I thought characterizing the villains was honestly gonna kill me during this chapter, but when I stripped away the black and white the writing flowed so much more easily. The events of this chapter will certainly foreshadow things to come, I can promise that. One of the future reveals I find pretty obvious, but you'll see, haha.

chapter seven: it was never black and white.

...

June 5, 1864.

...

The blade that Katsuki had handled as his primary katana since before joining the Yoikusa turned to dust before his very eyes. His most valued possession, the weapon that made him the warrior he is today, was completely ruined. He saw as the decaying effect spread to the handle and was forced to ditch it. Before he could react further, a powerful kick to his stomach sent him crashing up against the wall. Blood splattered from his mouth, and when Katsuki looked up, this man's hand was already recovering from having gripped the blade before.

This stranger's demon power must be something to do with touch and turning objects to dust. But if it wasn't just object, Katsuki knew he was in trouble. He managed to push himself to his feet and pull his secondary blade, a smaller partner sword to his main katana.

Souji arrived to the scene, having completed some arrests. "I heard a crashing noise and thought it might have been a victim to your blade, Bakugou-kun…" he began, assessing the situation before him. "But we've got a real freak of a demon here, haven't we?" A normal man would be shocked, even horrified, but Souji was far from ordinary.

Katsuki scoffed. "Be fucking cautious with that bastard," he growled, a bit wounded at proving Souji's initial assumption wrong. "His power seems to be turning shit to dust. I'll get him for destroying my katana!" Katsuki was about to launch into his next attack, when Souji blocked his path with an arm.

"Hmmm…" Souji noted the ruined katana on the floor. "That's a real interesting ability, I'll give him that. So, demon, do you have a name? Why are demons getting involved with Choshu's plot?"

Finally, the stranger's head turned in the direction of Souji Okita. It was impossible to know what the man was thinking, or feeling. Having those demonic hands cling to him was jarring and increasing that sense of unpredictability. Souji removed his arm from Katsuki's path, changing his stance as the stranger took a step forward.

"I have no interest in Choshu's agenda," the man spoke coolly, unconcerned with the fact he was outnumbered two to one. "But I don't see why demons can't get involved with Choshu, when you have demons aligned with the shogunate…" he chuckled lowly, having pointed out the hypocrisy in Souji's question. Katsuki gritted his teeth. "The shogunate itself is already falling apart – I don't really need to do anything."

Katsuki took a step forward as well, beginning to close the distance between himself and the stranger. "Then why the fuck are you here?"

The stranger only seemed amused by such a question, his hand reaching forward in a taunting manner. His opponents were already aware of his power, but it doesn't seem as though they have a plan to get around it just yet. "The Yoikusa's ambitions revolve around eradicating the Ochimizu and reducing the demons' role in human affairs to protect this nation. It's a sad purpose to witness… a young powerless inheritor like yourself may not remember, but humankind have spent centuries trying to destroy demons for good. However, if demons themselves work hard and prove themselves to be loyal to the government and get rid of the 'bad demons' – then Japan will let them continue to exist. Are you happy to be alive purely because your shogunate allows it?"

He refused to let the stranger's words rattle him. Right now this man needed to die, and he would process the words later. Instead he observed the man's stance, trying to sense what his fighting style may be. Souji had already worked it out, judging by the adjustment in his positioning. Katsuki took a deep breath – the stranger's stance resembled Tenya Iida and Hajime Saito. He's another quick draw. That would explain the speed in which he was able to reduce Katsuki's blade into nothing.

"I don't need any fucker's permission to exist," retorted Katsuki, adjusting his steps. "As long as I can fight, that's all I need."

"Is that so? I suppose as an inheritor, you get to slip through that gap between human and demon…" the stranger mused. "You can slide into whichever race suits you, really. Humans aren't threatened by the likes of you. But I am curious about what your comrades really think… Ochaco Uraraka, Denki Kaminari… shall we ask them?"

