A Means to an End | Katsuki Bakugou x Male Reader

Chapter 15

---

The implications of what Shoto was suggesting settled quietly around the room. (M/N) could see the reaction playing out on people's faces. The expressions ranged from pleasure to distress, from sorrow to satisfaction.

"The majority of the workers are citizens from Two," Tenya said neutrally.

"So what?" Shoto said. "We'll never be able to trust them again."

"They should at least have a chance to surrender," the Commander said.

"Well, that's a luxury we weren't given when they firebombed Twelve, but you're all so much cosier with the Capitol here," Shoto said. By the look on the Commander's face, (M/N) was sure she was going to shoot Shoto, or at least take a swing. But her anger only seemed to infuriate Shoto and he yelled, "We watched children burn to death and there was nothing we could do!"

(M/N) had to close his eyes for a minute as the image ripped through him. It had the desired effect. He wanted everyone in the mountain dead. Was about to say so. But then... he was also a boy from District 12. Not President Nezu. He couldn't help it. He couldn't condemn someone to the death Shoto was suggesting. "Shoto," (M/N) said, taking his arm and trying to speak in a reasonable tone. "The Nut's an old mine. It'd be like causing a massive coal mining accident." Surely the words were enough to make anyone from 12 think twice about the plan.

"But not as quickly as the one that killed your father," Shoto said. "Is that everyone's problem? That our enemies might have a few hours to reflect on the fact that they're dying, instead of just being blown to bits?"

Back in the old days, when they were nothing more than a couple of kids hunting outside of 12, Shoto said things like this and worse. But then they were just words. Here, put into practice, they became deeds that could never be reversed.

"You don't know how those District Two people ended up in the Nut," (M/N) said. "They may have been coerced. They may be held against their will. Some are our own spies. Will you kill them, too?"

"I would sacrifice a few, yes, to take out the rest of them," Shoto replied. "And if I was a spy in there, I'd happily die for the cause."

(M/N) knew he was telling the truth. That Shoto would sacrifice his life in this way for the cause - no one doubted it. Perhaps they would all do the same if they were spies and given the choice. (M/N) thought he would do it. But it was a coldhearted decision to make for other people and those who loved them.

"You said we had two choices," Mashirao told him. "To trap them or to flush them out. I say we try to avalanche the mountain but leave the train tunnel alone. People can escape into the square, where we'll be waiting for them."

"Heavily armed, I hope," Shoto said. "You can be sure they'll be."

"Heavily armed. We'll take them prisoner," Mashirao agreed.

"Let's bring Thirteen into the loop now," Tenya suggested. "Let President Kaina weigh in."

"She'll want to block the tunnel," Shoto said with conviction.

"Yes, most likely. But you know, Katsuki did have a point in his propos. About the dangers of killing ourselves off. I've been playing with some numbers. Factoring in the casualties and the wounded and... I think it's at least worth a conversation," Tenya said.

Only a handful of people were invited to be part of that conversation. Shoto and (M/N) were released with the rest. (M/N) took him hunting to blow off some steam, but he wasn't talking about it. Probably too angry with (M/N) for countering him.

The call did happen, a decision was made, and by evening (M/N) was suited up in his Mockingjay outfit, with his bow slung over his shoulder and an earpiece that connected him to Shota in 13 - just in case a good opportunity for a propo popped up. They waited on the roof of the Justice Building with a clear view of their target.