Aoyama knew that Hagakure was the UA Traitor: A Theory
So now that Chapter 335 have confirmed Hagakure as the UA Traitor, I feel that Aoyama would also be tightly involved in this mini-arc.
ETA: this is debunked ahh Hori you freaking madman
First. Aoyama was the other person who's location is unknown during the USJ Attack
Hagakure said that he was with Todoroki, whether it's a lie or not, no one knows, except for Aoyama. I'm guessing he and Hagakure must have been transported at the same area, but Hagakure didn't notice he was with Aoyama, she started directly conversing with the villains there. After all was said and done, that's the time Hagakure took notice of Aoyama.
Note, despite Aoyama's always-smiling attitude, his facial expression easily changes to one that is scared like in the Forest Training Camp Arc (or Bakugou Kidnapping Arc). My point is, Aoyama gets scared easily, and if he were to be threatened by Hagakure to not tell the details, then I doubt he'd make that kind of face above. Hagakure must have talked to him to keep quiet and told him about her reason and situation (I highly think Hagakure didn't tell him everything though)
Second. Hagakure must have a "self-destructive" quirk.
Invisibility is not "officially" announced as Hagakure's quirk. (If you read Makeste's theory, you'd know)
I'm thinking her invisibility may have come from AFO and she actually has a dangerous quirk that harms her body. Well then, who's the other character that has another "self-destructive" quirk?
Aoyama.
This is the only reason I could think of to keep Aoyama quiet about Hagakure.
Remember that the USJ attack is fairly new, meaning Class A still haven't formed bonds yet. That's why Aoyama who was revealed to have underlying anxiety issues, must have quickly empathized with the first person who's also like him.
Aoyama, at that point, may have also not yet understood the severeness of keeping Hagakure's secret.
For all he knows, her connection with the villains is just a one-time thing and he didn't expect for something like that to happen again.
Third. Forest Training Camp Arc
Aoyama was left with an unconscious Jirou and Hagakure when the LOV attacked. I think Hagakure was actually affected by the gas during that time, and that Aoyama also completely forgot about Hagakure and her possible connection with the villains.
It is in the aftermath that Aoyama started to piece together that this highly resembles the USJ attack, where no one should have known about the location of the training camp.
This is probably the reason why he was extra scared, because it is only now that it has truly sinked in how dangerous Hagakure might be. Despite empathizing with her, Aoyama was scared because he saw first-hand the terror the villains can do, thus who knows what Hagakure might do again.
Fourth. The Cheese Incident
We all know that this chapter is very very sus. Starting with the "I know"
Here, it was eventually shown that Aoyama was actually referring to their "defect" quirks. But if we're going to consider the theory, this can also be seen that Aoyama is empathizing on how Izuku is trying his best to hide a secret.
That's literally was Izuku was thinking before Aoyama "corrected him"
Note, the reason I said Aoyama knew that Izuku is also hiding something is from the fact that he observes Izuku. He might have gotten a clue that he also didn't wanna share something with the class
Anyways, remember "Still Waters Run Deep"?
It is a French proverb that is "said to be about a person who says little, but who might in fact know a lot"
Also, I found an interesting fact
Guess the other person who likes surprises??
Yep, none other than Hagakure herself.
Last point I wanted to clear out before I end this post.
Why did only Aoyama chose that moment to give Izuku a "subtle hint" about Hagakure then?
This happened way past the provisional license exam arc. During that, Aoyama had finally realized that he was actually equal to class, that he belonged to the class despite his quirk condition.
That's why he finally decided to approach Izuku and make a sign.
Why Izuku? Prolly because he's the MC? Kidding, anyways, I'm thinking he got guilty over Bakugou's kidnapping so he himself used that chance to cheer Izuku up.
He can't call out Hagakure, whatever the reason may be, I don't have any idea.
When I tell you Kagura isn't your typical shounen heroine, I ain't lying 😌
First SQ jump heroine to vomit and pick her nose on screen
Belongs to the strongest clan in the Gintama universe and is the daughter of the Yato legend thus making her one of the strongest characters in the series
Has her own berserk moment that is usually reserved for male characters
The Yoshiwara in Flames arc is what actually sold me to fully invest in her character. Despite her childish attitude, Kagura always had that air of gentle maturity in her. This arc just proves that Kagura is a lot more perceptive than we think she is. She's aware that she's not like Shinpachi. She's a whole lot stronger than humans and this fact scares her to the point she unconsciously suppressed his Yato instincts in fear of hurting people. Seeing her snap made me realize that it's not a display of strength, rather than a display of weakness. Seeing her cry as she swore to get stronger so that she would never lose to her blood again, I just knew Sorachi would handle her with care and boy did he not disappoint.
Has her own story arc
The Rakuyou Decisive Battle Arc finally gave us more insight on the Yato clan as well as Kagura's back story. Also, this arc didn't only showed Kagura's growth but also added nuances to her character. Kagura acts a lot like Gintoki. Behind those childishness, those playful behavior, it hides a burden and responsibility that they know they will have to face someday. For Kagura, that is to fulfill her promise with her mother that she'd bring back her family. I can not be more proud when his fight with Kamui happened. She may have given up on Kamui once, but Kagura being Kagura, never could break her bond with his brother, and with the help of Gintoki and Shinpachi, she did not just managed to fulfill her promise to her mother, she exceeded it by showing her newly formed bonds, her family, the Yorozuya.
Resolves her own story conflict with the MC acting as her support
This is still in relation to the RDB arc. Gintoki, the male protagonist, took on a support role as Kagura convinces her brother to be family again.
Has her own rival in the series
Yes, just like shounen male characters, Kagura also has her own rival through the likes of Okita Sougo. The two have always bantered and fought whenever they see each other. Just like usual shounen rivals, they hate having to rely or get help from the other. Over time, they have also formed a bond knowing that they'd encourage and support the others back while still maintaining that healthy and playful rivalry between them.
