—.All Roads Lead Home: Part 1.—
Full Summary:
In the midst of an endless war that reshaped the world with the emergence of quirks, Ochako Uraraka, a simple girl from the countryside, has grown up in the peaceful isolation of an island, far from the chaos of battle. While the conflict continues to ravage cities and tear families apart, Uraraka faces a crucial decision in her adult life: to marry a complete stranger who, despite everything, exudes a familiarity and kindness that intrigues her. In a world consumed by war, can she find happiness in an uncertain future?
Story with light IzuxOcha/BakuxOcha themes.
Inspired by the film In This Corner of the World.
—Because of my quirk, everyone says I have my head in the clouds...— Ochako Uraraka pondered as she walked through the fields, her thoughts drifting like the white clouds in the blue sky.
During the great war that arose with the appearance of quirks, quirkless people and those with weak quirks unsuitable for battle were forced to live on islands, far removed from the brutal fighting. These places were peaceful, full of green fields and fishing villages, isolated from the chaos and noise of the cities where heroes and villains clashed in an endless struggle.
When Uraraka was only four years old, life was simple, her days filled with small dreams and games. One afternoon, her mother sent her to the market to buy some ingredients for dinner. Little Ochako, always curious and a bit distracted, wandered through the narrow alleys of the town, her tiny heart racing with nervousness.
—Where am I...?— she whispered to herself, her large eyes wide with confusion as she looked around. The houses all seemed the same, and people walked by without paying her any attention.
Just when she was about to cry, a very large man approached her.
—Are you lost, little one?— he asked kindly.
Uraraka nodded, wiping her tears with the sleeve of her sweater.
—Here, take this,— said the man, handing her a small monocular. —Use it to find your way back home.
Ochako looked through the monocular, and although she didn't quite understand how it would help, she felt a little better. But as she was looking, she didn't notice a large wicker basket on the ground. She tripped and fell inside, rolling around.
Before she could scream for help, she felt the basket lift off the ground and start moving. The frightened girl peeked over the edge of the basket and saw that she was being carried by a giant. It was Gigantomachia, a huge and terrifying man, who was now carrying her like a small backpack.
—Oh no!— Ochako whispered, her wide eyes filled with fear.
Inside the basket, sitting beside her, was a boy with messy hair and big, bright green eyes. He seemed calm, though a little nervous.
—Who are you?— Ochako whispered to him.
—Izuku,— the boy replied— I think this guy is kidnapping us.
—That's so wrong!— Ochako whispered back, disapproving—. I have to get home before sunset to feed the chickens.
—Me too...— Izuku said, his voice tinged with worry—. My mom is waiting for me.
Hearing the children, Gigantomachia began murmuring to himself:
—I too, I too...— he echoed—. I too need to get home before nightfall, or the master will be angry.
Always resourceful, Ochako had an idea. She took out the monocular the man had given her and, with a piece of black cloth she found in the basket, she improvised a filter.
—Hey, big guy,— she called out to the giant—. What's that thing over there?— she asked, handing him the monocular with the black filter over it—. Take a look.
Curious, Gigantomachia accepted it and looked through the monocular. The black cloth made him think night had already fallen. And with the simple, tired mind of a giant, he closed his eyes slowly and fell fast asleep.
Once they were out of the basket, both children looked at their captor in amazement.
—It's a shame he'll miss dinner,— Izuku murmured, feeling bad for the giant. He took out some chocolates from his pocket and gently placed them in the giant's hand—. I'll leave him this.
Blushing slightly, Izuku tried to glance at Ochako.
—O-Ochako Uraraka, thank you so much,— he said before running off.
—Hey, how do you know my name?— Ochako called after him, only to quickly remember that her name and address were written on her socks. Her mom always did that in case she got lost since she was only four.
As Izuku ran down the path and disappeared from view, Uraraka was left thinking.
—I guess I was really distracted...— she said to herself—. Maybe I was daydreaming again and didn't even notice...
Under the night sky, with stars twinkling above, Ochako felt that the day had been more than just a simple adventure. It was the beginning of something much bigger.
She headed home, her heart full of stories and the promise that, even if she sometimes got lost in the clouds, she would always find her way back.
Two years had passed, and the Quirk World War still raged somewhere in the distance.
