It's finally time for Izuku to learn total concentration! I've been pretty excited for this chapter and I hope you all enjoy the ride. I hope everyone is liking the story so far its been really fun writing it. Thank you to everyone who has followed and favorited the story and my profile, it means so much to me. Please leave feedback as it does help and motivate me to make more chapters.
DISCLAIMER: MHA AND DEMON SLAYER BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATORS. I DO NOT OWN THEM.
Chapter 10: The Flame Hashira
-At the Jasmine Dragon-
Izuku sat at the bar table sipping the freshly made tea that Iroh made. This always calms him down whenever he is stuck in his head. Iroh knew just what tea leaves to mix for almost any occasion or situation. He put down his cup and waited for Iroh to finish pouring his own cup. After the electric sneeze incident, Izuku immediately went home to change and head to the cafe.
"Mr. Iroh, something strange is happening with my quirk. I originally thought that I could control only fire but recently I've started to generate some kind of electricity."
Hearing what Izuku said, Iroh gave a shocked expression. He thought for a moment on what to say as he took a sip of tea. Coming to a decision, he made a gesture to Izuku to follow him outside. Looking slightly confused but not saying anything, the boy followed.
"To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure if I should teach you this technique at all, but it seems that what you described is entirely different than lightening bending."
Izuku did a double take at what Iroh said. He thought that the man was only capable of using fire like he himself. Then he focused on what he called it.
'Lightening bending? From what I can tell, electricity is coming from my body not lightening. Can Mr. Iroh really make lightening other than fire?'
Iroh noticed Izuku's analytical mumbling to which he smiled at. It might be a habit but the man never once found it annoying or creepy like some others did. He gave the boy a moment to calm himself down. Once Izuku noticed Iroh is waiting on him, he gave a sheepish smile and bowed with an apology. Iroh waved it off and took a few steps away from Izuku.
"Not many fire benders are gifted with this talent from what I know, but I found a way to turn fire into lightening by separating the positive and negative energy inside you. Once you do that, there is an imbalance in the energies. You use your chi within your stomach to have both crash back together, thus creating lightening."
Iroh takes a wide stance and extends his pointer and middle finger in both hands. He waves them fluidly in circular motions infront of him. Izuku is surprised to see the lightening being made from the tips of his fingers as if being charged. Then Iroh thrusts one hand forward allowing the blue lightening to shoot forward in a loud thunderclap. To Izuku, the lightening seemed to call out to him. Iroh shakes his hand as smoke comes off his fingers.
"You must remember to not force the energy as you are only its guide. Use your chi to separate the energy, allow them to come back together, then provide release."
Izuku nodded. his analytical eyes followed the movements that Iroh went through while he demonstrated.
'If Mr. Iroh is using his chi to turn fire into lightening, than can I use my own chi to better control my electricity until mastering it?'
"What happens if you try to force the energies during separation?"
The question itself is simple, but judging from the face Iroh made, it's more serious than he thought. The man pointed at Izuku's stomach and then his chest.
"If you force the energy it will cause a shift in flow. Instead of the energies passing through yiur stomach, in the sea of chi, it will pass through yiur heart causing unimaginable damage."
The explanation caused Izuku to gulp loudly. Iroh seeing the fear on the boy's face, placed his hand on Izuku's shoulder. He gave him a look that can only be described as a worried father.
"I know you are capable of this technique, otherwise I would of found a different way to teach you how to use your new abilities."
Izuku nods at the man. The feeling of fear is slowly replaced by comfort. He takes the same stance that he saw Iroh do. Using the same hand motions, Izuku inhales deeply snd feels the lightening gathering at his finger tips. He notes that the lightening feels different from the electricity that his body can make naturally. Secondly, he notices that his lightening is green compared to Iroh's. Once he lets the chi and energies flow back to nomal, he thrusts his hand into the air with a strong bolt of green lightening following.
