Phew, sorry for the wait! I'm moving to my new home in a few weeks so lately in between my job and stuff I've been prepping for the move. Thanks to everyone who has read so far and are enjoying this story! I was thinking at chapter 10 I'll do a 'status update' so y'all can keep track of the cast and where they're at. For now though, enjoy!
chapter six: the new threat.
...
May 22, 1864.
Deku didn't get a wink of sleep last night. Still reeling from everything Yagi-kyokuchou had confided to him, relaxation was the furthest from crossing his mind. The sheer thought that he could be an inheritor, and that he stole a life to gain the Phoenix Heart… it was too much to comprehend. Searching into the depths of his memory bore him no fruit, only a dizzying blur of events that may or may not have happened. He couldn't remember anything.
Once he came to terms with no definitive memories of inheriting this power, Deku pondered the next approach to finding the answer. Memories can be affected by the way a situation was interpreted at the time.
Was there a moment in time where he perceived an event incorrectly?
This was an almost impossible angle to tackle, but Deku was determined. All it left him with was self-doubts, remembering all the situations he could have handled better than he did. Shouto's observations of his initial fighting style came to mind. How he fought as if his own death didn't matter. That's when the harsh realisation settled in like a parasite sucking out all the hope from within. Inheritor powers may be incredible, but the life expectancy was decreased not by simply possessing the power - it must be through the use of power.
Yagi-kyokuchou would have fought in many battles as Chief of the Yoikusa, but Deku knew he had to have been through more just to reach that prestigious position. When the Chief estimated about three years to live, this was most likely based on the notion that he would preserve his power for when it was absolutely necessary. How often would the necessary moment arise? Deku couldn't help but contemplate that.
When it came down to it, Deku didn't know how long the Chief of the Yoikusa had, if only because the number of times his power will be used was impossible to predict.
The number of times could be anything from ten more times, or twenty to thirty more times... but it could so easily be one left.
How often has Deku used the Phoenix Heart? That was the other question. He'd lost count by this stage. If he knew it was an inherited power with limited use, he wouldn't have used it so much. No wonder Shouto was against him using it the way he does. One day, letting himself die could be suicide - the Phoenix Heart would not bring him back.
It was so long since Deku last feared death, but now the sheer reality of the concept drew closer in a matter of hours, even though he hadn't found himself in a dangerous situation for weeks. He couldn't believe that he'd gone and forgotten this feeling. The Phoenix Heart made him cocky about his own mortality, and moving forward he has to pay the price.
...
Denki came out of Yagi-kyokuchou's office with a large grin on his face, Hitoshi and Kyouka following him closely. Waiting in the courtyard for them were Tenya, Hanta, Tsuyu and Deku, curious to see how their meeting went with the chief of the Yoikusa, Shouto Todoroki, and Susumu Yamazaki of the Shinsengumi. Katsuki and Denki did get scolded for going against orders and joining the Shimabara Operations, but what the latter came back with was a huge find for both the Yoikusa and Shinsengumi combined.
They were able to capture and interrogate a man who knew about Shuntaro Furutaka, who was co-operating with Choshu against the Shogunate. Shuntaro had a disguise as a merchant, but his background dealings were definitely of high importance.
The Shinsengumi weren't sure yet of the plans of these ronin, but any valuable information on the enemy was greatly rewarded.
Hopefully all this has secured the Yoikusa an even better working relationship with the Shinsengumi, Deku thought, feeling optimistic for his companions. What he got out of the previous night wasn't nearly as positive, but he had to keep all this secret.
Katsuki was holed up in his quarters, reluctant to attend the meeting. Deku wasn't sure of the details, but all Ochaco would say was that the Second Division Captain wasn't feeling great and needed some rest. He hoped there was something he could do to help, but he was refusing visitors.
"So what's the verdict?" Hanta asked, a hopeful grin upon his lips. Denki came rushing over and met his friend's hand in a fist bump.
"How about we all go for lunch and I'll tell ya?" suggested Denki, "Yagi-kyokuchou gave us permission – he said Deku could join us!"
Deku blinked, before managing a smile. "Well, if you'll have me…"
"Then let us be on our way!" Tenya got everyone revved up and heading out. Deku was happy to see everyone in high spirits, especially with all that happened recently, particularly with Fumikage. Even Hitoshi seemed quite pleased with himself, showing a very rare smile. It was nice to see everyone in normal clothing, having the day off instead of patrolling in uniform.
That being said, he struggled to look at Tsuyu and Kyouka in their kimonos. He'd been so used to them dressing in more masculine clothing, same with Ochaco. Deku had almost forgotten what kimonos even looked at and while Kyouka was certainly pretty, Tsuyu was too cute for words and he wasn't sure what to think of all this. That being said, he couldn't help but glance over at Tsuyu from the corner of his eye.
