A/N: Since today is the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, I wanted to do a chapter touching upon that as well as Hiroshima, kinda ironic since I live in the only state that still celebrates Victory Day. Still, I'm the kind of guy who tries to see all sides of an argument. Don't worry, I'll have a more lighthearted chapter soon enough.

Also, starting on Sunday, I'll be on vacation, so I won't have as much access to the Internet as I usually do. Nevertheless, I'll try to upload the next chapter when I can.

Also, Raye23, I'm currently working on your request now that I found out what you meant by the Eight Inner Gates. Man, it's been so long since I watched Naruto!

Another sunny day graced Musutafu, but today, Deku's disposition was anything but sunny, and Todoroki took notice:

"What's wrong, Deku? You've been so happy lately, so it's not like you to be so sad all of a sudden."

Deku sighed. "Well…everything had been going well until last night, when I was doing some more research on World War II."

Todoroki raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Was there anything in particular that bothered you?"

Deku nodded. "I was reading about the end of the war when I came across something disturbing: apparently, the Allies made a declaration on July 26, 1945 called the Potsdam Declaration where they demanded the unconditional surrender of Japan or face 'prompt and utter destruction'. Japan ignored the warning, and on August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing 90,000-146,000, half of those being on the first day and the rest being due to effects such as burns and radiation sickness. Japan still refused to surrender, and three days later, on August 9, the US dropped another atomic bomb, this time on Nagasaki, killing an additional 60,000-80,000 people."

Todoroki gasped and placed her hands over her mouth as her eyes widened, as if she'd witnessed something extremely scary:

"Oh my god! That's…that's so horrible! How could anyone kill so many innocent people like that!? I…I think I'm gonna…"

Todoroki ended up vomiting on the ground, much to Deku's shock:

"Shoko…oh my god! Sorry, I…I didn't mean to sicken you like that!"

Todoroki kept breathing, trying not to vomit anymore. "I-it's OK. I just…I've heard some shit in my time, but this…I don't know how to feel about America anymore…"

Deku put a hand on Todoroki's shoulder. "Shoko, your revulsion is valid. I don't like that anymore than you do. Still, I have to remind myself that this is all in the past. Even if America did a terrible thing, there are so many other good things they've done for Japan since then, too. Every country has the capacity to learn from its mistakes and grow. Besides, haven't heroes made their own mistakes?"

Todoroki stood as still as a statue. Then, she weakly nodded:

"That is a good point. Still, if I could go back in time and erase that, I would. Nevertheless, I'm gonna use that as a reminder of how destructive people can be and vow to be the best hero I possibly can be so that nothing like this ever happens again." Todoroki stroked her chin. "Actually…now that I think of it, that's one of the things I like about being a woman: the fact that I actually have the capacity to create and carry life inside of me, unlike those filthy assholes who invented the atomic bomb."

Deku chuckled. "You know, I should fire back at you for trying to start your own little battle of the sexes, but I actually see where you're coming from, and I too wanna do my best to ensure that peace will be achieved in our lives."

"Awww!" Just then, Todoroki spat on the ground.

"What was that about?"

"No offense, but barf tastes horrible when it lingers in your mouth. Mind if we get some lemonade?"

"Not at all!"

And so, Todoroki and Deku walked away holding hands. Even if the scars of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remained, at least they could use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, help the world to heal.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.