Iroh clapped his hands with a proud smile. Izuku is surprised at how strong of a lightening bolt he made on his first try. To both of their surprise, another person started clapping from the cafe entrance. Both turn to see who it is and Izuku notices Iroh's expression change from proud father to surprised. The man that stood before them looks like he could literally light up a dark room. His hair is yellow with streaks of red, making it look like its fire itself. The eyes are almost the same but with white pupils that strangly look friendly.
Once Izuku noticed his clothes, his breath almost hitched making the boy cough a bit. The man wore black baggy pants with a black jacket like shirt. they were outlined in white. His sandles had leggings with a flame design on them. The most eye catching of the outfit is the white cape with the same flame design on the bottom. Izuku could see by just looking st him, he's ready for almost anything.
"It's nice to see you again Iroh. It's been so long since we have met up. I really do miss the tea you make."
The man gave Iroh a sad smile. Iroh on the other hand walks up to the man and gives him a heartful hug. The man laughs loudly much similar to Iroh's but different still. Izuku watches the interaction with slight confusion.
'Is he another one of Mr. Iroh's students?'
Izuku thought to himself. Once Iroh lets go of the man, he looks at Izuku and introduces him.
"Izuku, this is Kyojuro Rengoku, the flame Hashira."
Izuku is shocked at first. This man infront of him taught Iroh's nephew the way of flame breathing. Seeing as the man looks like walking fire, it makes sense now. Izuku bows politely to show respect.
"It's an honor to meet you sir. My name is Izuku Midoriya."
The name causes Kyojuro's eye to lift slightly. Like he's heard it before. This goes unnoticed by a bowing Izuku but Iroh catches it, if only slightly.
"It's an honor to meet you too lad. I have heard of your quest to take up flame breathing to become a better hero in the future."
Izuku looks at Iroh with surprise to which the older man looks away with a small whistle. He stands up again to meet Kyojuro's gaze which seems to be getting brighter and brighter.
"Yes sir, its true. My father was a Hashira as well. Even though I haven't seen him since I was small he left me a letter explaining how life was before quirks. He also left me his nichirin blade as well."
Kyojuro nods his head. Sadness can be seen on his face but it was only for a moment. He pulls out a scroll from inside his jacket and hands it to Izuku. The boy takes it with slightly shakey hands.
"Yes, I remember your father well. Hisashi Kamdo was the storm Hashira. The man could breath fire but wasn't suited for flame breathing. I tried to teach him, but it was like every technique he tried woukd use too much breath and energy. In the end, he had to find a different teacher."
Izuku is confused now. He looks at Iroh who only shrugs and motions back to Kyojuro. The flame Hashira looks slightly amused but behind his eyes, Izuku can see the pain of losing a friend.
"What do you mean storm breathing? I thought there are only five breathing styles."
Kyojuro lets out a low hum. He motions for them to go inside the cafe.
"This is gonna be a long story. Iroh if yu don't mind, can we get a cup if your delicious tea please?"
They all head inside following the walking flame. Izuku and Kyojuro sit at the bar table while Iroh heads to the back to get the necessary leaves to brew. Izuku still dumbfounded about what he heard earlier, listens eagerly.
"Your father was an amazing swordsman. Evwn though he couldn't learn flame breathing from me, I was able to teach him total concentration. I assume Iroh has filled you in on that?"
Izuku nods his head. He points to his stomach and then chest to show where the breathing is focused.
"Yes, it's a technique that allows humans to have speed and strength that rival a demons but is limited to the user."
Kyojuro nods in satisfaction. He pats Izuku's head much to the younger boy's embarrassment.
"Splendid! Yes, he was able to pick it up after awhile of training. When we found out that his body wasn't suited for flame breathing, I reached out to some friends of mine who are also Hashira. They come from a line of well trained swordsmen and women. In the end, he was able to learn water breathing and some parts of thunder breathing. It was when he went on a journey of self dicovery that he returned with his own style, storm breathing."