"The Shinsengumi offered to do our duty for today," Kyouka explained, walking alongside Tsuyu. "And the Yaoyorozu have increased their funding for the Yoikusa."
Tsuyu put a finger to her lips. "But that's not all, is there? I'm quite looking forward to learning the rest, kero."
Denki had asserted himself at the front of the group with Tenya. "Hey hey, let's eat at Satou's!"
Glancing back to Deku, Tsuyu gave the answer to a question he was about to ask. "Rikidou Satou is a friend of ours – he owns a shop that makes the best sweets in Kyoto… Speaking of which, shouldn't we invite Ocha? She loves the food Satou-chan makes."
"She's with Bakugou and it seemed pretty tense, so I didn't really want to push it with either," admitted Denki, rubbing the back of his neck.
Deku spoke up, suddenly with an idea. "Why don't we buy extra sweets to take back for them? We could also get some for the other captains who aren't joining us."
"Good idea," Tsuyu nodded, "I think everyone will appreciate it. Tokoyami-chan especially could do with a treat."
With the plan of buying enough to gift the others, the group proceeded into Rikidou's shop with smiles upon their lips.
...
Ochaco knocked on the door, ignoring the barking of her captain to stay out as she then proceeded to enter with a tray of tea and hot rice porridge. Katsuki refused to emerge from his room after his talk with Yagi-kyokuchou in the early hours of the morning. No one was getting through to him, not even Eijirou. Sure, things were still tense between the two friends, but Eijirou had a way of climbing those walls Katsuki had firmly put up. But Ochaco was getting worried – he hadn't eaten and normally it was an easy task to get the young man to wolf down some food regardless of taste.
Katsuki had a withering look on his face, but she was used to that expression. What worried her was how pale his skin was, the light exposing sweat trickling down his face, the gasp for breath from just sitting up alone and the small wooden bucket at his bedside. She couldn't smell vomit, but stepping closer she realised what that stench was.
"Close the door..!" he snapped, almost startling her from her observations. In a hurry, she set the tray of food and tea down and slid his bedroom door shut. "Fucking Round Face, now you've really done it…"
"Done what..? Bakugou-kun, I'm worried about you. Let me help," she pleaded with him, but he shook his head. "I know you don't like it, but I'm your vice-captain. Please share your burdens with me."
"I can take care of myself," he insisted, even though his usually raw and gritty voice had a definite strain of vulnerability to it. Seeing Katsuki like this was painful and saddening. "… But you just had to invite yourself in anyway, fuck…" he ran his hand through his hair, which was far from its fluffy spiked self. Instead it was greasy and flattening against his fingers. "Look, don't you dare tell the others about this. I'll be back to normal soon."
She simply nodded, kneeling down at his side and pouring him a cup of tea. He accepted the cup from her and had a drink, before shifting to accept the bowl of rice porridge. "Can I please wash this..?" she asked, gesturing to the bucket. As soon as she noticed it, that was her primary concern.
Katsuki had been coughing up blood. That alone was a very serious matter to her.
But he nodded, on the condition that she doesn't let anyone see her. He also instructed for her to return as soon as she was finished. So Ochaco left him for a bit to wash this wooden pail, and he continued to eat. Seeing this blood, Katsuki's blood, swishing from side to side as she carefully snuck around the corridors. But she was determined to help him and if it's one thing he doesn't need, it's to be surrounding himself with the source of sickness.
Half an hour later, Ochaco had returned with more than just an empty bucket. She was carrying three buckets, a thick towel and cloth, along with a change of clothing. His eyes went wide at all she was carrying, realising one of those buckets with filled with bubbling water.
"What the fuck are you doing?" he asked warily. Ochaco noted that he finished the porridge and hadn't coughed up more while she was gone. That was a start.
Ochaco's pink cheeks turned a darker shade as she set her inventory down and returned to his bedside. "Well… you've been sweating a lot. I thought you might feel better if you're cleaner. The way you are right now… I don't know if you're comfortable using the baths. So I thought… maybe… um…"
A momentary silence passed between them as Katsuki processed what she was getting at. His face reddened, but he was already pretty feverish so he hoped his vice-captain wouldn't notice. Averting his eyes, he finally spoke.
"You're fucking bold, Round Face, you realise that?"
She squeaked with embarrassment, and she cupped her hands around her cheeks. Her body was beginning to achieve lift-off, so Katsuki grabbed at her wrist to bring her back to his level. His grasp was firm, but the sweat of his palms threatened to let her go. "I-I'm not trying to, um – I just… uh…" His fingers around his wrist tightened.