The mention of his fellow captains got Katsuki's blood boiling. He lunged for the stranger with his blade, but his quickdraw allowed him to block with his own katana. Instead of pushing against his blade, Katsuki took a new approach to attack from another angle. He was blocked again, but from his movements Katsuki realised that he'd pushed this man to the defensive. They didn't need to keep it up for long though, as Souji's blade thrust into the space to cleanly stab through the hand covering the stranger's face. To his shock, claws dug in tighter to the man's face, refusing to remove itself despite the blade that drove itself in and out.

Souji was relentless though - as soon he inflicted damage to one hand, he targeted the next one until all the hands that clung to the stranger were spilling blood.

A piercing shriek erupted through Ikeda-ya as the stranger stepped back. The blade narrowly missed his actual face, much to Souji's disappointment. He reached for the clawlike hand concealing him, but hesitated just before making contact. Despite the rotting appearance of the hands that clung to his body, they seemed to heal the way a regular demon's flesh would.

Just by targeting that hand, a switch was flipped inside the stranger's mind. He charged Souji with all his might, too fast for either to react. The next thing Katsuki knew, Souji was crashing through the door and scraping along the floor down the corridor. He heard a groan and then loud coughing and spluttering noises. But Katsuki couldn't let himself be distracted, already preparing himself to dodge or block the next onslaught of attacks.

Now that he got to witness this man's agility, Katsuki was able to keep up just barely. The only thing that blocked the stranger from taking full advantage was the lack of space this room offered. But it was a double-edged sword, with Katsuki knowing he had less space to dodge.

One thing that Katsuki was growing wary of was the large window the stranger had been staring out of before. He knew that if he were able to knock the man out, the two storey fall would certainly cause major injury but what if he was the one who fell instead?

A hasty dodge caused Katsuki to fall back against the window glass, managing only barely not to shatter it. But the stranger now had him backed and unable to move. Right now he could go for a killing blow, and Katsuki knew his only means of escaping death would be to take a gamble with the window. He mentally prepared himself for doing so, but the impact of having his back slam against the sheet of glass threw him off again.

Katsuki doubled over as he fell to the floor, choking on the blood lurching up his throat. The stranger took a step back, his hand covering the withering expression of his face.

"I was expecting better from the Sword of the Yoikusa," he spoke, disappointment lacing his tone of voice. "… Your condition hasn't improved since Shimabara, has it?" He laughed as Katsuki's head snapped back up to look at him. "That's right… you were coughing up a storm in that bathroom, it was quite pitiful. I was outside nearly the whole time… after all, rumour has it you're the one who will inherit One for All. But in that condition…" he cackled some more. "This is too funny – all your efforts are going up in smoke at this rate. What was it you said? That as long as you can fight, that's all you need?" His merriment died down almost instantly as he slammed his foot into Katsuki's stomach, making his symptoms worse. "You won't even be able to fight! You will remain a powerless Inheritor for the rest of your days, Katsuki Bakugou. I, Tomura Shigaraki, pity your existence the way it is right now… but I can help you."

"Leave him alone..!"

Just as Katsuki was able to turn his head to look up at the man who announced his name, the same door that Souji crashed through before was thrown back in with brutal force. The door slammed against Tomura and together they smashed through the window and hurtled to the ground below.

Ochaco rushed into the room and went straight to Katsuki's side, now that she was certain her attack worked and the man wasn't returning. "Bakugou-kun, I'm sorry I didn't come sooner, I'm so sorry..! I'm here for you." Her panicked voice faded though, as Katsuki slipped into unconsciousness. She noticed that, using her power to help making lifting him easier. Before she left the room, she looked out the window to see if the man was still there.

All she saw on the ground below was the door breaking down into dust. The demon himself had disappeared.

...