—We brought watermelon, Grandma,— announced Ochako Uraraka with a wide smile, holding a box with fresh fruit she had brought from the city. She had traveled with her father to a nearby island to visit her grandmother, a place filled with peace and happy memories.
—You're so sweet,— her grandmother replied fondly, and then helped Ochako into a beautiful kimono she had woven herself. Every year, her grandmother made a new kimono for Ochako and her sister Nejire, a loving act that connected the family through ancient traditions.
After putting on the kimono, Ochako looked at herself in the mirror with pride. The bright colors of the kimono highlighted her radiant face and dark hair. Her grandmother watched her with eyes full of affection.
—Today, we'll visit the family cemetery,— her grandmother said softly—. It's an important tradition, to remember our ancestors and show them respect.
Ochako nodded seriously. She knew that visiting the cemetery was a solemn event, but it was also an opportunity to honor those who had come before them.
Later, as they rested in the living room, Ochako and her sister fell asleep. In her light slumber, Ochako faintly overheard her father speaking quietly with her grandmother in the next room.
—We live in such complicated times,— her father said, his voice heavy with worry and exhaustion.
Ochako didn't fully understand what her father meant, but she knew that her family had gone through many ups and downs. Even though she didn't grasp all the challenges adults faced, she knew they had always made it through, together.
—In the end, it's not so bad just being a kid here,— Ochako reflected as she closed her eyes, letting the warm summer breeze lull her. There were so many things that distracted and made her happy: playing with her sister, helping her grandmother in the garden, exploring the island... Life, in its own way, was beautiful.
One day, after a refreshing lunch of watermelon, Uraraka was outside in the garden, savoring the sweet taste of the fruit while enjoying the birdsong. Suddenly, she noticed a blonde girl, dressed in rags, quietly making her way down the hill and sneaking into the garden. Shyly, the girl began eating the leftover watermelon rinds they had left in a small container.
—Would you like me to bring you some more watermelon?— Ochako asked kindly, leaning toward her.
The girl looked up, surprised, but then slowly nodded, still chewing on the rinds.
Uraraka ran back to the house, her heart racing. —Grandma!— she called excitedly as she entered the living room—. There's a girl outside, and she's eating the watermelon rinds. Can I give her some more?
Her grandmother, always calm and understanding, smiled gently. —Of course, dear. But let her eat in peace.
Ochako nodded and hurried back outside with a plate full of fresh watermelon. But when she returned to the garden, the girl was gone. Uraraka felt a little disappointed, but also curious.
—Don't worry,— her grandmother said later, gently stroking her head—. Sometimes, people need time to trust.
—Alright,— Ochako agreed, though still a bit concerned—. And Grandma, will she get to wear my kimono too?— she asked innocently.
Her grandmother laughed softly, her laughter as warm as the afternoon sun. —Oh, my sweet girl, how kind you are. Perhaps one day, if she wants, she could share it with you.
Ochako smiled at the thought. She imagined the blonde girl in the brightly colored kimono, sharing stories beneath the cherry tree in the garden. She knew that, even though she didn't understand everything about the adult world or the problems her family faced, there was one thing she understood clearly: the importance of kindness and the desire to help others, no matter where they came from.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, filling the sky with golden and pink hues, Ochako looked toward the hill where she had last seen the girl. In her heart, she hoped to see her again, to offer not just watermelon, but also her friendship.
Her grandmother, seeing the hopeful expression on Ochako's face, smiled tenderly. She knew her granddaughter had a big heart, full of love and compassion, and she was proud to see her grow each day, learning to appreciate the little things that made life truly beautiful.
It was a hot summer day when ten-year-old Ochako Uraraka sat in her classroom. The war continued somewhere far away, but her small island remained peaceful. The classroom windows were open, allowing a light breeze to gently move the curtains.
—Today, draw whatever you like —announced the teacher with a kind smile—. And when you're finished, you can go home.
—Yes! —all the children shouted excitedly, as if they had just been given the best gift in the world. They quickly grabbed their paper and colored pencils, filling the room with laughter and enthusiastic chatter.
Ochako immersed herself in her drawing, sketching soft lines that gradually turned into a scene of her home and the garden full of flowers. One of her friends leaned over her shoulder to take a look.
—I wish I could draw as well as you, Ochako— she said with an admiring smile.