Her stand-alone episodes is one of the best wholesome moments in Gintama
This standalone episodes shows that despite her monstrous strength and her tomboyish attitude, Kagura is still very much a sweet child and a cute lady. She shows us that it's okay to be vulnerable and enjoy things that normal girls and children do. That kind gentle unwavering heart is what makes her who she is.
Once again, to the Queen of Kabukicho, the one and only heroine of Gintama, Happy Birthday Kagura 🎉💞✨
A birthday appreciation post about the Loudest Fellow in Gintama
I've said it before, but Sakamoto is such an underrated character. Despite his lack of screentime, you can clearly sense his importance and impact with our resident main characters, the Shoka Sonjuku trio
Sakamoto only met them during the Joui War, meaning these three have formed a bond more stronger and closer while he is nothing but a stranger to them.
Sakamoto have always been bright, cheerful, and positive. He may be loud and obnoxious, but Sakamoto is kind and he values his ideologies and relationships a lot. It's not a shock that despite him not having any close relations to Shoyou, he managed to extremely get close to the three.
Once the Joui 4 went to do things on their own, the Shoka Sonjuku trio have lost all kind of contacts with each other. They went their own ways since they can't bear the pain the other brings whenever they see their faces. Gintoki, Katsura, and Takasugi "cut" of their bonds, but not Sakamoto Tatsuma.
"Sakamoto Tatsuma is the glue that kept the Shoka Sonjuku trio from fully falling apart"
Sakamoto is a simple man. He doesn't let adversity affect him for long as evident in the Kaientai Arc and his past as to why he uses a gun. That's why when the Joui 4 broke apart, instead of lamenting at what's lost, Sakamoto chose to stay positive and hold on to that bond.
He gave Zura Elizabeth, he visits Gintoki from time to time, and if he was able to contact Takasugi, then I believe he would have talked to him too.
Sakamoto always believed that one day, he'd be able to see his friends again at his sides, smiling and laughing, the way they used to do.
While this is a gag moment, this can be seen as an actual visual presentation of Sakamoto acting as their glue and mediator.
Even he feels self-doubt, proving that he isn't just always laughter and sunshines, Sakomoto Tatsuma is just as human
We rarely get introspection from Sakamoto. The moment we got one, this is what we see.
(This part is just my opinion btw and I might have projected a tiny little bit too lmao)
Sakamoto cares so much about his friends, this scene shows that he too, was deeply affected by their fallout. He may try to brush it off by laughing, but deep inside, he just wanted to have them back. That's why when they reunited, he was so elated to the point that he doesn't care about the battle outcome anymore.
But he knows how important the fight is to them and this thought won't allow him to just fully be happy with their reunion. To think that Sakamoto even thought Gintoki and the others would feel disappointed about his true feelings shows that he feels insecure about his friendship with them.
Sakamoto Tatsuma is not too deep of a character but this reason alone is what makes him a great comfort character
Deku offers his hand to Kacchan and the latter finally accepts it.
~~~~~
Bakugou had regretted not taking that hand. He knows that no matter what he does, he cannot go back and take it. It is already a missed opportunity, one of his own doing.
So, imagine what Bakugou would feel if Deku once more offered his hand while wearing the same worried expression, and asking him the same question ("Are you okay? Can you get up?")
I bet he'd feel pretty overwhelmed. Never had he imagined his biggest regret would once again present itself. He thought he would never get the chance to properly correct that mistake.
But here is Midoriya, scarred hands outstretched, giving him another opportunity, another chance to fully start again.
This time, Kacchan would smile sheepishly at Deku. After dreaming about it for countless nights, he would finally take the nerd's hand, something he should have done a long time ago.
I don't know about y'all but ever since the class A's appearance in Chapter 319, this scene just hits incredibly different
I remember reading a discourse about how this was a missed opportunity for the iz//0cha ship. Many disagreed (including me) bcos even without the shipping glasses, the narrative had continuously showed us how Bakugou and Deku very much complete each other (in ways I can't phrase). The most obvious is the "Save to Win, Win to Save" mindset to be a perfect hero. But with Chapter 319, I also had a little introspection.
Most of us (or myself) thought this would be the opening to Bkdk's "talk" or DvK3 or just them having a little private moment together, but the whole class arrived the next chapter (and to an extent, literally the next panel after Ch. 318).
So that got me thinking, if the whole class is bound to appear IMMEDIATELY after someone finds Midoriya, then narratively, it doesn't matter if it's Ura or Todo to find him first, because no matter what, the WHOLE CLASS (including Bkg, would be there) and everything in Ch. 319 would still happen, regardless of who found Deku first.
What I'm saying is the fact that Hori made Bakugou the FIRST ONE to find Deku feels so heavy and surreal. If my understanding is correct then the only purpose of that scene is too basically just confirm that Bakugou completes Deku.
I don't know if someone had pointed this out already but what if Hori is saving Bakugou's verbal apology as a way to bring Deku back to his old brighter self?
During and after the war, AFO just continuously hammers to Izuku how he is useless to do anything. He can't save Lady N, they still haven't found a lead on Shigaraki and the league, etc.
And that's what lead him to push AM away. Because Deku knows that he's dangerous and doesn't want his mentor to get hurt.
Most of all, Deku must be scared right now. Not just for the people around him but also for himself.
He's scared that AFO is right and that he is returning to the useless Deku.
That's why he's putting up a strong front. Because admitting that he's scared would mean that he is also letting AFO win.
He had become so focused on being the Deku who always does his best that he doesn't realize he's also falling for one of AFO's psychological traps.
This is also the reason why I agree with what OP stated in Twitter. Uraraka will not be the best option in bringing back Deku. I believe that she may play a secondary role, but that's it. Imagine if she suddenly says "You don't have to do your best" or "You can rest", this could even be the last straw for Deku.
The only thing that's keeping him from his deteriorating state is that he firmly believes that he is the Deku who had always done his best, so hearing it from the person who had first believed in him would sound like "Why? You don't believe in me anymore? Is my best not enough? Am I not enough?"