Having realised that Katamori weren't on their way to back up Kondou and the others, Toshizou Hijikata had ordered his group to make their way over as that back up. They hurried through the darkness of the night, not wasting time towards anything. Deku was surprised at how well he was able to keep up with the others, though he worried that he might be too tired to fight by the time they arrive.

Shouto was at the front of the group with Toshizou and Tenya, leading the way through the streets. Tsuyu stuck alongside Deku, though he was certain she could go faster than this.

"You don't have to slow down because of me," Deku breathed out, feeling more like a burden than useful.

Tsuyu shook her head. "I was instructed to keep an eye on you – this is your first mission, kero."

Deku bit his lip, hoping that this instruction wouldn't cost her or anyone else in the group. It made sense though, as the one newest to all this, Deku had to be monitored. That wasn't the only reason. His Phoenix Heart could get targeted on a night like this. Even if the focus of the night was on Choshu and their mission against the shogunate, there may be outliers who could take advantage of the chaos.

The group halted at the noise of a blood curdling scream from the direction of Ikeda-ya. Such a noise sent shivers down Deku's spine, but he was far from being the only one disturbed by the sound. Tenya was instructed by Toshizou to scout ahead of the group, with the rest following 50 metres behind. Shouto's eyes went wide as blue flames spurted out from the rooftops in the direction of the running Tenya. The source of the flame was knocked aside, causing the attack to narrowly miss him.

Tenya was relieved not to have been hit, but the heat near his back sent his heart racing. Someone intercepted the attack and that was good enough for him. He carried onwards.

Getting a closer look, a battle had started upon the rooftops of this district and Shouto realised it was Kyouka up there. He turned to Toshizou and requested to go and help, to which the latter agreed. Tsuyu used her power to help lift Shouto and toss him into the fray, allowing for Shouto to generate ice in the direction of the enemy.

Toshizou instructed the rest of the group to continue following him to Ikeda-ya, but Deku wouldn't budge. Beneath the glow of the moon, Deku recognised the man from before. His burns and scars, and judging by the fact Shouto was using his power already meant he was no ordinary opponent.

Not even Tsuyu's insisting was going to make Deku abandon Shouto and Kyouka, even though he couldn't go up and help them fight. He was aware he'd just be a liability for the pair if he went up there as well. Kyouka was doing her best to stay at a distance, avoiding both the enemy's flames and Shouto's own flurry of attacks. She was searching for an opening, but between two demons it was impossible.

The enemy was able to melt Shouto's flames easily, but instead of following up with another attack he raised his hands in some form of momentary truce. "Shouto Todoroki, it's been a long time," he spoke coolly, no sense of panic or urgency in his voice. "I imagine the Yaoyorozu kunoichi was coming to update you on our leader's presence. He won't be staying for long, do not worry. By the way, Enji Todoroki was quite interested to hear about your wife's pregnancy."

Kyouka gasped, but as she was about to launch her attack Tsuyu's tongue shot out to yank her off the rooftops to miss the enemy's flames. It was a close call between life and death for the girl, who realised this man had baited her into the attack.

Shouto's expression darkened in a way Deku had never seen before. "He will never get to have a part in my child's life," he growled enough for the other to hear him. "And neither will you. Don't talk as if you know me."

He quirked a brow. "You really don't remember me, do you? I thought Izuku Midoriya might have helped you recall something…" he cast his eyes towards the aforementioned young man, who watched on with fearful eyes. Just as he brought Deku up, Shouto could sense the approach of ronin towards their location. He turned to yell at Tsuyu, but the man intercepted him with his blade forcing Shouto to dodge. "It's rude to try and cut someone off when they're trying to have a conversation."

Tsuyu realised what was happening though. "Deku-chan, Jirou-chan, get ready to fight."

Deku's eyes went wide. "Reinforcements for Choshu?"

"That's right!" Kyouka's kunai sliced through the air, digging into the necks of the first three ronin who emerged from the side streets. Deku watched helplessly as the two girls took the lead in the attack, and as Shouto was crossing blades with the demon on the rooftops. He tried to assess the scene as best as he could, trying to figure the best course of action.