Katsuki sighed. "Just get it over with! It's not like I enjoy laying around in my own sweat," he grumbled, setting her back on the floor. Once he was certain she wasn't going to float to the ceiling, he reached for one of the towels. "I'll wrap this around my waist though, so don't you dare fucking look that low."
"I wouldn't, I swear..!" she babbled out, turning to face away from him so he could change. Her heart was pounding as her captain began to shift and change himself. She heard him muttering as he fussed with knotting the towel to stay in place, before finding a small stool to sit on.
"I'm ready," he said in a small voice, and Ochaco realised only then that he must be nervous too.
Ochaco swivelled around and moved to stand behind him. She couldn't help but note his muscular form, but what drew her eyes were the many scars. He was an experienced samurai who had been through so much. Even though she was here as part of the Yoikusa, even she hadn't seen and shed as much blood as Katsuki, nor had she sustained as many scars.
Dipping a cloth into the bubbling water infused with flowers and herbs, she got it soaked enough to hand to Katsuki so he wipe down his face. She then proceeded to grab the next cloth to soak and then apply to his back. Where sweat was trickling from his neck down his spine, she wiped it away. Her ministrations were gentle, but precise. But the thick scent of Katsuki's sweat was a distraction and a reminder, and as that faded and replaced itself with the flowers and herbs, what Ochaco was left with was a very masculine smell that left her heart pounding.
She hadn't been this close to another man before. Ochaco shook her head profusely, reminding herself that she's just nursing her captain back to health, nothing more.
They remained quiet the entire time, which she found strange with how talkative he usually was. His body shivered as his feverish temperatures began to lower to the coolness of the cloth. He leaned back ever so slightly into her touch. Despite how embarrassing this situation was, Ochaco's presence was somehow soothing. He felt gross and disgusting before, but her earnest help was doing wonders for his body.
It was easier to breathe. Once Ochaco finished with helping him clean the upper half of his body including his hair, he gestured for her to stop. She finally got a proper look at Katsuki's face now. His cheeks were warm in colour, but his expression was difficult to read.
"Uraraka…" he spoke softly, almost unrecognisable. "Don't tell anyone about this, promise me. I'm the Sword of the Yoikusa, the best warrior they have. I refuse to lose that position, and I refuse to let these symptoms get the better of me."
Ochaco bit her lip. "I think if the symptoms persist, you should see a doctor… and Yagi-kyokuchou needs to know if you're not—"
"No!" he refused instantly, a direct contrast to before. "I'm not fucking getting anyone else involved! Not Yagi-kyokuchou, or fucking Half-and-Half, or Kirishima or Deku, nobody else!" His hand reached for her wrist, a claw grip as Katsuki's eyes pleaded with her. "If any of them find out that I'm sick, they'll demote me. It'll only get worse from there. I've never been sick, not like this. I fucking hate this, I—" He paused, choking on his words. In a hurry, he lurched forward for his wooden bucket from before and began to cough.
They were heavy coughs that seemed to reach deep within, and he was left spitting out pools of thick red. Ochaco wrapped the largest towel she had with her over his shoulders, doing her best to provide support. She took him through breathing exercises, massaged his upper back with her hand as she tried to calm him through the fit he was experiencing.
Several minutes later, the coughing subsided, but his body felt hot again, similar to before. She got to work, taking away the sheets of his current futon to remake it for him. Her back was turned as she'd instructed him to change into the fresh clothing she brought for him.
Once he was settled back into his futon with clean sheets, Ochaco resumed their conversation. "Bakugou-kun… I promise I won't tell anyone… but if the others notice your symptoms too, I can't do anything about that."
Katsuki sighed. "I won't let it get that bad."
Ochaco shook her head. "We won't let it get that bad." His eyes met hers quizzically, trying to decide whether to protest or not. "I don't like seeing you like this… and I know you don't like having others help you." Her words weren't quite resonating with him yet, even though she wasn't wrong – in fact, the opposite. "I know you're strong, Bakugou-kun. When you're on the battlefield, I can't help but think you're really cool! You always go all out on me when we train together, while everyone else thinks they should go easier on me because I'm a girl. I always relied on my own power before, but learning to fight with a sword gave me so much more. Now I feel like I'm a better samurai who can handle her own in a fight without having to rely on my demon powers! That was you, Bakugou-kun." Very carefully, she reached to place her hand over his. "So when I see you like this, I can't help it. I refuse to leave you alone."