Going back, I think that the reason why Bakugou haven't verbally apologized yet is aside from he's a man of action, I believe that Bakugou doesn't want to be easily forgiven. If he was to apologize then and there, he knew that Izuku would forgive him, and deep inside, Katsuki feels that he doesn't deserve Midoriya's forgiveness. He kept his atonement in the dark because he does not want redemption, Katsuki just wants to give Izuku the proper treatment he should have received all those years ago.
So as selfish as that sounds, Bakugou doesn't want to say sorry. While Izuku does deserve an apology, Kacchan knows he still has to work for it.
Now, why did I say that Bakugou's verbal apology would play an important role during this arc?
Once again imagine, on their reunion, Izuku would definitely try push Katsuki away, but Katsuki being the persistent guy he is, would still try and reach for Izuku (yes the parallels)
They'd fight and shout at each other until Izuku blurts out how he can't let Katsuki and the others get hurt again because of his uselessness
"Nothing changed! I'm still the useless Deku who can't do anything!"
I'm sorry but that was the first thing that came to mind. If yk, yk.
Seeing Deku break down, how the word useless had affected him, Bakugou would apologize not out of duty, but because he wants to correct that Izuku was never in fact, useless.
"A useless person would not be able to save someone, let alone someone like me"
"I'm sorry"
Hearing those words from his childhood friend, from someone he had always admired, from his image of victory, I really feel like the light in Izuku's eyes would now begin to return.
P.S. The saving part refers to the Sludge incident.
Edit: I made this before the release of Ch. 318 btw. The light had partially returned in Midoriya's eyes •́ ‿ ,•̀
Random self-indulgent canon-compliant fic ideas I get as I stare into space Part 1
"Izuku"
Izuku was sleeping at the common room. Even though the rest of their classmates had returned to their rooms, Katsuki never left him and instead chose to stay and watch over Izuku to which Kaminari and Sero teased him for. He just sat at the long couch, not too near yet not too far from Izuku. He stares at him and takes in how he now looks like his usual self, dumb and innocent and a nerd.
Yeah, Katsuki muses. I prefer this art style more than whatever the fuck that was on Kamino
He goes to the kitchen to prepare some food because he knows that Izuku would be hungry the moment he wakes up. He was surprised that there was already a wrapped Katsudon at the table. There's a little note saying "I love you, Izuku" and Katsuki realized it came from Inko. Now that he think about it, Katsuki's surprised that after everything that's happened, Inko didn't stay with Izuku all throughout the day. Realizing that he wouldn't get an answer, he proceeded to put the bowl away for reheating.
He then made his way back the common room and sees Izuku still sleeping soundly on the chair. He contemplated on moving Izuku on the longer couch, but decides against it anyway as he doesn't want to accidentally wake him up. Katsuki passed his time by taking a short nap himself and by reading a book he found lying on one of the kitchen's cupboards. Why was a book there? Don't ask him.
After a more hours Izuku finally stirred as he woke up. Izuku immediately noticed Katsuki and he was surprised to find him there silently reading a book.
"Kacchan? Where's the others?"
Katsuki briefly glanced at him before he returned his gaze at the book.
"They're resting in their rooms."
Izuku let out a small 'Oh'.
"You should rest too, Kacchan. I already slept I'm fine now–"
Izuku wasn't able to finish his sentence as his stomach loudly grumbled in the otherwise quiet common room.
Katsuki let out a small frown. He eventually stood up and beckoned Izuku to follow him.
He reheated the Katsudon and wordlessly offered the bowl to Izuku. Neither said a word as Katsuki does this, both boys basking in the comfortable silence. It was shortlived because the moment Izuku took his first bite, he squealed out of delight. Katsuki scrunched his face in disgust at how messy Izuku was eating. A bitter feeling gnawed his insides thinking how Izuku didn't had a decent meal [Protein bars are not fucking food] for a month.
Izuku noticed Katsuki staring at him and he felt a little ashamed that he didn't even asked if Katsuki had eaten yet. He then asked if he also wants some and Katsuki just scoffed as he handed him a note before walking back to the common room.
Curious, Izuku looked at what Katsuki gave him only to let out a fond smile. Izuku simultaneously felt warm and bitter as he stares at the note. Warm because her mother had continuously supported and loved him all throughout his life, bitter because he had done nothing but return that very same love with pain and lies and worries. He even felt more guilty because he knows he had promised to stay, but with the hunt for AFO and the League, he's not even sure if he can come back and return her warm kisses and embrace.
Izuku slightly shook his head to remove his thoughts and instead turned his attention to Katsuki's retreating back.
"Kacchan, where are you going?"
"Where do you think shithead?"
Katsuki voiced out, and he knows middle schooler Katsuki would absolutely be fucking disgusted at how soft and calm his voice had sounded.
Izuku took his bowl of Katsudon and followed Katsuki into the living room. Both sat far away from each other, Izuku on the single chair and Katsuki on the long couch. Izuku was mildly surprised that Katsuki didn't even bother telling him to go away, instead he only sat down and went back to reading his book.
Unlike the comfortable atmosphere a while ago, the silence was filled with an awkward tension. Even though Katsuki had said he expects nothing would change between them, Izuku can feel that Katsuki was lying to himself.
Izuku himself wanted to. Talk to Katsuki and tell him that it's okay, Kacchan. I already forgave you. Me and you, we can change. I'll take whatever you offer me. You'll have my back and I'll have yours. Side by side, together with our friends, we'll fight and we'll win. That's right Kacchan. Kacchan. KACCHAN I WANT TO TAKE YOUR HAN–
You're next. *Boom*
Izuku chopsticks snapped in half.
"Oi nerd, you okay?"
Katsuki watched as Izuku put down the bowl with slight tremor. His brow furrowed when Izuku gave him a smile so fake it's making him sick to his stomach
"You know your 'I'm fine' bullshit won't work on me De-Izuku. Better start talk–"
"I already told you Kacchan, you don't have to force yourself, Deku's fine"
Katsuki was taken aback by the sudden shift in Izuku's voice. His brows furrowed in confusion as he answered with equal intensity.