Ochako smiled shyly but felt proud of her work. When she finished, she said goodbye to her friends and headed home, full of energy. But as the afternoon wore on, and the sun began to set, painting the skies in shades of orange and pink, she decided she wanted to go out again.
—I'm going to gather some pine cones! —she told her mother before heading out—. They're near the sea.
—Be careful —her mother replied, smiling as she watched Ochako leave with a basket in hand.
Ochako walked along the path leading to the sea, gathering pine cones that had fallen from the tall trees. The leaves crunched under her feet as she walked, and the sounds of the forest surrounded her in a peaceful melody. But as she neared the shore, she stopped, noticing a familiar figure.
Katsuki Bakugo, one of her classmates, was there. He stood by the water, wearing his usual expression of intense focus. Ochako felt her heart beat a little faster, and a blush crept across her cheeks. She knew Katsuki was known for his bad temper, and she wasn't sure if she should talk to him.
After a few moments of hesitation, she decided to approach him.
—Hey, Kacchan —Uraraka greeted softly—. You can't go home until you finish your drawing, can you?
Katsuki didn't turn to look at her but responded calmly:
—I don't want to. —His voice was firm but not aggressive—. My parents are drunk. They spend their time drinking instead of working. And I hate the ocean. I'm not drawing.
There was a moment of silence before Katsuki spoke again.
—Ochako, give me your hand.
Though she was a bit nervous, Uraraka reached out her hand toward him. Katsuki placed a pencil in her palm.
—Take it —he said, turning his gaze back to the sea.
—I can't, Kacchan...
—They're my brother's. I have more at home —Katsuki interrupted her—. And I've already seen a lot of rabbits today. It reminds me of when the boat sank. That was a terrible day.
Ochako remained silent, watching as the wind stirred his blond hair. In his own way, Katsuki was sharing something deep. She didn't know much about the boat incident, only what she had heard from adults, but she understood that it had been painful for him.
—Draw this boring ocean if you want —Katsuki continued, his eyes fixed on the water—. I'm not interested anymore.
Uraraka sat beside him, using her watercolor set and starting to paint. As the colors began to blend on the paper, capturing the gentle waves of the sea and the reflections of the setting sun, she felt that each brushstroke was a way to connect with Katsuki's silence.
After a while, she finally gathered the courage to ask:
—Kacchan, what did you mean earlier?
Katsuki sighed, still not looking away from the water.
—The white waves… they look like rabbits hopping.
Ochako smiled at the image. Now that he mentioned it, she could see it. The small crests of the waves rose and fell like little bunnies hopping across the surface of the water.
—You're right —Uraraka acknowledged with a soft laugh.
She continued working on her painting, capturing Katsuki's idea in her artwork. When she finished, she held up the paper and looked at it proudly.
—I'm done.
Katsuki turned to look at her, and without a word, he took the painting. Then, with a smirk that seemed to be a mix of gratitude and pride, he placed the basket she had been filling on her head. It was full of pine cones, and on top of them was a pretty red flower.
—It's not exactly what I wanted —Katsuki admitted, glancing at the drawing Uraraka had made—. But now I can go home with a finished drawing. I hate the ocean —he repeated as he started to walk away—. But your rabbits make it different.
Ochako stood there, with the basket on her head and the red flower swaying in the breeze. She watched as Katsuki walked off, his figure growing smaller against the backdrop of the sea and the twilight sky.
Under the soft light of the setting sun, Ochako smiled. Sometimes, the smallest things—like a drawing, a basket full of pine cones, or a comment about waves that looked like rabbits—could change the way someone saw the world. And in that moment, she felt like she had done something good, something that had brought a bit of light to a dark day for her friend.
The news on the radio echoed through the house, a distant reminder of the war that continued its relentless course.
—The Paranormal Liberation Army troops are in the Pacific Ocean —the news had said once. Another seven years had passed, and the war still raged on.
The sea breeze brushed against Ochako's skin as she prepared for another day of work. Her fisherman's suit, designed for gathering seaweed along the coast, was an awkward combination of bright colors and thick fabrics.
—Look at that, such a charming battle suit —teased Nejire, her older sister by two years, when she saw Ochako in her work clothes.
Ochako struck a pose, used to Nejire's comments by now.
—We'll have lunch soon —their grandmother called from the kitchen, waving a spatula as she prepared the meal.