His wrist shifted ever so slightly under the softness of her hand. He was flattered by her words, though Katsuki had already convinced himself of such long ago. But having Ochaco actually say it was something he never knew he needed.
"Fine, you can help with my recovery," he gave up on arguing further. "… But it won't be for long, got it? So don't fucking pity me or assume I'll have to give up the sword like Hawknose. That won't happen. I won't lose my place as the Sword of the Yoikusa."
...
"So the long story short is," Denki was summarising the meeting from earlier as the others enjoyed eating freshly made dango, "The Shinsengumi want to work with us more often. Shinsou's going to do some training with Yamazaki, and for the rest of us? We're going to be put forward for more operations! So all of us are gonna be lining our pockets with more money and getting more experience on the battlefield… and Yagi-kyokuchou is going to do a reshuffle of the reporting lines and stuff. I think we're going to be moved in closer to the Shinsengumi and stuff. All in all, it's great!"
Deku nodded in amazement. The Shinsengumi were full of incredible warriors and while the city of Kyoto had divided opinions on them, it couldn't be denied that they were a force to be reckoned with. For the Yoikusa to gain more recognition from the very faction they were set up to ally with was truly an honour.
No wonder Hitoshi looked happier than usual too. To be singled out in particular for personal training under the likes of Susumu Yamazaki, it was a huge deal.
Kyouka swallowed her mouthful of dango. "It's quite exciting to have another member of the Yoikusa learn ninjutsu. I think you'll be really good at it, Shinsou."
"Thanks. I'll be over at the Shinsengumi headquarters more often, but I will bring back what I learn to the Yoikusa," Hitoshi responded with a slight smile upon his lips.
Hanta's grin was wide as he nudged the Third Division vice-captain with his elbow. "You should ask if the other Shinsengumi will train with us more too! I wanna improve with the naginata and Harada's awesome with it."
Hitoshi blinked at him. "Actually some of the changes in reporting lines… I think it's going to relate to the Shinsengumi Captains too…"
"Really?" Hanta's face lit up with excitement. "Oh man, I can't wait for the announcements about that. Do you know who we might each get?"
"I think I'd make a good team with Toudou," Denki mused aloud, "We trained at the same dojo a while when we were younger."
Tenya adjusted his glasses slightly, fogged a bit from the hot tea he just downed in a singular gulp. "I would like to work under Saito-kumichou. He is a master of the quick-draw after all. The way he carries himself is very admirable too!"
"I could see Okita-kumichou and Bakugou-chan being quite the combination," chirped Tsuyu, pondering the potential combinations of Shinsengumi and Yoikusa captains.
As their group enjoyed eating more sweets and exchanging gossip and eager discussion, Deku excused himself for the bathroom. His cheeks were warm with happiness for his friends and his stomach full from the delicious food. He was thinking about how wonderful it would be to go out with his friends to a place like this more often. Maybe Fumikage would be well enough to join them next time. Oh he hoped that there'd be a next time.
Such thoughts kept the boy light on his feet as he made his way down the hallway. Just as he reached the door to the bathroom, it was slid open abruptly by a tall young man whose very appearance chased away all delight in the atmosphere.
Deku's eyes went wide as he observed this young man – his body was covered in dark scars, possibly burns. He seemed more like ashes than human, with glaringly bright eyes that bore into his soul. His hair was the pitch black night and his scent was like smoke, but it wasn't any ordinary kind of smoky smell. It was like cremating corpses, and Deku knew that such an intense scent could only belong to a demon.
And as that realisation dawned upon him, he saw that this man was potentially observing him in such a similar way.
He opened his mouth to speak, but the stranger spoke first. "Move."
That's when Deku exhaled the breath he didn't realise he'd been holding this entire time. Apologising quietly, Deku shifted to one side so that the man could get past him. Maybe this demon man didn't realise Deku's own status? Deku turned to continue on his way to the bathroom, but he was stopped in his tracks, his blood turned cold.
"Welcome to Kyoto, Izuku Midoriya. Be sure to give Shouto Todoroki my regards."
"Huh?"
But when Deku swivelled back around, the man was already long gone.
Deku was tempted to try and run after him, but he remembered his friends back in their booth and knew better. So he went to them first in a panic, explaining what had happened just now. They all rose to their feet.
"Deku, I'm taking you back to headquarters immediately. Everyone else, search the perimeters… now!" Tenya commanded and while everyone got up to work, he led Deku to the counter to take care of the bill.
...
It didn't take long to race back to the Yoikusa Headquarters, but the news brought back sent Shouto reeling. A demon that knew who Deku really was, but a demon that knew him as well? The description Deku gave of the man in question didn't ring any bells, but the emphasis given on the scent of burning flesh wasn't unfamiliar.