"And I also made it vivid clear that I ain't forcing myself"
Tense silence followed as neither boys said a word. Katsuki is staring intently at Izuku while the latter looked awfully uncomfortable at the former's intense stares.
Katsuki narrowed his eyes further as he watched Izuku fumble with the chopsticks. He is trying to piece it up as if that action would miraculously connect the two broken sticks.
Something's bothering the nerd.
Katsuki clicked his tongue before putting the book away. He is not good with this heart to heart talk shit but he would willingly try for Izuku.
"If that's what you want, Deku"
Izuku's tense shoulders slightly relaxed at that. Even though Katsuki was proud that Izuku's feeling a little better he can't help but get hurt at the thought that Izuku might not really want Katsuki to call him by his name.
Passing it out as a joke, Katsuki teasingly said, "Why? You don't like me calling you 'Izuku' that much?"
Izuku's eyes widened at that. Katsuki in turn marveled at how bright it got.
Yes, lit forest green. Not lightless white, not anymore, never will be. I'll damn make sure of that.
"N-no Kacchan! Of course not! I really liked it when you called me by my name and it made me really happy! I-it's just that I don't want you to feel obligated and do it out of guilt. I also already know you don't mean Deku that way anymore and I have already forgiven you long before that. Besides it's, uhm, it, I, I just don't think I deserve to be called...that after suddenly leaving you even though you were heavily injured because of m—"
"Izuku"
Hearing a soft yet firm voice, Izuku stopped his mumblings as he was met by Katsuki standing in front of him, arms crossed, face steady and red knowing eyes staring straight into his soul.
"It is true that I call you by your first name because it is part of my apology and I fucking swore to myself I'll change and treat you better. But that's not..."
Katsuki uncrossed his arms.
"That's not the only reason why I wanted to keep on calling you 'Izuku'"
Katsuki thinks, I have to say it. No, I want to say it.
"I want this name to remind you that you don't have to win this on your own"
"I'll always be with you, Izuku. You are not alone"
Izuku felt tears gather at the corner of his eyes at Katsuki's words. One was unspoken, but Izuku understood.
Like a broken dam, all of Izuku's anxiety came pouring out of him. The clawing, the cries of people asking for help, the unexisting threats of explosions, the looming whispers of
It's not my fault, it's my fault
I'll save them, I'll get them killed
I'm the Deku who always does his best, My best is not enough
Kacchan
"Kacchan, I'm scared"
Tears and snot fell ungraciously on Izuku's face. His head is bowed and he have his hands tightly wrapped around his body.
"I know"
Of course, Kacchan knows. Kacchan's amazing after all.
"Hell, I'm also scared. But I'm fucking alive and you are too. So stop whatever dumb idea your nerdy head is getting. We're gonna kick their shitty asses and we'll save a lot of extras. You hear me, Izuku?"
Izuku raised his head and was met by an extended hand.
"Kacchan"
Katsuki didn't respond but Izuku can see the determination and confidence in those blazing crimson eyes. His hand is steady and unwavering in front of him, patiently waiting for Izuku to reach out.
Sniffing, Izuku finally took Katsuki's hands and his eyes widened when Katsuki pulled him into a hug.
It was just a tight squeeze on Izuku's shoulder. Before he can even process what was happening, Katsuki had let him go.
"What are you dumbly standing there for nerd? Your Katsudon's getting cold"
Katsuki went to the kitchen to fetch Izuku a new chopstick. If he noticed how his face still felt hot from when he hugged Izuku, he don't.
Izuku on the other hand also held a blush on his own upon realization. If it was because of the hug, or the way Katsuki gently held his hand, he didn't know. All Izuku knows is that Katsuki is right.
Random self-indulgent canon-compliant fic ideas I get as I stare into space Part 2
Part 1 | Part 2
"Kacchan, do you trust me?"
All Might, Izuku, and Katsuki decided to go to Gym Gamma after the former number one briefed them of the current situation. Upon hearing the news, Izuku's face became unreadable, and Katsuki can't help but look worryingly at the nerd.
This never happened before.
Katsuki muses to himself as they make their way to the gym.
Back then, Katsuki had always told himself that he will never understand the thought process behind that mass of green curls.
That's the thing, Katsuki did not understand what Izuku was thinking, not what Izuku was feeling.
Izuku always wore his heart on his sleeve. Wide eyes narrow, creased eyebrows, angry. Green irises shining, lips stretched into a toothy smile, happy. So on and so forth.
Katsuki could always decipher Izuku's emotions, but ever since he came back, it's like there's now this wall around him. So thick yet so fragile, and Katsuki wanted nothing more but to break it down, as he himself experienced bottling his own feelings, and it ain't exactly the fucking best feeling in the world.
And now that he had bared his heart and his truth, all he can do is wait for Izuku, just like how the nerd had waited for him for all their lives.
Once arriving at Gym Gamma, Katsuki stopped in his tracks and faced both All Might and the nerd. The latter was now sporting a more Izuku-like expression, one that is full of determination and somehow childish excitement.
Katsuki let his mouth fall inside his winter costume collar. A small smile made its way onto his face because of Izuku getting excited at the prospect of training under his mentor.
Seems the nerd's still a nerd after all.
Removing all traces of affection, Katsuki's face morphed into its famous scowl.
"Oi nerd, your quirks. Start talkin'"
Using that as his cue, Izuku then started to list his quirks, including the old ones.
Katsuki listened attentively, mind doing mental notes with every new technique and strategy.
On the other hand, All Might was silent, eyeless gaze transfixed on Izuku the whole time. Since Katsuki can't see his eyes, he can't decipher the kind of face the former Symbol of Peace is wearing.
Katsuki shrugged it off and returned his focus on Izuku. That's when he realized that the nerd was staring at him.
No, Katsuki counters, he's staring through me.
Through his eyes, through his soul.
Katsuki wasn't able to take a good look back then given his position, but he knows this was it.
Izuku's expression from earlier.
Katsuki can't help but suck in a breath as green vortex stared through fiery crimson ones.
