blastedass | ⚔️ Synflux Inbox

I see.

[Bakugo can understand that to some degree. The void All Might left in the world, in him, by having to retire from being a battlefront hero... all because Bakugo was too weak and cocky and got himself kidnapped. It's not the same as death, All Might is still there, but the weight of that void remains. He won't compare his life to Yuji's and weigh their respective burdens against each others.

But it lets him understand enough to help support the boy he cares about. Besides, Bakugo's a closeted nerd. He loves this kind of stuff. Seeing other people's powers work (if he thinks they're cool) and seeing how they can push the boundaries of their own skills, is always fascinating.]

Fuck yeah. Now make it burst like you did last time.

[And if that works, the sudden rent and tear of the blood will undoubtedly trigger the volatile nitroglycerine-like sweat mixed within, creating a much louder and heated explosion alongside the blood's normal concussive force.]

[ Of course the explosion happens, far larger and more explosive than Yuji was expecting, and he steps back a little as his eyes widen. It's cool though, and he's immediately aware of the implications of this. If he can work on this with Bakugo, maybe get Choso involved... They're going to be able to use this against the kaiju, and that's so cool, such a new and amazing way to use his blood manipulation.

It makes it all totally worth it. ]

That was amazing!

[ Screw going to see the movie... ]

What other things do you think we could do? I wonder if I could give you some blood, though... I guess only Choso or I can make it burst...

[Bakugo's smirk is a little on that wicked side again, seeing the potentials already popping up in his mind's eye for the application. Any thought to going to see a movie is butted right out of his head in exchange for messing around with Quirk and Curse Technique combinations. Even better since it was happening with Yuji.]

Haa?! Isn't your blood toxic now, like his? [Bakugo thinking Blood Manipulation has the prerequisite of turning blood into a corrosive substance. He'd hope not, since it's not exactly uncommon for him and Yuji to encounter each other, well, bleeding. But might as well check.

Not to mention, what kind of "give you" is Yuji speaking of. A vial of it, a blood transfusion, literally plopping some down in his hand. Splat.]

Only if you eat it, or get it in your bloodstream, or something like that.

[ It's not something he's actively tested, though he did tell Astarion his blood might be toxic or poisonous and therefore he shouldn't bite him... Maybe he should ask Choso about it. His brother had used that blood against Uraume, but is his the same now after the death paintings?

He truly doesn't know. There are too many questions. ]

I've never tried that out.

Tch.

[Yeah, that's annoying. Not that Bakugo is planning on getting Yuji's blood in him, but he's close enough to the guy now that it wouldn't be completely unheard of to wipe his blood off from a small cut or something. Treating Yuji as dangerous isn't something Bakugo wants to do.

You know, despite the fact that Bakugo's sweat from his palms at least is explosive, something Yuji would probably have to keep in mind. While making it is Bakugo's choice, sometimes instinctive things (or distracting things) happen...

Might have to tell Denji that too, since the half-devil uses blood as fuel. Whether it'd work on a half-devil, who knows. Something to think about later.]

I can still handle it if it's hard, right?

I'm not the same as Choso, but I also have the same ability... I should've asked senpai about.

[ Or Gege will retcon this in two weeks.

Either way, Yuji is considering the options and talking to his brother about it. The tactics of using Blood Manipulation with other people isn't lost on him, and he knows that having a range of powers here will make it all the more useful. If he's able to make a Pact with Raidou, too...

Turning back to his friend, he sighs a little. ]

I could get Choso to harden it for you. I'm not great at that part yet - I'm still learning.

Aa. There's nothing you can do about it now but ask Mess Hair or test it.

[Add another tic to the wall.

Bakugo isn't lost to the advantages of Blood Manipulation, but it also requires a lot of caution with those who can't replenish their blood like people with regeneration or healing abilities. As it is, his combination with Yuji's power would create a more explosive blood for Yuji, and a longer distance and longer lasting explosion surprise for Bakugo.

He shakes his head at the suggestion.]

It won't help you get better if someone else does it.

[Still, Yuji's comment suggests he followed Bakugo's thought process.]

Knowing I can combine my sweat with your blood is still an advantage.

Mess hair, huh...

[ Yuji mumbles something about being the one to help Choso with his hair in the morning...

Either way, the advice is good. Yuji knows he needs to practice, that he has to get better with it - he didn't have time back home, between consuming the wombs and learning to use the technique as quickly as possible in order to get ready to fight. He has the freedom of growth here, and that means that he can enjoy the opportunity to learn more.

