Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

LVII

"Again!"

Shoto could feel the nervous energy running through his veins as he watched the warriors repeat their battle strikes once more. The snow was getting heavier, each day the arrival of his father drew ever nearer, and whilst he had seen excellent progress over the weeks they had been training, Shoto could not help but feel under-prepared against the sheer force and perfected technique of his father's army. Also, if his vision turned nightmare was actually a vision of reality, then they would need all of their skill and strength against Enji's numbers and collection of weapons. 

He knew he could trust the warriors and the soldiers, as they put their faith in him, and he had seen the progress Midoriya and Katsuki had made in their training sessions, their ability to draw out of most potential from someone's power was something he truly admired. But, even then, his trained eye could not help but pick out each small mistake, each skill that was not yet refined, and the burden that everything was his fault, the fact that so many innocent lives were at risk because of his actions, led him to become a little stricter during his training in the morning. He never pushed the warriors too far, never chided them beyond what was necessary. He would not be like his father. 

"Once more." He instructed, walking between the rows of swords and shields, changing angles and grips, advising changes in stance and strength. He reached where the representatives stood, each in charge of their own small group, and he could see the sheer determination in their eyes. He knew they felt a burden of responsibility much like the one he did. After all, they were each entrusted by their entire tribe to do what was best for their people, to protect them when the time came. And now their strength was being tested in the worst way possible, where one wrong move could mean loss of life, and a poisonous spike stabbed at his chest each time he corrected them.

Katsuki seemed to notice his change in demeanour, often catching him looking outside at the heavy snowfall when they had short breaks during training. He never said anything, only gave a nudge to the shoulder or a pat on the back as he walked by, and Shoto was grateful that the king understood he did not need comforting words but assurance that what he was doing was right, was enough. 

As training concluded, Shoto made sure to praise the soldiers for their hard work to make up for his stricter teaching. He was greeted with cheers and grins in return, their bountiful hope and comradery slightly easing the tension in his chest. On the way to lunch he spoke with Midoriya about the meeting later this evening, where the most important topic was food rationing. Winter was beginning to descend from its peak, and any day now snowfall could cease. Whilst there were enough rations, it was important that the soldiers ate their fill and then some, needing their bodies to be in the utmost physical condition for the battle.

But food rationing did not end up until the war, but it was important to ensure there would be enough food until spring and that those who fall ill or injured had the most sustenance to aid in their healing. It was a difficult topic, and the meeting was sure to last quite a while, but as always he had his friends alongside him and he knew many at the round table would support him too. Shoto had earned their trust, and hopefully their respect, and he wanted to keep it that way long after the war was over. 

Their discussion lasted throughout lunch, and he continued to discuss the topic with the representatives during group training in the afternoon, asking for the opinions of each tribe and any possible solutions they may have thought of. Back in Endeavour it was either his father's or his father's advisers' opinions that mattered, any other comment was easily pushed aside. But Shoto wanted to be the kind of ruler who listened to all voices, especially those of the people, as they were the ones who would be the most affected. The reps readily spoke with him as they sparred together, and with each one Shoto could see the dedication and respect they held towards their different Tribes.