That's right, Izuku's eyes at the moment felt like a vortex, seeing yet unseeing at the same time. It was green, all green, just unending green, and Katsuki can't breathe at how empty and full it felt.
Katsuki suddenly knows everything that Izuku's feeling, everything that Izuku's not feeling. All of it.
Throat drying, Katsuki doesn't know if this is Izuku's way of inviting him inside, or if he's using this as a warning for Katsuki to stay away and not get pulled by gravity, because Katsuki damn well knows that if he lets himself inside Izuku's heart, he fears he won't be able to-- no, he fears he will not dare come out ever again.
Izuku blinked, and as fast as it started, it ended. Katsuki subtly let out a shuddering breath he didn't even know he was holding. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Izuku clench his fists.
Katsuki roamed his eyes around the area as to a way to forget the fuckery that happened, and that's when he realized that All Might was at the corner of the gym, mouth moving and cellphone poised at the shell of his ear.
"Haah!" Katsuki loudly huffed.
Izuku suppressed a yelp, obviously surprised by his action. Katsuki clicked his tongue as bloodshot eyes went back to sharp focus.
They only have one week to prepare and he can't waste their time on staring at shitty beautiful forest eyes or whatever.
"Oi, why didn't you mention the Second's quirk?"
Yes he was listening, fuck you.
Izuku gave him a slightly sheepish smile, "He still haven't told me, Kacchan. It seems that he's not that fond of me ."
"HAH?! Do they even know what kind of situation we're currently in?!" Katsuki can't stop the harsh incredulity in his voice.
"Kacchan! He can hear you!" Izuku panicked, eyes wide and arms flailing.
Katsuki smirked at that.
"Oh yeah? Then you better listen asshole cos I won't be repeating myself. I don't care if you don't like the nerd or your just plain 'stupid. As much as I wanna explode your ghosty ass right now I know you're not dumb, so whatever concerns you and the other ghosts are havin', drop it cos Izuku will be able to handle whatever your shitty quirk might be!"
Katsuki doesn't even know when he had tightly held the other. Izuku on the other hand had his face all red, and if the blond wasn't holding the sides of his shoulders, Katsuki's damn sure Izuku would already have his arms shyly wrapped around his face in that weird habit of his.
Katsuki, as if burned, immediately let go of defined, well-built shoulders. He also felt his face heat up, vibrant pink lightly tinged across his cheeks and ears.
He can't fucking help it okay?! It's the first time he had blatantly complimented the nerd after all.
(If Katsuki's traitorous mind is thinking it's also because he found Izuku adorable, then he. fucking. don't.)
"Midoriya-shounen, Bakugou-shounen, is everything alright?" All Might, (When the fuck did he come back?) was standing between the two of them, eyebrows pinched in a worried line.
That seemed to calm Izuku down. Despite the residual red shades still adorning his freckled cheek, the nerd cheerfully answered.
"Everything's fine, All Might! Don't worry!"
"Is that so?" All Might, seemingly affected by Izuku's blinding smile, grinned in return.
"That's good, that's good."
As much as Katsuki do not wanna ruin their 'fatherly' moment, he knows they really need to get back on topic. He was about to open his mouth and "speak" when Izuku's smile suddenly disappeared, one eyebrow suddenly raising.
Looking confused, Izuku's head marginally tilted sideways and Katsuki's eyes followed how Izuku's green curls bounced with the movement.
Seconds passed, Izuku's confused expression morphed into one of understanding, and daresay excitement.
At once, green found red once more.
Izuku's lips turned upwards into a delightful grin. For some reason, Katsuki feels like its appropriate to reciprocate that smile and so he did.
"Kacchan, I don't really understand why but Second said he's going to tell me his quirk, but in ONE condition," Izuku's smile went impossibly wider, "if you beat me in a fight, that is."
Katsuki can't acontain the thrumming exhilaration he's feeling. Barking out a laugh, he deviously smirked.
"You little shit. You're on!"
———————
Izuku doesn't understand what happened between him and Kacchan over that past few minutes. He knew he must have looked at the blond differently with the way Katsuki acted when he was telling the details about his quirks.
Being reminded of Lady Nagant, the way he was not able to save her despite holding her hand, made him feel like bile was rising at his throat.
All for One's words suddenly resonated within his mind.
Feelings of not being strong enough to save all the people, protect those he cares about, failing to reach Shigaraki Tomura, him being the wrong choice, mistake of a successor, his fears, all of it, and not being able to express it, came crushing in at once.
Then, like fog clearing at a misty morning, Izuku was able to see.
Two balls of blazing crimson reminded him of everything good that has happened to him.
Being able to have a quirk, meet All Might, be a student in his dream school, pursue his dreams, make friends, Kacchan, all of it, flashed like a film.
Moving in a steadfast speed, mute and encompassing all at the same time.
Izuku should have been overwhelmed, but those steady red orbs kept him firm, made him feel safe. Izuku wants to -- no, Izuku needs him to come, but he's afraid that once he do that, he won't be able to let Kacchan go ever again.
———————
"Hmm."
Upon hearing his voice, Yoichi turned his head towards the Second OFA user. The latter has his back on the side of his chair, sharp eyes looking focused, serious, as he watched the fight unravel between Izuku and the "Kacchan" kid.
Izuku had blackwhip out and was trying to catch Katsuki with it, but it seems that the latter has amazing control over his quirk. He was able to escape one of Izuku's advances, albeit rather with difficulty, as he narrowly dodges another tendril to bring the fight into close-range territory.
Yoichi momentarily returned his gaze at Second. He was still as emotionless as ever, face hard and passive. Yoichi can't help but feel hurt for him.
He had known Second for as long as his "ghost" remembers, knows his struggles, his pain, his thinking process.
That's why Yoichi knows why he suggested this fight, why he doesn't yet want to disclose his quirk to Izuku, and why he doesn't seem to like "Kacchan".
Yoichi went back to the fight-- is it still appropriate to call it that? With how synchronized they are in their back and forths, "fight" is starting to sound underwhelming.