These extra ronin weren't demons, and Deku had faith that the two girls had this situation under control. But Shouto had a powerful opponent, and Deku wanted to back him up. Would he be helpful if he stepped in too? His Phoenix Heart wouldn't die to those flames at least, Deku could feel it. Without dwelling on indecision any further, Deku slipped off to try find a way to climb to the rooftops.

Before he got too far, he felt something coil around his waist. He turned his head and realised Tsuyu was using her power to help him get up there. She had to do a bit of a toss due to the hurry, but Deku managed not to roll too much with the impact.

"Thank you, Tsu..!" he called to her.

"Be careful – I'll be with you soon!" Tsuyu called back to him, plunging her katana into a ronin that tried to get her while she appeared distracted.

Tsuyu made sure that Deku wasn't thrown right into the fray, so he had a chance to make a new assessment of the situation from above. Deku scanned the area and to his relief, could see Tenya and Denki sprinting towards where the girls were fighting. But Shouto and the man had crossed blades and were pushing against one another. A powerful swirling energy surrounded the pair, and when Deku peered more closely he realised it was flames. Shouto's red flames versus blue.

He'd never seen any demon display such intensity with their power and it almost left Deku in awe. But as he drew closer, he saw a furious desperation in Shouto's expression that worried him. It took every inch of his willpower not to call out to him, knowing it would provide the man with an opening to strike.

With his peripheral vision, Shouto had realised that Deku made his way to the rooftops. That's when he began to sidestep and push the other so his back would be open to Deku. "You're so interested in having me know who you are," barked Shouto, "Go on!"

"Dabi," the man answered simply, "and we're much closer than you realise… Shouto."

"Don't lie," Shouto growled, refusing to acknowledge the possibility.

Dabi's lips quirked into a small smile of malice. "We could kill him together, you know…" Such a suggestion caused Shouto to pause, flames flickering with questions. "Enji Todoroki allowed for all this to happen so that demonkind may surpass humanity at long last. The Shogunate doesn't deserve your efforts, they don't deserve the Yoikusa." Dabi's voice was full of bitterness, though his expression hardly changed. "But the Ochimizu is an insult to our kind. You know that, I know that."

Shouto bit his lip, unsure how to respond. He sensed a passion in the other's words, though he couldn't fully grasp Dabi and his supposed connection to him. "You don't work with the Yoikusa… but you don't work with my father either. What is your goal?"

"Kaibyaku Kodo Tai," answered Dabi, "We don't think that it's wrong for demonkind to seize governing power over humans, not after the way they've oppressed us for so long. But doing so with the use of Ochimizu? Those humans don't deserve even one drop of our being! The fact it was forced upon you as well, Shouto – I know you despised it with every inch of your being. I saw it all. We could cure that part of you. The organisation—"

A blade pierced through Dabi's shoulder as he spoke, cutting off his words in an instant. Turning his head ever so slightly, he saw the young man he'd come across some weeks ago – Izuku Midoriya. He held the katana that had stabbed through him, shocking Dabi to the core.

"You..!" he scowled, disgusted that Shouto got him to talk with the full intention of letting that brat get in the attack. Not only that, but he had no idea of such a plan. If it wasn't for the flames that surrounded him, Deku could have targeted a vital more easily. "Izuku Midoriya… I'll destroy you."

As Dabi tried to spread his flames in a fell swoop, Shouto ran for Deku and wrapped his arms around him. Then he used his ice power to slide them down from the rooftops to meet with the others who finished dealing to the ronin. From the corner of Deku's eye, he could see a newcomer show up to help Dabi make his own escape. The current threat was gone, but they knew it wouldn't be the last time they encounter one another.

Shouto released Deku from his grasp once he was certain they were safe. "You shouldn't have acted alone, but… you did well, Deku."

