will you wait 'til it all burns down? || hxh x mha

Shōto Todoroki 4

Shōto realizes that this world is filled with endless potential yet also harbors numerous dangers. After what seemed like an eternity, they finally emerge to daylight and meet Killua and Gon.

---

The clown, Hisoka, as Bakugou informed him, made Shōto quite uncomfortable. From the very first second, a strong feeling of unease began to creep up inside him when he laid eyes on Hisoka. Especially after what he did to the knight. It was an overwhelming feeling that, back home, he might ascribe to a particularly potent psychic Quirk. But here? Was this even some kind of ability, or was it just the man himself?

It might just be the aura of a psychopath, now that Shōto has thought about it. Number 44: Consider mimicry, words, and actions. What he said about Bakugou's eyes included. And his ability appears to be something regarding the disappearing arms... Or perhaps something with illusions. Despite all these factors, he still couldn't understand why his reaction to Hisoka's presence was so much stronger than Bakugou's. Was he just that much more sensitive than the blonde? It really frustrated him to think about it.

When number 44 had shifted his gaze towards the two and Shōto locked eyes with Hisoka's intense yellow ones, the student immediately felt the urge to gain as much distance as possible. The once curious and strangely captivating stare now exuded an unmistakable aura of lethal, almost murderous intent. Shōto could almost envision his own blood clinging to Hisoka's pale hands and sharp, painted fingernails. It was terrifying.

His entire body appeared on edge, prepared to conjure a formidable barrier of ice to shirm and isolate them from Hisoka. Shōto's hands were quivering with tension, feeling fortunate that his expression remained inscrutable and lucky that the running helped to mask his inner turmoil. Was it fear? Fear of death? He wasn't afraid of death; he hadn't been for years, but just what was that overwhelming sensation weighing upon him?

Hisoka engaged in a very brief but intense verbal confrontation with Bakugou, causing Shōto to involuntarily recoil from his intense gaze and slow his tempo down to fall behind.

And in that moment, Shōto came to the realization of the arduous journey that was still laying ahead of him until he could call himself a true hero. Even after all the rigorous training he had endured, Since he was trapped in this place, it felt like he was taking step after step backwards instead of moving forward, and he felt himself growing more frustrated.

He simply proved himself unworthy by retreating. If he prioritized his own life and comfort over Katsuki Bakugou, then he clearly lacked the readiness to become a professional hero. Shōto's frustration was palpable by now, as he lowered his head and tightly clenched his fists. Simultaneously, he quickened his pace to keep up with his classmate once more. By now, Hisoka had averted his gaze and disappeared into the unknown. He did feel incredible powerless, vulnerable, and guilty for leaving Bakugou with the clown.

He believed that after facing someone as formidable as the famous Stain the Hero Killer and his intimidating, almost blood-seeking aura, no one could make him feel like that again in their presence. The Leage of Villans wasn't able to do it, the Nomus weren't able to do it, and even his own father nerve managed to accomplish it. Just what was so different with Hisoka?

"What did he want?" Shōto asked in a composed manner, watching how Bakugous eyebrows furrow thoughtfully before answering. "Yapping. Told me to watch my eyes from thieves." The blonde explained tersely, leaving Shōto speechless and disturbed for a brief moment. Bakugou should watch his eyes? His eyes weren't special, were they? It was the only logical explanation. Maybe red eyes were sought after and popular on the black market? Was there even something like a black market in this place? Or perhaps Hisoka was just trying to rattle them and had lied. "That's... interesting. Very disturbing."