It’s a special time of year and the sword army is invited to come down from their citadels and celebrate. What? A summer festival, an offering to the gods, or perhaps a special ceremony of sorts. A normally quiet, rural village at the foot of the mountains will transform for the night with lanterns, fireworks, and music all around but first! Some preparations need to be done. Did you really think you would be invited down here without having to do some work? Prepare to dance, prepare to sing, prepare for a night of fun.
1. CEREMONY PRACTICE
At the citadel, a new chore has been added to the list: ceremonial practice! The swords selected to perform at the festival will have to practice their song and dance or else they'll risk embarrassment in front of the crowds. Or maybe this entire thing is embarrassing... either way, this is your duty! Saniwa's orders! Where and when is up to you but you better be ready.
2. SPECIAL CLOTHES
You can’t wear those same old clothes. They’re all torn and worn or just not appropriate at all for the type of festival you’re going to. The government has all of your measurements and has sent special robes for the spirits and saniwa to wear. It even comes complete with accessories! What’s taking you so long? We should have left twenty minutes ago. Do you need help? Or are you trying to perfect your appearances for your big debut?
3. PERFORMANCE
Everyone is dancing and everyone is singing. Are you one of the performers? Or are they dancing to you? What kind of songs are you hearing? What dances are you watching? Did you see the ceremonial sword dance? Or maybe you were invited to dance in a special performance with your saniwa! When the performance is over, make sure to congratulate the performers on a job well done… or tease your friend.
4. OFFERINGS AND PRAYER
After the festive ceremonies, there are more serious things to do. There is a sacred fire and you can take a moment to pray to the gods. Remember, we are fighting a war and it’s important to remember those that have fallen. The swords that were broken and damaged beyond repair are gathered up and taken to a sacred fire so that their spirits can be purified and reborn. Later, all of those offerings you have been saving are offered up to the gods for their blessings. It's also a chance to hopefully pray for a turn in luck. Maybe you'll pray for an old friend to return to the citadel. It's been a long time since you saw them, right? They'll come home eventually.
5. FESTIVITIES
The ceremonies are finally over! Wow, that sure took up a lot of time, huh? There are still a couple of more hours left in the night so enjoy the festivities. Try the food, play the shooting games, win a couple of prizes. How many goldfish can you catch? Or maybe the important question is: How are you going to take care of this goldfish? At the end of the night, you can catch the fireworks before the night ends.
6. SURPRISE ATTACK
With so many saniwa and sword spirits gathered in one place, it's the perfect time for the enemy to make a major blow against the Time Government. In what should have been the fireworks finale, there's a loud explosion and lightning strikes. The Time Retrograde Army strikes without warning. It's nothing the Touken Danshi haven't taken care of before but this time, they'll have to protect their saniwa too.
7. WILDCARD
Pick your own adventure. Maybe you have to help make offerings or tonight is a special night for a special summoning.
What if the saniwa had to perform other duties besides just summoning swords to fight? What if they had to take part in special ceremonies? What if they had to invite their swords to perform with them? Feel free to get as creative as you want with this prompt as far as things like: Why are they celebrating? How often do they get to leave the citadel? Etc
[So, the secretary has just announced the program for the festivities they're being 'invited' to, and of course they're expected to put on a show.
Normally, Satori hates any kind of government gathering. She kinds of hates this one too, but it's one occasion to see her friends, and also an occasion to rub a few things into the faces of certain people. One of the few times where she does not protest having to wear a traditional hairstyles, and where she actually takes her strongest swords to show off because guess what, Time Government? She summoned all of these all on her own and you'll never take that away from her.
She knows who she's taking, and that has just been announced. However, that doesn't answer the most pressing question now.]
So... who's dancing? Do I have volunteers before I start picking victims?
3. Performance
[Satori does not perform herself because she never really learned and doesn't have an interest in learning those things. Watching is fine, though.
And, well, she is one of those few Saniwas who actually get Mikazuki Munechika to perform and show off for everyone. She has others of course, but having him as a performer is a great thing.
She can even act all modest and demure while he does, honest! At least, she'll try real hard.]
5. Festivities
[That's the best part of the evening of course. Once again, Satori has ditched her geta so she can go and get food from the food stalls and some alcohol too. She's a bit too old for the game, but it's fun watching the younger ones try hard at them.
Careful, she's sort of running around with her arms full and she might bump into you!]
6.Suprise Attack
[Well, it's a good thing she ditched her geta earlier. Satori stuffs her snacks inside her kimono and goes to where she knows her sword will be waiting - they have instructions on where to wait and what to do in case of such an event.
Once she finds them, she is quick to issue orders.]
Jii-chan, you and the oodachi take the front. Manba, Hasebe, Nagasone and Kane-san, get up there and grab them before they get inside the perimeter. Yagen, you and Haku head inside the building and make sure it's clean and empty, we might need it to fall back. Tomoe-chan, with me.
[In times like these, it helps to have years of experience, even if she's not normally on the battlefront. She may hate the Time Government, but she's not letting anyone break or take any swords here.]
( Satori has been a saniwa for some time now and not once has Tsurumaru Kuninaga ever volunteered to perform for her. Why bother when there are so many other willing swords here ready to show off and make their master look good?He'll be content to just go along with her and make her look good by simply being hers.
But after all of these years, he's grown rather fond of his new master. They've been through a lot together. She's had to put up with a lot of his more stubborn and foolish moments and she's taken care of and forgiven him each time.