Deku bowed his head as deeply as possible while he stood. "Please forgive me, Todoroki-fukuchou! It was wrong of me to act alone… My intentions were to help you, but I realise I could have made everything worse. I apologise for my careless actions! I'm not even sure I did well, I could have—"

"No, you did well," Shouto shook his head, noting silently at the singed appearance of Deku's clothing. "Not even someone like Bakugou would have been able to get close enough to target a vital. Your Phoenix Heart let you breach the wall of flames around us."

"Shouto…"

Tsuyu jogged over to check on the two, while Tenya was barking out orders for other Shinsengumi and Yoikusa soldiers to clear the bodies at the scene. "Forgive me, Todoroki-chan, I was supposed to stick by him. That was what I was instructed."

"… Asui-san, you did the best you could given the circumstances. I forgive you," Shouto answered, "It was Deku who acted alone." Deku immediately averted his eyes. "I'm not angry at you… just don't do it again."

"I won't, I promise!" insisted Deku.

Kyouka came rushing over to Shouto once she'd patched herself up, Denki in tow. "Todoroki-fukuchou, I'm going to check on the Yaoyorozu family! That man said things that make me worry about her safety. I need to be sure she's alright."

"I'm going with Jirou to back her up," announced Denki, "and for the record, we're not asking your permission. You have to report on tonight's events, so we'll handle this for you."

Shouto's eyes were wide at first, seeing Kyouka and Denki take such a valuable initiative. He was this close to heading off on his own to check on Momo, but the pair were right to do this. Still, his expression was frustrated. He wanted to be there for her, but as the Vice-Commander of the Yoikusa, he cannot. "I'm counting on you. Ensure my wife and child's safety."

"Right!" Kyouka and Denki rushed on ahead back to headquarters, retrieving horses to speed up the journey to the Yaoyorozu estate.

"… Deku, head with Asui-san and Iida-san back to headquarters," instructed Shouto, "I'm going to rejoin Hijikata-fukuchou and report on tonight."

"About that..!" Tenya called out to the other three, approaching them. "… Bakugou-kumichou cannot join you for that meeting. He's currently unconscious and being taken back to headquarters as well. Uraraka-kun will be joining you instead."

Deku gasped. "Kacchan's unconscious?!" He didn't think it was remotely possible for anyone to overpower Katsuki like that.

Tenya nodded solemnly. "I only saw him briefly, but he was covered in blood – Uraraka-kun wanted to go back with him, but Kondou-kyokuchou wanted her to stay back with them. From that I gather, Okita-kumichou is unconscious as well while Nagakura-kumichou and Toudou-kumichou sustained injuries too. But the threat has been dealt to, many arrests have been made… Kondou-kyokuchou is calling it a victory."

There were frowns or looks of uncertainty on everyone's faces. Such a statement couldn't be agreed upon. Not entirely.

...

Eijirou was hanging outside Katsuki's room with worry, awaiting the news from Shuzenji-sensei. When he heard that not only was he injured and covered in blood, but he got knocked out by a demon, Eijirou's mind went blank. He couldn't imagine such an amazing and strong samurai as Katsuki losing like that. If it weren't for Ochaco's surprise attack, maybe his best friend wouldn't be here anymore.

Such a thought shook him to the core. If only he was out there, he could have helped Katsuki and he wouldn't be under medical care.

Nobody trusted Eijirou to be in that room with him though. Hanta and Mezou were in there helping Shuzenji-sensei, but Eijirou was forbidden due to the possibility of bloodlust. Since Ochaco's revelation, Eijirou had been improving his condition, but Fumikage refused for him to go in there. His word came above all the rest when it came to the Ochimizu.

Fumikage stood beside Eijirou, awaiting the news as well. With his own condition, he wasn't in any state to care for Katsuki either.

"If you want to hate me for not letting you be in there with him, I understand," Fumikage broke the silence between the pair, his voice low.

