Shoto Todoroki X Reader

Chapter 40 : The Forest Divides

The battlefield was a storm of chaos, with heroes, villains, and the Dark Forest warriors locked in combat. I fought alongside Shoto and my siblings, the rush of the battle pulsing through my veins, but something still gnawed at me—the rest of my family. The full power of the Dark Forest's people hadn't yet arrived, and I knew that if they entered the fight, the tide could shift drastically.

And then, through the haze of battle, I saw him—Hiroshi, my eldest brother, the one who had always led our family with strength and wisdom. He stood at the edge of the clearing, his presence commanding, his eyes scanning the battlefield. Behind him, the full force of the Dark Forest warriors appeared, their connection to nature evident in the way the trees, the wind, and even the ground seemed to move with them. It was a sight that would have been awe-inspiring if it didn't also fill me with dread.

Hiroshi raised a hand, signaling for the warriors to halt. For a moment, the chaos around us seemed to pause, as if the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting to see what he would do. My heart raced as I met his gaze, unsure of what side he had chosen. I knew Hiroshi wasn't easily swayed, and though we shared a bond, he had always been fiercely protective of the Dark Forest and our people. I wasn't sure if he could see that siding with the League wasn't the way to protect us.

"Hiroshi!" I called, stepping forward, my voice barely carrying over the distant sounds of clashing and shouting. "You don't have to do this. We can fight for the forest without the League."

He didn't answer at first, his eyes unreadable as they flickered over the scene before him. But then, he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of authority he always had. "Y/N, you don't understand what's at stake here. The heroes, the world outside—they've never cared about us. The League is offering us power, protection. A way to survive."

My heart sank. I had hoped he would see things differently, but Hiroshi was always practical, always thinking of the future and what was best for our people. He wasn't driven by anger or a desire for power—he was driven by fear. Fear that our way of life was being threatened, that the world was closing in on us.

"You're wrong," I said, trying to keep the desperation from my voice. "The League doesn't care about the forest, about our people. They're using you. You can't trust them, Hiroshi."

Hiroshi's jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought I had lost him. But then, something shifted in his expression. He looked at me—really looked at me—and I could see the doubt flicker in his eyes.

"I swore to protect our people," he said, his voice quieter now, more uncertain. "But I also swore to protect you."

I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, but I forced them back. "Then fight with me, Hiroshi. Fight for our future, but not like this. We can find a way to save the forest without becoming villains."

For what felt like an eternity, he didn't say anything. The air was thick with tension, the warriors behind him waiting for his command. And then, finally, he spoke.

"Very well," he said, his voice strong again, but this time, there was a note of resolution in it that I hadn't heard before. "I won't fight for the League."

Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.