A dance, Yoichi hummed in satisfaction, A very harmonious dance, indeed
Yoichi continued to watch the enrapturing "dance". Both are already ragged and panting. Small bruises and cuts decorated both of their faces yet despite it, Izuku and Katsuki were smiling, joyous expression devoid of all the physical pain they sure are feeling.
When he saw Izuku in an advantageous situation, Yoichi realized that the "dance" is rearing its end. Glancing at the older spiked man, Yoichi wondered why Second still haven't made his move.
Izuku was able to get behind Katsuki after using smokescreen as a distraction. Katsuki seemed to have used a new technique because in an instant, the area was cleared of smoke. Even so, that was enough for Izuku to get behind him. Green lightning danced around Izuku's body as 15% OFA power climbed up his raised fist. Katsuki was about to respond with an explosion but stopped when he saw blackwhip manifests itself in Izuku's left hand. Upon realization that Izuku would be using it to confine the blond if he ever tries to retaliate, Katsuki scowled and unwillingly opted for a run instead.
All's well that ends well, that's what Yoichi was thinking. That was until he heard a deep, loud, condescending voice echoing around the otherwise quiet OFA vestige world.
"For a cocky brat, he sure is a coward."
A heartbeat.
The OFA realm roughly shaked and rumbled. Nana and the other vestiges were giving Second a look of confusion, except for Yoichi who had closed his eyes. Three seats after him, he can hear Second's harsh breathing.
"I knew it."
———————
Taking advantage of Izuku's moment of distraction, Katsuki immediately used his explosion to tumble faster out of his way. As if on cue, a loud smash echoed in the whole gym. It was strong enough to let Katsuki off his balance.
Smoke obscured Izuku from outside view, and Katsuki's eyes widened in shock. He was sure it neared 100%. If it hit him, he would've spent the rest of his week in a full on bodycast.
Shit. That was close.
"Bakugou-shounen!"
Katsuki did not waste his time and quickly went to All Might. The older male also looked stunned and sickeningly worried.
"What happened?"
"I don't know okay? We were just fightin' and —"
Katsuki wasn't able to finish his sentence as he caught sight of black wild tendrils shooting out in all directions of the gym. He felt his heartbeat rapidly thrum inside his chest as dread slowly falls in the pit of his stomach.
What the hell?
———————
Erratic movements, overflowing uncontrollable energy, Danger Sense's deafening ringing inside his head, sharp pain enveloping his fist and entire body,
This, Izuku's eyes watered, This is just like back then!
Izuku doesn't know why or what happened, but he is sure he already have great control over Blackwhip! For him to suddenly lose control again, Izuku is compelled to feel angry at himself.
"Izuku!"
Izuku's blurry eyes turned towards the familiar gruff voice and saw Katsuki manoeuvering himself towards him, all the while trying to avoid the imposing black-green tendrils.
This should have been at the last of his thoughts but Izuku can't help but admire Katsuki's graceful and efficient use of his explosions.
He was still floating mindlessly across the gym, the rapid beating of his heart and continuous incessant ringing of Danger Sense makes Izuku want to split his head in half.
Amidst the chaos, he caught sight of his childhood friend's face. It is scrunched up in worry, panic-stricken eyes dilating.
Even so, Izuku sees the focus behind those red orbs, and for some reason, this had managed to chase some of Izuku's negative thoughts away. With all his strength, he tried to focus on listening to Kacchan's voice.
"DEKU!"
"K-KACCHAN!" he manages to croak out in return. "I CAN'T CO-CONTROL IT!!"
Voice louder, more clearer, Izuku hears, "YOU CAN, DEKU! YA 'HEAR ME?!"
"I-I DON'T KNO—"
Warm calloused hands grabbed both his shoulders, Izuku's slightly teary eyes looked up to meet flaming vermillion ones.
"All Might's contacting that Shinsou bastard but you know what? Fuck that! Are you really gonna let this shitty power control you?! Hell, you're way past this, Deku! You know that!"
Katsuki's voice is hoarse and loud, still it was not enough to quell the anxiety and fear inside Izuku.
"I know! But Kacchan, i-it's too much!"
"That's what I'm here for dumbass!"
A heartbeat, this time, it came from Izuku's heart.
"Izuku"
Bright and honest, hope and truth, Izuku thinks that's what red represents.
"Give me all you can't handle and lemme hold it for you," a tight squeeze on his shoulder, "I believe in you, Izuku"
In that moment, Izuku's foggy brain cleared of all signs of fear, disappoinment, and anger. Just like what Katsuki said, he let go of his feelings and Izuku used all of his remaining willpower to calm blackwhip down.
He grit his teeth as he forced it to stop from moving.
Izuku can do it, Katsuki believes in him, that's enough for Izuku to believe in his self once again.
Forcing out a scream, Izuku was finally able to stop the quirks' rampage. He didn't even realize he was using float. Body unmoving, Katsuki took it upon himself to lead them towards the gym ground.
"Kacchan"
Izuku said in his sleep-exhausted brain.
Katsuki never once let go of his shoulders. True to his word, Katsuki supported him throughout the rampage, and Izuku felt the telltale signs of fluttering butterflies in his stomach.
As his back hit the floor, Izuku was able to make out Katsuki and All Might's form, albeit blurred.
"All Might, I'm so glad your oka..."
Izuku fell into a peaceful slumber.
———————
Upon opening his eyes, Izuku found himself inside the Vestige realm, dark wasps of smoke swaying against unfelt wind. Izuku looked around and a shiver ran down his non-existent spine as he saw the stares the vestiges are giving him. Izuku tried his best to ignore Second's more-than-usual piercing eyes.
Banjo was the first one to break the silence, "Ninth, what did I tell you about controlling your heart?"
The fifth's voice wasn't disappointed nor accusatory. Still, it did not stop the shame that flickered in Izuku's eyes. Floating hands clenching, he let out an apology.
"Now, now," Yoichi's calm soothing voice uttered, "What's done is done. All we have to do is find out a solution as to prevent this from happening again."
"Ninth"
Izuku obediently perked his head up after hearing Second's sharp voice. Izuku met eyes with the older man. Not being able to last against stern scrutinizing eyes, Izuku averted his gaze and opted to look at Second's spiky hair instead.