A cool breeze brushed down the corridor as Eijirou took in the words of the Head Researcher of the Yoikusa.

"I think this must be how Shouji felt when it was you getting treatment…" admitted Eijirou, a hand over his chest. It was painful being out here. He just wanted to be at Katsuki's side. "… But you wanted him to be there too."

"Bakugou would want you in there," replied Fumikage, hoping to provide some form of comfort. He wasn't very good with this kind of situation, but Eijirou could sense the sentiments in his words.

Despite that, he disagreed with a shake of his head. "It's not the same. We don't share mutual feelings. His main concern has always been with Yagi-kyokuchou and serving the Yoikusa," he explained, resigned to the circumstances. "I admire him as a warrior, he treats me like an equal on the battlefield and I know that despite the current strain in our friendship, we have a bond that can overcome anything. Bakugou feels that way too, I know he does, but…" he didn't want to finish his sentence. He already knew.

Katsuki's feelings were not love, not the kind Eijirou hoped for. Fumikage recognised that. In society, a romantic love between men was almost unheard of. It was a miracle when Mezou returned his feelings, but Fumikage knew it was a rare exception. They still couldn't be open in public about this love, their families back home had no idea of their relationship. Not only was it two males, but he was human and Mezou was a demon. Only within the Yoikusa could they get away with this.

So it wasn't a surprise to Fumikage if such thoughts had never crossed Katsuki's mind. He'd often heard Denki and Hanta commenting that none of the geisha interested the man and that he'd never had a relationship before. To the pair, this came across strange, but to Fumikage it was what he expected.

"It's not impossible," Fumikage spoke, though it was to his own surprise. "We won't be fighting as the Yoikusa forever. Things can change."

Eijirou smiled slightly. "Look, I just want everyone to be happy. I don't need these feelings returned, y'know?"

"I understand."

The pair went silent again, waiting for further news. After what seemed like forever, Mezou finally emerged to explain the situation. According to the doctor, Katsuki has some broken ribs and will recover from that just fine. He has to take a break from his work for a while because of it, but that wasn't the main issue. Katsuki was having trouble with his lungs from the looks of it, but the doctor believes he should recover from it as long as he doesn't exert himself too much.

While Eijirou was visibly relieved, Fumikage was a difficult read. He was glad for Katsuki, but knowing others were sustaining damages but could keep going as a samurai was tough for him to acknowledge.

Mezou noticed Fumikage's body stiffen, unsure what to say. He reached for his hand gently. "I'm tired. Let's turn in for the night… you look like you need to rest too."

Fumikage hesitated for a moment, before lacing his fingers with Mezou's. "Alright. Kirishima, you should sleep as well."

Eijirou shrugged. "Soon. I'll wait for Uraraka to get back to give her the update… also to thank her for protecting Bakugou." For doing what he wasn't there to do, Eijirou thought silently, but these were words he intended to keep to himself. It wasn't that he was bitter towards her. The Ochimizu hadn't given him a lot to work with, but it came with many regrets.

From the moment he drank it, Eijirou had sworn to push down his feelings for his best friend.

It was easier said than done.

...

Early hours, June 6, 1864.

It was well into the early hours of the morning when Kyouka and Denki had turned up at the Yaoyorozu estate. Most of the area was quieter than death itself, and the pair stirred up a racket with their arrival. Neither was apologetic for the disturbance, and when Kyouka finally made it to Momo's quarters she practically threw herself into her arms, trembling with worry and fear. Denki had never seen Kyouka display such emotion, but he remained quiet, staying out of the room.

Momo furrowed her brows, confused about what was going on. "Kyouka..? Please tell me what's going on…"

Kyouka bit her lip, unsure where to begin. "The mission we had tonight… one of the enemies knew about your pregnancy – he even said Enji Todoroki was interested – it definitely sounded like a threat." Her arms around Momo tightened. "I know Todoroki-fukuchou wants his father to have nothing to do with the baby, but I don't know who gave them that information."