Izuku is amazed at the short but filling story. His father was able to combine two different breathing styles to create a whole new one. He wondered if he could do the same. Kyojuro then pointed to the practice sword that Izuku brought with him.
"I see that you've been training with the katana as well. Thats very good. Unfortunately most who wish to become demon slayers don't have any knowledge of how to use a blade."
Izuku nods and smiles a bit to himself, happy that a Hashira is giving him small praise. He then notices that Kyojuro has his own blade thats connected to a holder on his white belt. From what he can see, it looks similar to the blade that Iroh gave him. The difference is that the guard is shaped more like a spark. Iroh steps in with a warm smile, holding the tea pot and various leaves.
"By the way Kyojuro, what brings you to the Jasmine Dragon? I haven't seen you since Zuko's funeral? Not that I mind, it's always a pleasure to see you."
Iroh asked while putting tea leaves into a tea ball and pressing them down. He snaps his fingers under the tea pot to light the stove. Kyojuro bows in respect at the mention of Zuko.
"My apologies sir. I should of visited more often, but it pained me to lose such a fine student. For some time I have put aside my Hashira status and traveled around much like you did. It wasn't until you mentioned someone with great potential being trained here. I know Zuko wouldn't like it if such talent went to waste so I've come to offer my services."
Iroh nods with a sad smile. Izuku is again surprised to hear what Kyojuro had to say. The man wants to train him out of his own will.
"Mr. Rengoku I am honored that you say that. I have been fascinated with the flame breathing style ever since Iroh mentioned it. It's why I asked him to train me on how to use a sword before searching for you."
Izuku says excitedly. Kyojuro nods with satisfaction. Iroh pours the tea for the three of them and Kyojuro eagrly snatches his cup once Iroh adds in some sugar and a bit of ground cinnamon. He takes a sip and places the cup down.
"Tasty!"
He shouted enthusiastically. The shout almost caused Izuku to spit out his own tea which made Iroh laugh out loud. The older man looking like he got ten years younger.
"I'm glad to see that you haven't changed at all, Kyojuro."
Iroh said, mostly to himself but the other two heard him. The trio continue to drink their tea and enjoy each others company. After the tea is finished they go back outside to the training area. Kyojuro stands infront of Izuku with a wide smile that made the boy a bit nervous.
"Alright lad we are gonna spar without our blades. I want to see how skilled you are in terms of hand to hand combat."
Izuku is slightly taken aback at what the man says. Sure he's beaten the other students in spara before but this is something completely different. Kyojuro has many years of experience under his belt and he only has that fight with Katsuki that only really counted as a fight.
"Um, Mr. Rengoku do you want to use quirks as well? Mr. Iroh says that I have master the fire bending style that he taught me. I'm still working on the martial arts though."
Kyojuro nods in thought. The flame Hashira takesba stance with legs closer than the stance Iroh taught him with legs slightly bent. He raises his left arm out with his palm open, facing upwards. His right hand his bent behind his back held in a fist.
"Come at me with everything you have!"
Izuku takes a stance with his legs shoulder length apart. His right arm is extended with a fist. His left arm is held high bent so his fist is held upside down. He takes a breath to calm his nerves. Iroh watches with interest as the two size each other up. Izuku knows that he's outclasses here but never the less, he's not going to back down.
Iroh lets them have a moment to gauge each other. With hand wave that flames followed, the older man gave the motion to start the spar. Izuku immediately goes for a leg sweep but since they are too far apart, he sends an arch of fire at Kyojuro's legs. The man inhales deeply, which didn't go unnoticed by Izuku. The difference is the way that he inhaled. He couldn't explain it, but the way that Kyojuro's body seems to tense up but stay relaxed puzzled him.
In a blink of an eye Kyojuro leaped over the fire arch and rolled forward. The man closed the distance between them quickly, giving Izuku little time to react.
'Something is different! A moment ago he was giving off a different aura but now it's like he's on a major boost. Is this his quirk?'