Ochako and Nejire sat at the table, joined by their little cousin Eri, who watched them with an almost childlike curiosity.
—Ochako —called Eri with her sweet voice—. Tell me, will you go far away when you get married?
Ochako smiled but looked down at her chopsticks, as if they held the answer.
—I think so —she answered slowly, her words filled with a mix of uncertainty and resignation.
Eri turned her attention to Nejire.
—But you'll stay, right, Nejire?
Nejire shrugged, a carefree smile adorning her face.
Their grandmother, with her accumulated wisdom, added:
—The girl who pushes her chopsticks far away will marry and go live far from home.
—Because marrying close to home is just too boring —Nejire mused aloud, as if the answer were obvious.
Suddenly, Ochako's aunt burst into the room with unusual energy.
—Ochako, go home now! —her aunt said excitedly, her eyes sparkling—. I received a call. A young man from Kure is there because he's come to ask for your hand. So you must go now —she urged, almost pushing her out the door.
Ochako stood there, stunned, her aunt's words still echoing in her mind. Her grandmother, always so perceptive, stepped in before she could even process what she had just heard.
—Ochako, tell me, how old are you now?
Ochako blinked, trying to recall.
—I turned... seventeen or eighteen, I think.
—You can refuse him too —her aunt reminded her, a mixture of excitement and gentleness in her voice—. Just go meet him.
Before Ochako could reply, her grandmother called her over to a room with a large dresser.
—Ochako, come here, please —her grandmother requested, her voice softer than usual—. I want to give you this for when your wedding day comes.
From the corner of the dresser, her grandmother pulled out a carefully wrapped package. When Ochako opened it, she found a beautiful salmon-pink kimono, its delicate embroidery reflecting hours of labor and love.
—I want you to look at it carefully, it's yours —her grandmother said, her eyes gleaming with nostalgia and hope.
Ochako took it gently, unsure of how to feel. It was a precious gift, but also a reminder of the decision she had to make.
—Thank you —she said softly, running her fingers over the smooth fabric.
—I'm sure you'll marry into his family in Kure —her grandmother assured her—. And on your wedding night, he'll ask if you brought an umbrella, and you'll say, "Yes, I brought a brand-new umbrella." Then, he'll ask if he can open it, and you'll answer yes.
Ochako frowned, puzzled by the instruction.
—Why? —she dared to ask.
—Because you just do —her grandmother responded shortly.
Ochako stood in silence, pondering her grandmother's words. It felt like she was in the middle of a dream, one where the future seemed a mix of confusion and promises.
—I suppose I'm becoming an adult —she mused to herself—. But I think Kure is a city with a naval port, and there are a lot of sailors there.
With the kimono carefully folded under her arm, she started her way back home. The sea breeze was cool against her skin, and as she walked along the dirt path, she encountered a familiar figure.
Katsuki Bakugo, dressed in a sailor's uniform, stood there, blocking her way. It had been a while since she'd seen him, and his presence caught her off guard.
—K-Kacchan, it's been a while —she greeted him softly, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Katsuki looked at her with a serious expression, his eyes fixed on her as if he wanted to say something he couldn't put into words.
—It's time to go home —he said finally, his voice deep—. Your mom already called. She told all the neighbors the news. I guess you must be happy —he added, turning his back to her.
—What, really? —Ochako was surprised—. I thought you were the famous suitor...
—Are you an idiot? —Katsuki almost shouted, turning to look at her directly—. I only came for my brother's memorial. How could you not know your own suitor?
Ochako lowered her head, embarrassed.
—Ah, I get it. You have no clue, do you? —Katsuki seemed both amused and frustrated at the same time.
—I guess not... —Ochako admitted, looking at the ground—. I don't know him, and maybe he mistook me for Nejire. She's much more beautiful than I am.
Katsuki stared at her for a moment, his eyes softening just a little.
—I don't think she's more beautiful —he said before turning and walking away without looking back.
Ochako stood there, the kimono still in her arms, and Katsuki's words echoing in her mind.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the path, Ochako felt her heart beating faster.
With the sea breeze lifting the edges of her kimono, Ochako started walking again. There were many things she still didn't understand, but one thing was certain: her life was about to change, and she was ready to face it.