These words sent Momo's head spinning – the estate hadn't had any visitors who would have left with this information. She had faith that the information hadn't gone public through the Yoikusa. So who spread the word? She mulled over the Yaoyorozu's security, trying to find a gap, a leak. No one came to mind, no one seemed to behave out of the ordinary.

Then again, Momo didn't think she needed to look out for such things. She was blissful with the knowledge that Shouto was wanting this baby as much as she does, as well as Itsuka wanting to name her the godmother to her child who would be due later this month.

Suddenly Momo pushed Kyouka away, pushing herself from her western mattress and reaching for a pail. She felt nauseous, not only from Kyouka's news but also her general sickness from the pregnancy.

Kyouka rushed to the door with the intention of calling a nurse, but Momo's faint voice telling her to stay kept her there. "Yaoyorozu-sama..?" she enquired softly, returning to her side. "… I'm here for you." She massaged small circles into Momo's back as she went through the motions of sickness. "I came as soon as the battle was finished… your husband had to tend to business with the Shinsengumi. I'm sorry, I know I've shocked you with this."

Momo choked back a sob. "I may not look it, but I've been… okay. The baby is safe…" she rubbed a hand over her growing stomach. "I'm anxious, but I've got to stay strong. Let Shouto know that I'm safe, the baby is safe, I love him and… I want him to be safe as well."

The kunoichi nodded, finding a jug of water to pour over a cloth to dab at Momo's forehead. She seemed feverish from the shock. "I'll let him know… but please, let me arrange for increased security here. I'm scared for you."

Smiling softly, Momo pulled her into another embrace, much warmer than the last. "Thank you for worrying about me. You truly are my best friend in the whole world," she told her gently, and Kyouka felt those words with her heart. "I really am glad you came to see me." She pulled back after a few moments, but left her hands on Kyouka's shoulders. "Please call for the nurse… and get some rest. You and Kaminari-san can help yourself to the guest rooms."

"… Alright," Kyouka got up reluctantly, but she was exhausted. So she did as she was told and called for a nurse before proceeding to join Denki who was waiting outside for her. "… Sorry to keep you waiting."

Denki gave her a half-smile, stretching his arms as he got back on his feet. "Jirou, it's fine. No need to apologise for anything. Is Yaoyoro—" he stopped speaking as Kyouka leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. Her arms remained at her side, but her small frame was trembling against his own. She wouldn't let him see her face, though Denki was certainly the girl was crying. Very carefully, he wrapped his arms around her and that's what finally exposed Kyouka's muffled sobs.

His expression was crestfallen. Kyouka always acted so strong and like nothing bothered her, just as she was taught in her shinobi training. Just like anyone else however, Kyouka had a vulnerable heart that worried for those she deemed precious. Without thinking, Denki shifted a hand from the small of her back to running his fingers through her hair gently. In return, Kyouka's shaky arms wrapped themselves around Denki and refused to let go. He took a couple steps so his back was to the wall, and Kyouka followed him there.

The pair remained in their tight embrace for a while, even as the nurse came by to properly check on Momo's condition. They could hear faint sobs from Momo herself, tears she was hiding from Kyouka. Denki knew that it would break Kyouka's heart to know Momo was in far more pain than she was letting on. He pulled Kyouka away slightly to take her hand, leading her towards the guest quarters.

He didn't know the way there, but servants directed them and proceeded to set the rooms up for the two guests. "… I better let you get to your room, Kyouka."

"No, stay. Please."

"… Okay." If she needed him to be there for her, he would never leave her side.

Once the room was set up for the two, with a futon each laying side by side, Denki and Kyouka head in and prepared themselves for sleep. They didn't look at one another as they changed into bedclothes that were provided for them. Only when they got beneath their respective covers did Denki finally get to make eye contact with Kyouka once more.

Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and it pained Denki to see her like this. But even so, he could felt the strength of Kyouka's love for her friend and the fear she had for her. She truly cared.