He recalled memories of flames spreading and snaring armies, felling forests and ripping out all life in its path. The Todoroki clan was once so isolated, but the fires drew out the fear and the fury and not even the greatest of walls could keep it out. Only recently did Shouto realise the truth of these walls – it wasn't about keeping outsiders away… it was about keeping the Todoroki contained.
When was it that ice and fire united as one? The two ends of demon-kind collided down the middle, but there was an outlier.
As long as Shouto Todoroki could remember, there were eyes always on him. The assumption he had was that they were watchful eyes to protect him. He was always treated differently from his siblings, from the moment he became the middle ground between the harshest of winters and summers, long and unforgiving. The seasons followed him in unison and called him the 'Prince of Demons', promised the world to him.
Shouto always wondered why he didn't hunger for all that followed him, all that was presented before him.
His father hated the humans and demons who contained the Todoroki. All he saw was the warpath. Shouto wasn't allowed his own dreams and desires, only to talk as expected, walk as expected, fight as expected and more.
Boiling water slashed the side of his face as a woman, his mother, gave into the madness that consumed this isolated, conniving clan. The scent of burning flesh seeped into his nostrils and it haunted him. He remembered startling blues and judgment cast, but who was it?
Trying to recall the smallest of details in a whirlwind of memories was difficult, but Shouto's entire life was a tumultuous chaos beyond all comprehension. There was no room for sense.
Tenya cleared his throat, snapping Shouto out of his thoughts. "Todoroki-fukuchou, what do you propose we do?"
The vice-commander of the Yoikusa furrowed his brows in thought. "All we can do for now is keep an eye out for him, and try apprehend him before he gets away. I doubt this will be the last time that we see this man… in the meantime, I will try and recall a man who fits the description given."
"Understood. I'll go and retrieve the others," Tenya excused himself out of the room, leaving Deku and Shouto alone in the latter's office.
Shouto bit his lip, glancing over at Deku. Neither had the words, but they both came to a quiet understanding. The two had memories lost and it was crucial for them to recover them. Maybe only then could they move forward in their goals. So Shouto resumed his work, trying to figure out the new reporting lines. Yagi-kyokuchou had matters to attend to and entrusted him with the work.
It was only when Deku rose to his feet again that Shouto looked up again. "Stay," was the only word that came out, but his eyes were vulnerable with concern.
Deku nodded, taking a seat. He didn't question his captain's request, so he knelt back down on the tatami. "… Todoroki-san—"
"Shouto." This sharp interjection threw him off, but he wasn't the only one. Shouto reached to run his hands through his hair, anxiety settling in. "When it's just us, 'Shouto' is fine."
"I didn't realise you considered us on a first name basis," admitted Deku, feeling rather awkward about calling Shouto by name.
"… Neither did I," Shouto replied, a similar set of nerves in his voice. "But if there's one thing I know, it's that we're two sides of the same coin… and I don't want you out of my sight."
He wasn't sure why, but such words caused Deku's heart to flutter. There's no point in overthinking it right now though. Another factor dwelled heavily on his mind, his heart, his everything. He had to share it with Shouto, even though he can't grant his wish. "I don't think that's possible… It's not that I don't want to move forward with you o-or the Yoikusa," he tried his best to clarify the meaning of his words. "But as an Inheritor, there's a cap on how often I can use this power."
Shouto nodded slowly. "I had a feeling you were an Inheritor, but I don't know a lot about them… I wanted to tell you, but I didn't have enough information for you either," he admitted, rubbing at his temples. "Deku, I knew it would hurt you to find out and not know where your limit is. Yagi-kyokuchou knows far more than I do…"
Deku smiled ever so slightly. "You don't have to explain yourself, Shouto. There's a lot on your plate."
"You're in my care," countered Shouto, causing the other young man to avert his eyes to the tatami. "… So all the questions surrounding you are amongst my top priorities. They're supposed to be, that is." His voice sounded frustrated. "Being around you reminds me of so many different things, but… they are things I struggle with to this very day."
"… Then let me help you overcome them," offered Deku, shifting to sit next to the other and placing a hand upon his shoulder. Shouto's shoulder was strangely hot to the touch, but he didn't withdraw. "I… It's a bit hard to hear that I remind you of things that aren't easy to think about, but… everytime I look at you I find purpose." His cheeks flushed at his own admission, but he pressed on, "So I want to reiterate what I said before… please don't hide anything from me."
An icy hand placed itself over his own, the sensation balancing out the heat of Shouto's shoulder. Deku's eyes met Shouto's own. It was at this proximity that the heterochromia was more apparent in his vice-commander's eyes, his expression searching for something in Deku.