Izuku doesn't mention it, but he actually finds Kacchan and Second's uncanny resemblance fascinating. At first, he thought they only looked alike, but as he continues to converse and observe the once-OFA user, Izuku realized that they almost share the same heroic sentiment.
That's right, almost.
"Do you know what caused your latest outburst?" Second asked.
Izuku's eyes blinked. Now that he think about it, he actually forgot what caused the rampage at the first place. Racking his memory, Izuku slowly recalled the event prior to Blackwhip's uncontrolled manifestation.
He was preparing for a punch. Knowing Kacchan, Izuku was sure he'd try and use his explosion to blind him that's why he let out blackwhip to catch his childhood friend. As one who doesn't give up, Izuku saw Katsuki move for a retreat, thinking that it'd give him an opportunity to turn back the tide.
That's when he heard it.
'For a cocky brat, he sure is a coward.'
Izuku's eyes darkened at the memory. Katsuki's a lot of things, but never ever is he a coward. With newfound resolution, Izuku returned Second's stare.
"Why?"
His face was hard, impassive. Izuku had always find him an enigma, and like now, Izuku can never tell what Second wants from him.
"I was testing a theory, that's why."
Izuku's eyebrow crunched in confusion, "About what?"
"I believe I'm the one in-charge of the questions here, Ninth."
Izuku felt himself clam up and shiver. Second in an unusual chilly tone continued, "Tell me,"
Izuku gulped. He has a bad feeling about this.
"Why is it always Bakugou Katsuki?"
Silence.
"Huh?"
Izuku doesn't understand, "What do you mean it's always Kacchan?"
He truly do not understand, yet for some reason, he can feel his heart pick up its pace. It was so fast and loud Izuku fears the vestiges could hear it.
Second's sharp gaze narrowed. For the first time since he met the older man, Izuku was able to pick up an emotion in those usually empty eyes. It was annoyance and -- was that exhaustion?
"Why is it that when your quirk goes out of control, Bakugou Katsuki seems to always be at the center?"
"W-what are you talking abo—"
Second's sharp voice cut him short, "First, when you unlocked blackwhip," Second had his forefinger raised as if to emphasize his point.
Izuku defensively countered saying that it was a delicate subject about Kacchan! It's impossible to not get angry by that.
Just as though the other heard nothing, raised his middle finger and continued, "Second, you ignored danger sense's warning when you faced Shigaraki. If it weren't for us, All for One would have taken One for All."
Izuku knows he shouldn't, but something ugly inside him is compelling him to speak, and so he did.
"All for One hurt the people that I love! It's just natural for me to—"
"IF that's the case," Pushing his back against his chair, Second intimidatingly made his way towards Izuku.
"Why did you not lose yourself when your teacher or Nana's master almost died?"
Feeling his currently non-existing throat dry, Izuku gaped at Second. For once at a lost for words, he could feel his nails bury itself in his palms with how hard it was clenched. His heart was beating faster than before and he doesn't understand a thing anymore.
Why indeed?
Why is it always Kacchan?
Is it because he's his childhood friend? The longest person he had known besides his mom?
Is it because he's his first hero? Someone who is closer to him than All Might?
Is it because he's his 'Image of Victory'? The person he wants to stand side-by-side with and surpass?
Or is it because he is Kacchan? Him and not someone else?
If so, then what--what does it imply? What does it mean?
"It means that Bakugou Katsuki is a weakness,"
Second supplied, voice losing its previous fire. More calm and understanding, he resumed.
"We can't let him come with you, Ninth. Not someone who can easily elicit such extreme emotions from you. Especially not considering my quirk revolves around emotions."
Silence.
"Oh."
Izuku, eyes suddenly blank and empty, looked up. Face impassive, he turned to his right, then to his left, until it finally settled downwards.
Seconds ticked by and the whole Vestige plane was engulfed in terse silence. The vestiges, sans Second and Yoichi, eyed each other, unsure of what to say or do.
"Even if you say so,"
The vestiges looked back and saw that Izuku was facing them, green orbs glinting, sure and resolute. If Second was surprised with his sudden change of demeanor, he didn't let it show.
"Kacchan would not simply listen to me and let it slide."
Not daring to speak throughout the whole ordeal, En suddenly quipped, "Figures"
Banjo is also about speak when Izuku talked.
"I'll try it."
"Didn't you just say he wouldn't listen to you?!" exclaimed En.
Banjo on the other hand, quietly closed his once-opened mouth. So much for speaking
"Well, that's just what I think," Izuku sheepishly added. "I mean, it doesn't hurt to try, right?"
Nana can't stop a fond smile from appearing. It's like he was not just so unsure of himself a while ago.
The remaining tension from before all but vanishes at Izuku's sudden determination. The vestiges doesn't know what exactly happened, but they're glad that Izuku seems to have gotten over whatever turmoil he was previously having.
Feeling that his time is up, Izuku turned towards Second (When did he come back from leaning in his seat?). The latter has his eyes closed, arms crossed across his chest.
"Second, sir, thank you for helping me sort out my feelings," Izuku's voice is full of gratitude.
Facing the Vestiges, he bowed, "Everyone, I will continue to rely on your help so until then, please take care of me."
Smoke enveloped the entire room and Izuku's sure he saw Second smile.
———————
Blinking once, blinking twice, Izuku slowly opened his eyes. After refocusing on his surroundings, he saw All Might's worried face hovering above him.
"Midoriya-shounen, how are you? Does anything hurt?"
"I'm fine. How about you All Might? Did you get hurt? I am so sorry for worrying you! I really didn't mean to lose control like that. I have learned and realized my mistakes so I will try my best to not let it happen agai—"
Feeling big thin arms around his shoulders, Izuku stopped rambling.
"I'm glad your fine, Midoriya-shounen," Arms tightening, Izuku heard All Might whisper, "I really am."
Warm drops of liquid slid down Izuku's face. Returning the older man's hug, Izuku apologized once again.