He hopes he gets to take that knowledge home with him. ]

Okay, right, onii-san and I can work on that together.

[ Grinning, he nudges his friend gently. ]

Maybe we'll get the next KO.

[Look, Choso's odangos look like spiders or crabs crashed into the back of his head. If Yuji's the one putting the guy's hair into that style every morning... what the fuck. Then again, Choso got his nickname after Bakugo met him the first day, so Mess Head was there before the guy had a chance for Yuji to do his hair.

It's not changing. Uni Hair, Gari Head, Mess Hair/Head, Uno Loser, Shachiku... Nobara and Nanami gets to be the unique ones. Odds are Gojo's gonna have a head-related nickname too. Fish Eyes?

As much as Bakugo hates the reality behind why they're all here, he accepts that's the state of things. Not using the time to train, explore, live, would be foolish. Despite him stubbornly doing that for the first two days...]

I'll be here if you want to train with it.

[He can't help Yuji train with the specifics, but he can help with other aspects. The nudge gets shoulder bump.]

Heh. [And a grin.] A double KO with you sounds fucking awesome.

[ Yuji is doing his best! He's never done anyone else's hair before, so it's a work in progress. It doesn't help that no matter what style he puts the hair in, Choso ends up getting emotional about it because it was Yuji doing it to him...

Nodding, Yuji crosses his arms behind his back, considering and thoughtful. ]

I'd like to bring Choso too, so we can both learn. I know he likes you, so he won't mind too much, especially not if I ask. It's kind of like that.

[ Choso remains obsessed with his brother. ]

I want to be able to use this in the best possible way. I can make more blood with my cursed energy, so it's not as if I'm going to run out or anything like that. It's like a circle, you know? Then we'll be even more unstoppable.

[The guy had that hairstyle before he even met Yuji! Let the man do his own hair, dammit! Or just put it in a ponytail and call it done. Good thing Bakugo isn't there to witness that, because he'd make such a face to see a grown man getting emotional over... getting his hair done.]

Yare yare. Sure, bring him. I'll take you both on.

[Since Bakugo's form of training is FIGHT ME! No, he'll probably listen to the explanation Choso gives about Blood Manipulation and then work on some drills or goals for the two of them, both to get a better understanding for himself and either hone or branch what the two can do.]

Likes me? I know he keeps staring at me.

[Musclephile...]

Do you have to make it inside your body or can you make it anywhere? [He slides his hands into his pockets.] There's a girl in my class who can transform her lipids -- fat deposits -- into anything she wants, except living beings.

[Meaning Bakugo has experience with people who can convert one state of matter/energy into something else.]

[ You don't think it's cute that he loves someone enough to want to take care of them, Bakugo... ]

Sure, it'll be good training. Choso and I worked well together back home, but he doesn't remember any of that just yet. It'll be useful for him to see what I can do and understand it.

[ Wait, Choso stares at Bakugo...? This better not be another biting thing... Yuji waves it off, whatever. It's fine. ]

I have to do it inside my body, but onii-san might know how to do it differently. I'm still his kohai in this, I guess!

[No, he thinks it's weird to be emotional over getting your hair done, Yuji. There are plenty of times he silently find Yuji cute. Just won't admit it.]

So he's from a time point earlier than you, huh.

[That's always going to fee strange, realizing people don't have the same memories because they're not from the same time. Granted, superhero comics obviously have time travel plots, so it's not like Bakugo's never come across the idea.

But in this case, does that mean Yuji knows more about his new technique than the person who original had the technique? That's kind of fucked up. Then Yuji says he's still learning... Ugh, whatever. Bakugo'll see it when he trains with them. Figure it out then.]

All right. You're always gonna be the source then.

[An emitter ability.]

[ Admit it, Megumi did - ]

A few months earlier than me. He only just found out we're brothers, but I've had time to get used to it.

[ Which is still a source of confusion for Yuji. As much as he enjoys the idea of having a sibling, someone who will take care of him and love him unconditionally, there's a part of him that wonders if he's selfishly taking advantage of Choso by agreeing so easily. He's used to it and Choso isn't, is that fair?

It's too late now, either way.

Nodding, he leans against the wall, crossing his arms. ]

I didn't get the technique naturally, so while my body understands how to use it my brain doesn't. I've learned, but it's different in a battle situation, isn't it?

[He's more stubborn than Megumi...]

Damn. Wasn't he the one who told you you were brothers?