"Deku… there's a favour I'd like to ask from you… and if you don't want to, I understand, but… I'd like it to be you," Shouto began, his voice filled with hesitation. "Part of the arrangement I have with my wife was that she'd sustain me with blood, so that I could handle the side effects of the Ochimizu. But she's pregnant now… and I know her. She'll still offer her blood to me, even during the pregnancy. I can't—"
It didn't take long for Deku to understand what Shouto was inferring. He saw him struggling with the words – it was certainly a huge thing that Shouto was asking of him. Deku couldn't deny that the concept was frightening, and anyone in their right mind would refuse such a request. But this man already struggled to share himself, and Deku found himself wanting to be depended on. Perhaps it was selfish, arrogant even, but he genuinely wanted to help in any way he could.
He felt it was noble that Shouto was prepared to give up blood just so his wife could go through the pregnancy was as little issues as possible. Shouto didn't speak of his wife often, but Deku could tell he cared for her very much. It wasn't an unhappy match like so many are.
"You can have my blood when you need it," Deku responded firmly. "Did you need it now?"
Shouto pulled back, startled at Deku's offer. His cheeks flushed slightly and he averted his eyes. "No. I don't. I'm fine, but… I'll let you know if… yeah." He cleared his throat. "I do apologise though. That man you encountered today – I'll definitely have him investigated."
...
End of May 1864.
A lot had changed in the structure of the Yoikusa within two weeks. Yagi-kyokuchou was in liaison with Isami Kondou of the Shinsengumi, which stirred up excitement among the Yoikusa ranks. It was agreed upon that during the next major recruitment process that a portion of the men would be transferred straight to the Yoikusa.
Deku noted it all down so he could keep track:
Chief of the Yoikusa – Toshinori Yagi
Vice-Commander – Shouto Todoroki (until Shouta Aizawa returns)
First Division Captain – Shouto Todoroki
First Division Vice-Captains – Tenya Iida and Tsuyu Asui
Second Division Captain – Katsuki Bakugou
Second Division Vice-Captains – Denki Kaminari and Ochaco Uraraka
Third Division Captain – Eijirou Kirishima
Third Division Vice-Captains – Mezou Shouji and Hanta Sero
Head Researcher of the Yoikusa – Fumikage Tokoyami
Intel Division – Hitoshi Shinsou and Kyouka Jirou
He was already aware that he'd be working directly under Shouto, but Deku was happy to have Tenya and Tsuyu joining them as well. Tenya was a very good friend of his, and Tsuyu was kind but sharp. He knew those two would be great vice-captains for Shouto to handle.
Hitoshi was very pleased with his new position working intel too, having struck up a bond with Susumu Yamazaki of the Shinsengumi. Tenya made an interesting comment about how Aizawa had been pushing for Hitoshi to get more opportunities for development – this was definitely a step in the right direction. According to Denki, Kyouka quite enjoyed working with Hitoshi, which was another bonus.
However, Denki was a bit miffed about not being placed with his best friend Hanta. He complained about being demoted too, but he wasn't the only one going from Captain to a Vice-Captain. Tenya was a lenient young man though, and enthusiastic about his new position. A debate ensued for nearly fifteen minutes about who would be the Second Division Captain between Denki and Katsuki. The shouting matches were terrifying, broken up by none other than Ochaco.
"I'm looking forward to us working together!" was all she needed to say to appease Denki. If there was one thing Deku was aware of, was that Denki had a soft spot for cute girls. Kyouka didn't look particularly impressed.
Perhaps the most disappointed of all was Fumikage. He didn't say anything in protest, with his position placing emphasis on being a researcher over a warrior. Mezou gave his partner's hand a squeeze but couldn't say much otherwise. Deku couldn't help but remember that night he caught Fumikage practising with his katana and the promise Tsuyu made. He worried that Yagi-kyokuchou didn't understand Fumikage's wishes – or worse, he did understand but chose to ignore them.
But he couldn't argue with the reality that Fumikage was still recovering, and this was the best position for him in the meantime.
...
June 5, 1864.
The entirety of the Yoikusa were gathered up in the largest hall the headquarters could provide. At the very front were Yagi-kyokuchou and Shouto Todoroki and at the front of the soldiers were the captains and vice-captains. Deku found himself sat next to Shouto, but he wasn't sure if he really belonged in that seat. Shouto really meant it when he said he didn't want Deku out of his sight after all.