"Hate to break it to ya but are you two plannin' to just hug all day?"
Breaking out of the hug, All Might gave Katsuki a bright embarrassed smile. "Sorry about that Bakugou-shounen."
More seriously, but nevertheless proud, All Might added.
"Still, I'm amazed you two alone were able to stop the rampage. I learned that Shinsou-shounen was currently visiting Aizawa-kun at the hospital and that he did not bring his mobile phone with him. It would have been bad if something were to happen to the both of you,"
All Might gave them a thumbs up, "Good job you two."
Katsuki clicked his tongue to will away the slight tinge of pink in his cheeks. On a similar note, Izuku smiled as returned his mentor's enthusiasm.
"That said, Midoriya-shounen. You talked with the Vestiges didn't you?"
Izuku slowly paled as he gulped. That's right, he almost forgot that he still have something to ask of the blond.
"It seems that you were arguing with them. What happened?"
Izuku saw in his peripheral vision that Katsuki is giving him a sharp questioning stare. That served to make him nervous as his heart picked pace once more.
Contrary to popular belief, Izuku rarely stops to give his feelings extra introspection. It's not that he doesn't want to. Rather he just did not realize that he wasn't able to do so.
While it hurt him, having discerned that the hero society was actually not the black and white colored plane he thought it was, it is still a lot easier to grasp and admit than this new revelation he had regarding his childhood friend.
All his life, Izuku knew that he wanted to be a hero who saves people with a smile. No matter what happens, the world may turn upsidedown, it is a fact that will never change.
But Kacchan?
Katsuki have always been a thin uncuttable thread, meaning the blond is a constant in his life, someone who's so intricately and deeply ingrained that it had become impossible for Izuku to imagine a world without him.
Despite knowing that, Izuku did not fathom that Katsuki's hold on him run this deep.
Katsuki is one of his weaknesses. Amongst the other, this one scares him the most.
"Oi nerd, your mumbling"
"Huh?" Izuku looked up (When did he lower his head?) to Katsuki's scrunched up face. Despite the blatant annoyance, Izuku noticed the underlying patience in his expression.
That seemed to calm him down a little. Inhaling a deep breath, Izuku opened his mouth to speak.
"Kacchan, the Vestiges do not want you to come with when I face Shigaraki."
All Might, face perplexed, stared at him. Katsuki, sporting a more dumbfounded look, only uttered a "Hah?"
Confused face forming into one that of anger, Katsuki bellowed, "Is it that bastard Second again?! He seriously hates me that much?"
Izuku shook his head, "No Kacchan. There's a reason for it! But I- I'm sorry but I can't tell you."
"Bet it's something stupid again. Spill it shitty nerd!"
"I already told you Kacchan, I CAN'T!"
Something in his voice managed to still Katsuki.
Izuku averted his gaze, his mouth clamped shut. As much as he want to tell him, he can't bring himself to say it. Call him a coward but he's scared.
He's scared of what Katsuki might think and do.
Both realized that they're currently dancing around each other, whether it be as friends or something more, Izuku does not know.
The only thing Izuku's sure of is that Katsuki also cares for him.
That should have assured him but things have never been easy with Katsuki. Telling him this relationship-changing information might destroy the balance and mutual understanding they have established for each other.
Izuku can't afford that. He finally has Katsuki again, knows that like him, the blond also cares about his being, albeit Izuku's "care" runs a lot deeper.
Steeling himself, green eyes stared straight into surprisingly calm red orbs.
"Kacchan, do you trust me?"
"What are you sayi—"
"Kacchan, do you?"
One second passed. Two. Three.
Katsuki's gaze had turned into hot blazing lava. Its trying to melt his way inside Izuku, break him open. But Izuku can't back down, won't back down. He can't let him know, not yet.
"Even if the answer's yes, do you think it'd be enough to keep me away from you?"
Conflicted yet genuine, Izuku smiled.
"No"
Izuku had expected this. It was worth a try atlea—
"Tch, wrong answer nerd."
Izuku's eyes widened.
"Fine. I'll do what you say," Returning his snark yet still managing to retain the raw openness in his voice, Katsuki roared, "BUT the moment I caught wind of you doing reckless shit again, I won't hesitate to fly to you and fucking break your bones myself!"
Dumbfounded, Izuku can't find it in himself to speak. He still can't believe it.
Katsuki agreed.
He agreed without demanding any further explanation from him.
Izuku disbelievingly scoffed internally. What was he thinking?
It's Kacchan!
Kacchan who claimed to surpass All Might, who swore to be number one, who never abided by society's expectation of a hero.
Not being able to stop himself, Izuku laughed, loud and happy and free.
"Oi you bastard! You makin' fun of me haah?!"
Wiping excess tears from his eyes, Izuku's pink-tainted freckled cheek stretched into a wide toothy smile.
"You're right. Kacchan's amazing as usual!"
Maybe the feelings are mutual after all.
———————
Omake:
"Bakugou-shounen"
Katsuki wiped the sweat off his face before facing All Might. The latter was wearing a gross smile and Katsuki can't stop the deadpan stare from escaping his eyes.
"If this is about earlier drop it"
All Might just laughed, "That was really mature of you," Of course he didn't listen, "Knowing the Vestiges, I'm pretty sure they do have an important reason for them to personally request you not to come with Midoriya-shounen."
Katsuki rolled his eyes.
"Don't get me wrong. I don't trust any of those fuckers especially that bastard Second. If it's just me, I would ignore a buncha ghosts and explode that piece of decaying crap myself. But I've changed, and so does Izuku. If he says he can't tell me, then all I can do is trust his word for it. 'Sides,"
He threw a second-long glance at Izuku who is currently conversing with their other classmates.
"He has our other friends with him, and as much as I don't wanna admit it, I trust those fuckers too. I'm sure they'll keep an eye on the nerd."
Katsuki did not expect thin long arms to wrap around his head and shoulders.
"Thank you, Bakugou-shounen."
Grumbling, but not attempting to get away, Katsuki half-heartedly snarled, "Whatever."
