripped his wrist and shook her head, continuing to lead him into the room where Fumikage was being treated.
The last thing he saw got before heading in was Eijirou's pointed teeth sinking into Ochaco's shoulder.
next chapter: Deku realises the very depths of what he's gotten himself involved in. Katsuki's concerns are justified, but he cannot undo the events of March 1864. If only they listened.