Yagi-kyokuchou gave everyone the update – the man who Denki found information on had been captured and arrested by Kanryusai Takeda of the Shinsengumi. It turned out this man was Shuntaro Furutaka and he was involved in a plot to set fire to the cities of Kyoto, kidnapping the Emperor in the confusion to take to Choshu. This information was taken to the Military Commission of Kyoto. Now the Shinsengumi were looking to track down and locate these samurai involved in the plot as per the Military Commissioner's orders.
"The Shinsengumi want to involve us in this mission and have given us the following instructions – the First Division will work under Hijikata-fukuchou of the Shinsengumi, while the Second Division will follow Okita-kumichou's command. The Third Division will be our back-up – should either First or Second Division face trouble, they will call upon the Third Division. Our Intel Division will work with Susumu Yamazaki and Kai Shimada. Get ready to meet with your fellow Shinsengumi upon the Hour of the Monkey. Members of the Yoikusa, you are dismissed!"
"Osu!" came the affirmative cries of the Yoikusa. With that, everyone rose to their feet and hurried to get ready and head to their stations.
Shouto looked to Deku. "You're with me. During this mission, I will be giving orders but in this instance, Hijikata-fukuchou's orders will take precedence over mine. Should he give you an order that contradicts mine, follow his command."
Deku nodded in understanding. "I've heard rumours about Hijikata-fukuchou being a 'demon commander'… should I be worried?"
"That's a nickname," clarified Shouto, slightly amused. "He's a good friend of mine, but I'll admit he's gained a reputation. He's not a demon though, not like you or me."
The green haired young man sighed in relief. That's one concern out of the way. "… Will I have to fight..?"
"Without a doubt. You've done a lot of training, but you won't be on the front lines… even so, it's better to prepare yourself for a fight than to go in unprepared."
"… If our opponents resist arrest, we will have to kill them… won't we?"
Shouto closed his eyes, his expression unreadable. "Yes."
...
Golden rays had become eclipsed by the night hours ago. Kondou-kyokuchou of the Shinsengumi was discussing the situation with Susumu and Hitoshi – they were supposed to be getting back-up not just from the Yoikusa, but from Katamori as well.
From the looks of it though, Katamori isn't turning up anytime soon. The most unimpressed of the bunch to hear this news was Okita-kumichou, irritated on Kondou's behalf. This definitely translated to Katsuki.
He, Denki, Ochaco, and members of the Second Division were under the jurisdiction of Souji Okita, Captain of the Shinsengumi First Division. Ochaco hung back a little, slightly intimidated by the young man – she had heard of his sadistic streak and didn't want to catch his attention.
But she saw as her own captain was chatting in hushed whispers with Souji that they were getting along really well. She hadn't seen Katsuki this enthused in discussion for a long time – he clearly had a lot of respect for the man known as the Sword of the Shinsengumi. Katsuki's own loyalty to Yagi-kyokuchou was said to mirror Souji's devotion to Isami Kondou. Though she was glad to see Katsuki so at ease with another person, Ochaco couldn't help but worry.
Time had passed and Katsuki's condition seemed to have improved, but this mission was bound to make him exert himself more than he has in a long while.
Denki glanced between Ochaco's longing expressions to tbe target of her gaze and raised an eyebrow. Did something happen between her and Katsuki? He contemplated asking, but then a familiar face arrived at the scene.
"Jirou!" grinned Denki, happy to see her face after spending hours mostly with complete strangers. While he was able to greet and chat to Heisuke Toudou earlier, the young captain got distracted by his fellow Shinsengumi captain Shinpachi Nagakura.
Kyouka met his eyes, only nodding in greeting before making her way over to the Chief of the Shinsengumi. "Kyokuchou!" she went down onto one knee in respect, bowing slightly. "Jirou reporting! Ikeda-ya is one of the most significant locations of suspicion. I have strong reason to believe that not only is it housing ronin, but they have demons on their side as well." She reached into a pocket and pulled out a small flier with anti-shogunate propaganda. "I managed to pickpocket this from one of the ronin who was granted access inside Ikeda-ya. Not just anyone is being allowed in there."
Souji's eyes flickered back to his chief commander. "Kondou-san, what do you want to do?"
Kondou-kyokuchou mulled it over, trying to figure out the best course of action. His eyes fell in the direction towards Ikeda-ya. "We need to capture the ronin as quickly as possible," he decided, looking around the group. "We can't wait a moment longer. Souji, Nagakura-kun, Toudou-kun, you're with me. Same with you three," he cast his eyes on the Yoikusa captains. "Bakugou-san, Kaminari-san, Uraraka-san, you're with me."
The trio nodded in understanding, and Kanryusai Takeda, the man who made the arrest earlier in the day, spoke up as well. "Well, I will secure the front entrance, so you all can have at it."