Izuku felt a palm strike on his left shoulder. He staggered back at the small ache but didn't falter. He sends a jab at Kyojuro's chest to which the man easily dodges. The assault does end as Izuku sends quick flame powered punches in different parts of Kyojuro's body. Each one is either parried or dodged. Kyojuro is impressed at the strikes.
If he were to try and block one of the punches, the flame that the boy can use would surely burn his arms. The boy also left no room for openings, that is if he was sparring one of his classmates. Izuku backs off and gains some distance seeing that he isn't landing any blows. Izuku takes a moment to think before an idea pops into his head. He takes a steady stance and thrusts his left palm forward, a semi big wave of fire shoots towards Kyojuro. The man easily side steps the flames and dashes at the boy.
Izuku sees the opportunity and crosses both his arms before spreading them out, plams open. A sphere of fire surrounds Izuku which causes Kyojuro to stop and sheild his face from the unexpected light and heat. Once the flames died down Izuku is no where to be seen. kyojuro smirks at the blinding attack and looks up. Surely, Izuku is falling towards him with a fire fueled kick.
"That was an excellent cover up lad!"
Kyojuro shouted as he leaped back a few feet. Izuku lands with a tuck and roll but isn't finished with his attack. He lands the roll on one foot and knee while makes a fist with his pointer and middle fingers sticking out. He thrusts his hands in different direction while facing Kyojuro, small fire balls being shot from each thrust of the hands. Kyojuro smiles even more while dancing around each fire ball. To the flame Hashira's surprise, Izuku is infront of him about to deliver an upper cut.
The man quickly inhales and catches the fist as it wasn't covered in flames this time. His instincts taking over and he catches the otjer fist aimed at his gut. Izuku is shocked at how fast his reaction time is as he used his inner flame to increase his own speed. The boy is breathing heavily due to still working on the technique. Something felt odd though. Both his arms are held tightly so he can't escape but as if something told him to, he swings his head back and then forward. Kyojuro not expecting such an attack is hit hard by Izuku's headbutt.
Iroh who was just watching and amazed at how far Izuku has come suddenly face palms. Kyojuro releases Izuku's arms and stagers back a little. Izuku, not letting this opening go to waist goes for a leg sweep again. His left leg connects with air as Kyojuro lifts up his leg and spins around on the other foot. Before Izuku can follow he is pinned down with his arm behind his back.
"Haha, that was an unexpected move. You actually managed to land a hit on me."
Izuku struggles to get out of the hold but accepts defeat once he knows he's lost. Iroh claps his hands at both of their skills. He honestly didn't think Izuku would last long. Not because he didn't believe he's weak, but because Kyojuro is much more experienced in real life or death combat.
"You are very interesting. You have great use of your flames and don't just go crazy with your quirk like I've seen others do. I honestly didn't think you would land any hits."
Kyojuro releases Izuku and helps him up. Once Izuku is standing properly he falls to his knees in the apology boy.
"I'M SO SORRY. I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAME OVER ME. IS YOUR HEAD OK?!"
This caused Kyojuro to chuckle loudly as Iroh approached the two. The old man is also trying to hide a smirk. Before Kyojuro could respond he takes a seat as if settling down. Once he looks comfy he falls onto his back with a loud snore. Both Iroh and Izuku look at each other in shock then at the unconscious Kyojuro.
"Yeah, he's gonna have a headache when he wakes up."
Iroh said while Izuku continued to panic. They both lifted the man and carried him to the recovery area of the dojo.
"I'M SORRY!"
That is chapter 10 people! Yay, Rengoku is finally here. I thought it would be funny to have them have a spar similar to how Tanjiro met Giyuu. Instead of Tanjiro distracting Giyuu with rocks then chucking the hatchet, Izuku distracted Rengoku with fire balls and tried to go for a downward kick. Let me know if that was interesting for y'all. Was it too much to have Izuku knock out Rengoku? I hope everyone who's reading is enjoying the story. I'm sk pumped to start the other training for Izuku. Please read and review! Have a good one!
