My Sword Is Yours

Chapter 15: Day In The Public Eyes

3rd person pov:

As shoto approaches bakugou. The blonde reaches in his pocket and throws two needles at the cloaked male.

Shoto's instincts cause him to reach up and catch them.

Baku:"Take back your dirty weapons."

Shoto looks at them in confusion.

Sho:"I didn't cheat. Your life was about to end because enji distracted you in battle. If anything, I leveled the playing field."

Bakugou turns to face shoto and grabs the collar of his robes, and pulls him down to eye level.

Baku:"I haven't found anyone half as strong as him since that day. Which means you cheated me out of a FUCKING CHALLENGE!!"

As bakugou glares at him with bloodlust. Something catches his eye.

Baku:"What the fuck is this?"

Bakugou sees the slave collar with izuku's name on it. So he backs away and pulls out his spear.

Sho:"What are you doing?"

Baku:"Deku frees slaves. He doesn't have any. So what are you to him?"

Sho:"I serve my master without question. He will always-"

Shoto stops when he feels a breeze. Then a cut appears on his left cheek.

Baku:"I'll ask you again. What is your plan? Have you come to kill him?"

Elsewhere, kirishima is treating izuku's scratch on his neck.

Mic:"What happened sir?"

Edg:"We need to make a report for investigation and to help your security gain strength."

Izu:"As kirishima was leaving my room. I was startled and sat up from my bed to see skeptic had pushed him down. I stood up as the guard was restraining him. That's when a stranger dressed like a guard walked in and forced me down onto my bed. I was about to call for help, but then I felt a pressure to the back of my neck that caused me to black out. When I awoke again. I was unable to move, and they placed a slave collar on me. That's when someone I didn't  know-"

Izuku remembers the words spoken to him by the stranger.

Izu:"I mean, kacchan. He had saved me."

Mic and Edgeshot look at one another and nod.

Kirishima sees that and leaves them to talk in private.

Mic:"It was him again."

Izu:"Yes."

Edg:"At least you're alright now. However, now we need to talk about something else that needs to be addressed."

Mic:"Since you haven't gone public yet. Guards didn't know who to look for when informed."

Izu:"I was planning on it. Infact, I was going public after Gentle meets kacchan."

Mic:"Well it's a good thing that he came with us."

Izu:"What!?"

As bakugou lunges at shoto for not answering him. A cane klonks him in the head.

Gen:"That's enough young man. Sometimes allies seem suspicious because they need to be for their job."

Baku:"Who the hell are you?"

With a bow. The old man introduces himself.

Gen:"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Danjuro Tobita. Though most call me Gentle criminal."

Baku:"Katsuki Bakugou. What's with the nickname?"

Sho:"He's the man known for killing with one strike of his blade. Gently easing those into death's loving embrace. He's also known for steeling a few cookies from time to time."

Gen:"I can't help myself.  When the smell of sugary delights tickles my nose. I feel as if I'm posest."

Baku:"So you're the head guard I've been wanting to talk to."

Gen:"Yes. Now, let's take this conversation to the young master's council room."

Baku:"Before that. I need you to look at something."

Sho:"I found master wearing this when he was kidnapped."

Baku:"Do you know anyone with a name that might fit this?"

Gentle looks at it for a moment before shaking his head no and setting it down.

Gen:"I wish I had the answer, but alas, I do not. Now let's go. The young lord is waiting."

As shoto walks away. Gentle stops him with his cane.

Gen:"That includes you. It's time your master sees his guardian angel."

Gentle grabs Shoto's cloak to drag him there.

Once in the meeting room. Bakugou sees that izuku's neck is bandaged. Feelings of guilt make the warrior unable to look the emperor in the eyes.

Izuku stands up to speak.

Izu:"It's time that I greet the people. In twenty-five days, we will announce the news to the public. While we wait for that day. I need two guards to accompany me in a secret mission. Before I tell you about the mission. I need to know something."

Izuku looks at Gentle.

Izu:"What do you think of him?"

Gen:"That will be determined by his answer to my question. If you could change anything about the security of our lord. What would it be?"

Baku:"First, I'd investigate everyone in the palace for any rats that might be planning something. After making a public example of them. The next task would be to gain the trust of the people. No one will sacrifice their life for a leader that won't trust them enough to know what he looks like. After that, it's as simple as finding your enemies before they can strike. In order to rule over those of a nation. There must be a respect of culture and faith, knowledge  of battle to make the people feel safe, and have enough resolve to get the job done. You might be a slave to them now, but only you can build the blade to break those chains."

Gentle takes a moment to think. As silence fills the room with anticipation of the answer. Gentle smiles.

Gen:"Well said young man. Alright, I'll train him to protect you when I pass."

Edg:"Get in line. I'm also gonna teach him."

Izu:"Then it's settled. Mic, and shoto will be my guards on the important task. We'll be traveling around to see the problems of the people. That way I can get a better look at what they need from a leader. Since I won't be going public until after. The threat won't be as bad. Plus, no one will feel like they need to hide the truth from me."

Baku:"Why hire me if I'm not going with you?"

Izu:"I want you to grow in strength. To be the best of the best. Be my sword and shield that never dulls or gets a scratch. Shine above them all."

Bakugou smirks and balls up his fist with determination.

Baku:"You don't have to tell me twice."

Elsewhere, nagant is going into an underground hideout in a far away forrest. She bows to a man dressed in black and red robes. He sits apon a thrown made of human bones. Above him is a golden helmet stained red with blood where a phenix is carved. The other side has a hawk that's been branded on it. The wings of the two birds form a crown.

Nagant:"Sir, we failed in capturing the target. Our base was destroyed, and lives were lost."

D.T.:"No matter. We'll wait for another opportunity to present itself. For now, I want you to keep watch. Come back when you find an opening. Should you fail me again. You'll be between boats."

She bows again before leaving. All awhile blue eyes stayed locked on her.