Heisuke raised an eyebrow. "What? Are you not joining us, Takeda-san?"
Souji's eyes had a rather malicious twinkle as he answered Heisuke, "It's fine with me. We don't want him running around in the dark and accidentally stabbing us in the back… or maybe we'll accidentally stab him."
Kanryusai narrowed his eyes in disgust. "What are you suggesting, Okita-kun?"
In that moment, both Ochaco and Denki looked very concerned. Neither knew the pair well enough to say anything, but the air grew thick with tension almost instantly. Katsuki wasn't particularly worried and in fact looked to be nodding in agreement with Souji.
Shinpachi stepped in between the two, playing the middle man. "Now now, if you want someone charging, we want someone who's up to the task. Takeda-san, take care of the outside for us. Someone needs to secure it." Kanryusai merely shrugged it off.
Katsuki rolled his eyes. "Whatever, if anyone manages to get caught on my blade, it's their fucking fault if they can't dodge."
He earned a laugh from Souji. "Bakugou-kun says very interesting things, doesn't he?"
Kondou-kyokuchou finished giving out orders, with some of the men heading for the back door to Ikeda-ya, while the six he named followed right behind him. He was the first to kick down the door and announce themselves.
"We are the Shinsengumi, retainers of the Lieutenant-General of the Aizu Domain! By Imperial decree, you are all under arrest!" His announcement caused an eruption of panic and yelling from within Ikeda-ya, as well as for his fellow captains to comment with approval, amusement and whatnot. "We act with the authority of the government! Resist, and we will show no mercy!"
With that, the group rushed forward to take prisoners. Nobody came willingly. Ronin tried to rush them with their blades, but they weren't up against any old samurai. These seven were among the very best in Kyoto. Souji and Katsuki took to the front, cutting the first ronin down without hesitation. Seeing their adversaries fall, Ochaco managed to duck in and tap her fingertips to their blades. Focusing carefully, she used her power to hover the fallen ronins' katana above her formation before hurtling them at those rushing down the staircases. It stilled them instantly. Denki side-stepped to one side, releasing a surge of electricity towards one pair of ronin attacking from the left.
Watching the three, it was easy for Kondou-kyokuchou to come to a decision. "Right, we're heading deeper in!" he declared, "Souji and Bakugou, Toudou and Uraraka, take the stairs! The rest of us will cover the rest of the first floor!"
"Osu...!"
The four began to make their way up the stairs, with Katsuki taking the lead on this. He was pumped to be on the attack, determined to prove himself to the other Shinsengumi members.
"Uraraka, we'll take this corridor!" Heisuke instructed, heading for the right while the other two headed left. It didn't take long for Katsuki and Souji to disappear down that way, the former heading for the final room down the end. "Uraraka?!" Heisuke was trying to hurry her along, but she wasn't budging.
Ochaco bit her lip. "Bakugou-kun, and Okita-kumichou – they're heading straight for the demons..! I can sense it..!"
Heisuke frowned. "We've got to handle this lot first! Those two are great swordsmen, they'll be fine!"
"But…" she kept hesitating.
"Uraraka!" Heisuke reached for her wrist and forced her to follow him. They engaged the ronin hiding out on the second floor right side.
Katsuki thumped against the final doorway with his foot. He expected to be met with cowardly ronin who thought they could hide from arrest. The only light that shone into the room with the moonlit glow that enveloped the lone figure who awaited their arrival. It was a sight he'd never seen before. This final ronin was lanky in build, but he induced a feeling of fear that Katsuki hadn't encountered in his life, nothing he could recall.
But undead demonic claws that had been detached long ago dug into the arms of this slim man. His mop of straggly hair matched the glow of the moon and he was clad in all black clothing from head to toe. The attire suggested a ninja, but the swords at his hip showed an advanced samurai. What unnerved Katsuki more than anything else was his face, how it played host to one final corpse hand that concealed him.
He pointed his katana in the direction of the man, who simply sat on the window edge, looking out into the distance. There was no care for the apprehending officer, and it pissed Katsuki off.
"Turn your ugly mug over here!" Katsuki demanded, taking a step closer. "You're under arrest for being part of this plot against the shogunate! Fucking Choshu scum!" He received no answer, testing his patience. "… Fuck it. Die already!"
When he rushed forward and swung his katana at this stranger, Katsuki was certain he succeeded in the kill.
However, when he attempted to draw his blade back, red eyes stared as steel disintegrated into nothing under the other's hand.
next chapter: the battle at Ikeda-ya truly begins. A new faction is introduced, one that could potentially cease the existence of demons for good.