The afternoon was cold, and the wind blew with a wintry breeze that made the branches of the trees tremble. The aroma of freshly brewed green tea filled the Uraraka household, wrapping the kitchen in a warm fragrance. Mrs. Uraraka was serving tea to her guests, a gentle-looking woman with her hair tied up in a simple bun, and a young man with green hair who stood quietly beside her, his head slightly bowed as if the situation made him nervous.
—My son happened to see your daughter one day while she was on her way to school, Mrs. Uraraka —began the young man's mother, speaking in a soft and kind voice—. It wasn't easy for us to find your home.
Mrs. Uraraka nodded understandingly, holding the teapot firmly as she poured the hot liquid into their cups.
—We used to live in another house, but we lost our construction business due to a conflict related to the war —Mrs. Uraraka explained, her words filled with a quiet sadness that only years could soften—. By the way, she should be arriving soon —she added with a kind smile.
Unbeknownst to them, Ochako was already there, watching the scene from a window outside the kitchen. The cold afternoon air made her shiver slightly, but her curiosity kept her firmly in place. She observed the Midoriya family with interest, trying to gauge something about their true nature. The young man, Izuku, seemed shy, with a determined posture that contrasted with his serene expression.
—I don't know if I should marry that boy —Ochako murmured to herself, studying the young man a little longer. Despite his simple appearance, there was something about him that radiated a genuine kindness. Something inside her told her she could trust him, but at the same time, the uncertainty of the unknown filled her with doubt.
—What I don't understand is why I have this sweet taste in my mouth. It's inexplicable —she said to herself, stepping away from the window.
Ochako walked toward the field, wrapping herself more tightly in her kimono to shield herself from the biting cold.
—I don't know what I'm going to do now —she whispered to the wind—. My aunt told me I could reject him, too, but I don't even know him well enough to make a decision.
As her thoughts wandered, her steps led her in the direction of the sea, the same one she had once gazed at with Katsuki, her childhood friend. She fondly remembered those moments, the warmth of their friendship, and the carefree joy of childhood.
Suddenly, a gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.
—Excuse me... —called a voice behind her.
Ochako turned around, still partially covered by her kimono. There, standing in front of her, were the green-haired boy and his mother. They looked lost, gazing around with a mix of confusion and hope.
—Yes? —Ochako responded, keeping herself partially covered.
Mrs. Midoriya smiled, relieved to have found someone who could help them.
—We got lost and don't know how to get back —she explained apologetically.
Izuku, still with the same serious expression, added:
—Do you know where the train station is?
Ochako nodded, still keeping her face partially hidden.
—It's this way —she replied, leading them down the path without revealing her face.
—Thank you so much —Izuku said, following her with quick but careful steps, trying not to seem intrusive.
—We saw a sailor boy earlier, but he... —Mrs. Midoriya began, but she stopped, recalling the furious look on the boy's face.
Ochako couldn't help but laugh softly, her gentle laughter filling the cold air.
—You must have thought he was a strange boy —she commented, knowing exactly who they were referring to. Kacchan always had a particular way of showing his emotions.
Izuku looked at her, noticing for the first time the familiarity in her voice. There was something about it that felt... familiar. The way her voice caressed the air, the softness of her words. The calmness she exuded. But before he could ask, they arrived at the station.
—Thank you for guiding us —Mrs. Midoriya said, giving a slight bow.
—It was nothing —Ochako replied with a smile, though still keeping her face partially hidden.
Izuku also bowed, but as he raised his head, his eyes met Ochako's, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to stop. There was something in her gaze that felt strangely comforting, as if they had shared a moment, a memory that neither of them fully remembered yet.
—I hope we can meet again —Izuku said softly, his voice barely a whisper carried on the wind.
Ochako nodded, her heart beating a little faster than usual. As she watched them walk toward the station, she realized that, for the first time, the idea of getting to know Izuku Midoriya didn't seem so bad. Maybe, she thought, there was something in him worth discovering, an inexplicable sweetness she hadn't fully understood yet.
With the sun beginning to set and the golden light of the evening washing over the landscape, Ochako stood there, gazing at the horizon, feeling that perhaps her destiny was closer than she had ever imagined.
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading this far. I hope to continue this story soon! Your comments are always welcome! Thank you so much for reading, following, and liking. It always makes me smile.