[Half-brothers. It took Bakugo a bit to get his head around the entire thing. But some people don't need to have a family together and live together to accept an estranged, unknown, or long-lost sibling as family. Yuji's one of those people, even if Bakugo figures the sorcerer also had a "wtf?" moment along the way.

As for taking advantage... Bakugo has no comment. Getting to dote and care on Yuji makes Choso happy.

He falls silent for a bit, thinking about what was just said. A body understands, but a brain doesn't, thanks to unnatural technique gaining. Huh.]

Not really. A lot of battles come to muscle memory and instinctive reaction. You stop thinking about your techniques as much. How often do you think about moving your legs when you walk?

Yeah, back in Shibuya. I didn't believe it then, since he'd just tried to kill me.

[ Choso is weird. Yuji can feel the blood connection between the two of them now he has the technique, and he knows that emotionally he has a deeper connection with Choso, but it's still weird. It also means he has to accept that all their other brothers have died at his hand, which is an emotional weight he's not ready to deal with just yet.

Instead, he looks back over, focussing. ]

You'd be surprised. [ Totally deadpan. Is he joking? Maybe. ] I know I don't think about things like divergent fist or Black Flash any more, so I'll get to that point too. It's ingrained in me thanks to the Death Paintings, so getting there is just time and practice. I'll put in the work.

Was that before or after Yuta tried to kill you?

[A lot of people tried to off Yuji for one reason or another. It's obvious Choso's claims of brethren would be weird as hell when said to someone whom he just tried to kill. Though Bakugo's assuming that was the reason Choso stopped the fatal offense. Meaning he probably didn't know for a bit either, as Yuji said he just learned it himself.

Kenjaku really fucked with a lot of people. Reminds him of All for One, dicking around with everyone's lives just to make one thing happen and gain another advantage.

Bakugo occasionally dips into Yuji's history, when the guy seems okay enough to talk about it, but usually tries to juxtapose it with something more... present and grounding. Like this training.]

Urusei. [Better be joking. Bakugo wouldn't believe it for a second.] Ingrained in you?

[It reminds him of what All Might and Midoriya said regarding One for All. When Midoriya unlocked the past wielder's Quirks. Their power was still there, inside the other Quirk.]

So you were given the technique and now you're trying to make it yours. Mentally, because your muscle memory's already attuned to it.

That was before! And he didn't try to, he totally did kill me.

[ It's not his fault he ate the finger... Except it totally is. Yuji can't really blame people for wanting to kill him, all things considered: Choso knew he had killed his brothers, and Yuta knew he had hurt Inumaki-senpai. It would make logical sense that he would be the focus of their anger after all of that, and he can accept it. Anger is a powerful motivator.

Tilting his head, he considers, for a moment, telling Bakugo all of it. If anyone was going to be accepting he thinks this particular friend might be: Choso doesn't know just yet, but he should soon, and Megumi and Nobara would react weirdly, so... Maybe it'll be okay to test the waters here, just a little.

It's not as if he's explained what the Death Paintings are just yet. ]

Yeah, I ate them. Six of them. That's how I got the technique.

[ Which, actually, probably sounds normal since Izuku - ]

It's like that. Gojo-sensei said that I might eventually be able to use Sukuna's technique, since my body was used to him being in there. I never got that far, though.

How many fucking times have you died?

[He knows of one, but now this is a second, or was it the third? And was it really death or just a blip on the proverbial radar? Bakugo still holds to Yuji's goodness and refuses to agree with anyone who thinks the guy should die. If anything, it was the other people's fault for fucking with the finger in the first place, which then got Yuji involved.

Anyways, no point in bitching over shit that can't change. He has enough villains trying to point fingers back home rather than taking responsibility for their own fucked-up decisions.

Bakugo leans against the wall beside Yuji, resting his head to the cool stone behind him.

He ate... six of them. The fingers? No wait, that was 15ish. So these had to be... oh, the Death Paintings. Right. Accept it and go forward. He's picturing Yuji chewing on a literal painting of Death like a hamster. Gilded frame, oil painted canvas, backing, all of it. With a glass of water.]

It's like someone switched brains with you, used their techniques for a long ass time, and then swapped back. You'd initially know shit about the technique, but your body's used to the motions.

Only two.

[ The way he says it makes it sound as if it's totally normal for him, which it probably is. It was the heart both times, too... Says a lot about his ability to handle pain, as if that wasn't already painfully obvious to anyone who saw him fight for longer than five minutes.