"… Kaminari… I think I should leave the Yoikusa." Her voice was above a whisper, her eyes flickering to Denki's hand as he reached for her own. "… at least during Momo's pregnancy… I can't… what if someone targets her, please…"

He squeezed her hand. "You don't have to explain yourself. Todoroki will understand… You're protecting his wife, y'know..? Can't argue with that."

Kyouka nodded a little. "I'm going to put in a formal request… I'll stay with her until she's settled in with the baby. That means I'll be gone until November. I'm not far away though, I just won't be at headquarters as much…"

Denki shuffled in his futon a little, freeing up his other hand to flick her forehead gently. "I'll miss you all the same, Kyouka."

"Mmm…" she swatted his hand away, though she let the one holding her own remain. "Just don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."

"I'll save the stupidity for when you're back then!" he joked, earning himself a half-hearted glare. "… Yaoyorozu's really lucky to have a friend like you."

Her cheeks reddened at Denki's words. He was being so kind and supportive, and she didn't know how to answer him. The fact he came out to the Yaoyorozu Estate when Kyouka was prepared to go it alone, the warmth in his embrace when she needed to be held and his understanding words. She didn't realise Denki could be this reliable. Or maybe he always was this reliable, and she was just oblivious to it.

Whichever it was, Kyouka didn't ponder it too long.

"Saying things like that… sheesh. I might even miss you too," she muttered lowly, causing a big grin to form on Denki's face. Seeing that face was too much for her, and finally she turned to lay flat on her back. "Night, Denki."

"Night, Kyouka."

In the midst of all this turmoil, where it was impossible to predict what the next day would bring, and a phase of too much quiet was like a horrible omen, Denki found himself loving Kyouka all the more. She had this quiet strength about her, and this loyal heart. Kyouka took her work very seriously, but she never sought praise for it. Denki felt she had so many admirable qualities that she didn't seem to notice in herself, and he had such an urge to tell her all about them. Her dedication was incredible. But Kyouka's primary focus and concern was Momo right now, and he wanted nothing more than for Kyouka to feel her friend was safe and secure.

Kyouka can take as long as she needs, Denki thought to himself, realising he could wait forever for her return if he had to. Even though he knew himself to be social and flirtatious, as fickle as can be, Denki knew that when it came to Kyouka, he could have a patient love.

...

Deku awoke to the sound of paper being slid under his door. He sat up slowly, wondering what the message was. A few minutes later he heard a rooster crow in the distance, sounding his cue to get up and take a look. The paper wasn't high quality, more like a ripped scrap for a throwaway message. He saw that on one side, this letter was addressed to him.

But it was under his real name – Izuku Midoriya. Deku felt himself breaking into a cold sweat, knowing that nobody was supposed to be using his real name around the Yoikusa. Previous messages from comrades always used 'Deku' if a name was mentioned.

Turning the paper over, Deku's heart stopped upon reading the words.

To my son, Izuku,

I understand you may be shocked to hear from me all this time. When I found out you were with the Yoikusa, I too was surprised. I'm so glad you managed to survive this long after your banishment from Aldera. You truly are a brilliant young man. I am doing well too, but I cannot reveal myself to you just yet.

Your handling of the Phoenix Heart is so much better now, from what I've heard. I wish I was able to tell you sooner about conserving that power.

You are probably wondering why I have written to you. I need to warn you about something. The Shogunate will exploit you if they learn of the Phoenix Heart. They intend to steal Toshinori Yagi's One for All once he nears the end of his Inheritor life.

As an Inheritor, you are able to take more than one power.

Acquire One for All when the opportunity arises. Do not let such a grand power fall into the wrong hands.

Yours sincerely,

Hizashi Midoriya.

next chapter: Deku questions what to do in regards to the letter from his father. The Yoikusa are introduced to the new members that Tsuyu recruited a while back.