Bakugo gets it, of course he does, and it makes Yuji's attempts to explain far easier. At least he's not being pushed about the paintings yet, skilfully avoiding the mention of womb. ]

Anyway, it's just like that. Because I was Sukuna's vessel for such a long time, my body is used to using that kind of level of power, I just need to figure it out mentally. When I did my training with Kusakabe-sensei it was a little bit like that, like...

[ He frowns. ]

It's like riding a bike, but they've changed the wheels and the gears don't work properly. You know how to do it, but it's not working right, so you have to adjust with the new tool.

Only two.

[Only twice wouldn't make it normal, but Yuji's Yuji and Bakugo rolls his eyes. Heroes risk their lives each time they go out, so he doesn't have much room to talk. Especially since... well... One day he'll have to tell Yuji about that experience. How weird would it be to go "I almost died "and your companion just "Me too!" and continue on.

Sorry he's a smart cookie, Yuji. Let him be confused about you doing your brother's hair while ironically snapping onto how weird curse technique training works. Bakugo doesn't want to push about the paintings.]

Huh. That's a pretty clever analogy, Gari Head.

[And the guy says he's not smart. Okay, academically, yeah. Dumbass. But fighting? Oscillating physical genius.]

So it's like that with Blood Manipulation, your Reversed Cursed Technique, and whatever technique Suck imparted.

It's not that big of a deal.

[ As if anyone else in their world has died and come back... Kenjaku doesn't count. His blasé view of his own life is a strange disconnect from the way he is about others that have died, the way he can't quite forgive himself, how much he misses them and wishes for them to come back. It's only recently that he's begun to realise the negative impact his own lack of concern might have on others and tried to adjust.

Beaming at the praise, he nods his head. ]

Yeah! Though I don't know if I can use his. I'm not his vessel, so anything he might have had inside me is probably gone.

[ Needs to do his eight black flashes to unlock that stuff...

A shrug. ]

I don't know if I'd want to use his technique either.

To you.

[Ironic Yuji thinks not knowing Bakugo's birthday is a big deal, but Yuji dying, twice, isn't. Priorities.

It's like dealing with Izuku, the way the other hero doesn't seem to care or value his own life when it comes to sacrificing it for someone else. Willing to jump in front of another person to shield them as the first recourse of action. Suicidal? Of course not. But for someone like Bakugo, who prides himself with such self-confidence and value, it almost impossible for his mind to understand the mindsets of Izuku and Yuji. But he won't let them walk their path alone.

As always, Yuji's smile lightens everything.]

I doubt it. Some Quirks in my world leave embers behind even after they're gone. If Curse Techniques are similar, he likely left something. Muscle memory takes a shit load of effort to unlearn.

[Especially given what Yuji's been saying about engraving techniques.]

Not surprising. He's a monster.

Yeah. Just to me.

[ His priorities are definitely a little messed up, but surviving in his world has definitely had him growing into someone who has a mindset that's wonky, different. Survival means understanding that pain, suffering and death is normal, so he's accustomed to it, but celebrating a friend's birthday? That's something he's rarely had the chance to do, so it's important to him. It's just how he is, and he wants to enjoy these simple things for as long as he can.

Bakugo, talking to Bakugo, always soothes the rattled edges of Yuji's nerves, and he's enjoying the chance to finally just talk about all the things going on in his mind. Eventually, he might unburden himself totally, but for now... ]

I've never hated anyone the way I hate him. Everything about him is the worst possible way it could be.

[ His hand clenches gently. ]

That's why I'm going to kill him. So no one else has to suffer because of him.

Don't protest when it's a big deal to others then.

[There are plenty of elements about Yuji's world Bakugo doesn't understand, things in his friend's life he won't grasp, but it doesn't change the fact he wants Yuji to live. That simple comment about "be nicer to yourself" means a lot to people looking into Yuji's proverbial windows. Bakugo wants Yuji to continue enjoying those simple things. Alive. He can't convince the other boy to stop being reckless or so self-sacrificing. But he can do plenty to be ready to catch him if he falls and support him along the way.

Unburden everything? Not necessary. Unless Yuji's close to cracking and all of that rushes out, Bakugo won't punch holes or encourage a deluge. It's not his business. He's content to let the sorcerer go at his own pace, like Yuji is with him.]

Slaughter him.

[As a hero, he can't condone killing... but there are times when that choice has to be made. Like Hawks killing Twice. All Might and Endeavor killing the Nomu. Some threats... there's no other way.]

There's nothing wrong with hating someone.

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