So when Satori asks for volunteers, for the first time since summoning him, he steps forward, )
[Yeaaaaah, she is going to raise an eyebrow at that one, because really? Really really?]
Are we talking actual dancing or super set up for a prank, Tsuru?
[The way she says it, she wouldn't actually say no to a prank, it's just that she doesn't really need anyone to come down on her that hard right now, and she'll never hear the end of it if Tsuru does something.]
( The others seem pretty surprised that he would volunteer for this too and seemed to have stepped back for now. More out of curiosity than anything. )
If a sword can learn then so can a you, aruji. ( He's already beginning to lead her into a few easy steps, ) Just follow my lead. I'll show you the way.
( It's also fun to just see Satori get flustered once in awhile. )
[She might be following a little - here - but there's no way she's doing it in front of the Time Government.]
The last thing I need is to make a fool of myself in front of all those fuckers. You wanna dance, that's fine with me, but don't try to rope me into this.
( Hana doesn't get out often. Honestly, she can probably count on both hands the number of times she's left her citadel and all of those times would most likely include meetings and other sanctioned events. Maybe she has a few sleepovers or visits with Satori and her friends but those are few.
One of her favorite things is playing the games and having fun. She wonders if she can catch some of the goldfish and raise them back at home. Or maybe she can get a stuffed toy to take home? It seems ridiculous to make the tantou share one toy... but she's sure Mutsunokami is collecting his share. She's so excited she barely pays any attention. When Satori comes by, she steps out of the way quickly and calls out, )
Satori-san!
( She's carrying so much! Most children would ask what she has but Hana, being who she is, isntead offers, )
She did see Hana earlier, but between the ceremonies that placed them in different areas, and then just the throng of people, she didn't have a chance to catch her.
She looks at what she is carrying and for a second she wonders how hard people would judge her if she made Hana carry the sake bottles and if she actually cares that people would judge her... but no. She can't be mean to Hana, and the poor kid would probably be the one to get in trouble instead of her.
So she hands her two skewers instead.]
Nah, I'm fine. Just looking for a place to sit down so I can eat.
[Barefoot with dirty feet. It's a wonder her kimono is still intact, but Satsuki lent her that one and she needs to take care of it, so she's tucked the sleeves and the bottom of it so it doesn't trail behind her too much.]
( She'd carry the bottles if you wanted her to... But it's true. She'd probably get in trouble more than Satori would. Satori doesn't listen to authority so they'll just focus their criticism on the one that listens.
She'll take them from her, holding them carefully so her fingers don't touch any of the actual food. Usually, Hana is pretty good about finding places to relax in times like this but looking around, there are so many people here, she's certain even her secret places have been taken. )
[And the somewhere ends up being... a bench where some sword tsukumogami were assembled - not Satori's, and not Hana's, but they of course vacate the space when two Saniwa look like they might want to sit down. Satori does thank them warmly, but she also has no qualms about taking the offer and stealing the spot once it's free.
She puts the bottles down and opens one, then points at the skewers Hana is carrying.]
( Hana also thanks them, apologizing for the trouble and thanking them again before having a seat. She starts to hand back the skewers to Satori when she says she can have them. )
Oh wow. A full bento. That's, like, absolutely an appropriate 'reward' for how well you danced. How super nice and not at all condescending of them.
[Seriously? A bento? Could they sink any lower to at the same time rub it in non-government raised saniwa's face that they are lower on the totem pole while being douchebags at their own favorites? That's hard to do and yet they manage it every single time, somehow.
But fine, she'll take a skewer if you promise to eat the other.]
I'm not worried about you not getting enough food Hana-chan. Festivals are for stuffing your face though!
[Ookurikara stay silent as he listens to the announcement, and watching Satori talking with the other swords. Many of whom are perfectly willing to volunteer. But they can only do so many performances, before the other citadels get their turns.
In the past, he never volunteered. Ookurikara never care for such social gatherings, and he prefer to leave his skills in the blade than in the performing arts. But he would have the build, flexibility and focus for it.
And well, before, he's more reluctant to get close to Satori. And being more picky about how much he would respect the Saniwas.]
[A dead silence suddenly falls on the assembly hall as everyone turns towards where those words came from. Satori's mouth is open and she has to make an effort to close it.
Then she frowns and strides towards Ookurikara and puts a hand on his forehead.]
[He expected this reaction, because he never really let out any hints of his decision. Not even the other Date swords, because it's his decision.
He frowns, before he raise a hand to lightly swat her hand away from his forehead. Which is perfectly normal and healthy, by the way. He's not sick at all.]
I'm not sick or need repairs.
[So yes. That means while he's of sound mind and body, he volunteered to... dance... for their citadel?]
[Which is a non-answer. But for those who knows him, Ookurikara's practically all but saying "he likes her". Which is on a different scale from acknowledging her as their master.
Just this year, though. Unless he change his mind for next time.]
[She almost looks like she wants to press for more... but if she does maybe he won't want to dance anymore and she can't have that, so she just takes a step back and gives him a little nod.]
... Okay. What kind of clothing will you need, though?
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Saniwa (Onibuchi Satori)
[So, the secretary has just announced the program for the festivities they're being 'invited' to, and of course they're expected to put on a show.
Normally, Satori hates any kind of government gathering. She kinds of hates this one too, but it's one occasion to see her friends, and also an occasion to rub a few things into the faces of certain people. One of the few times where she does not protest having to wear a traditional hairstyles, and where she actually takes her strongest swords to show off because guess what, Time Government? She summoned all of these all on her own and you'll never take that away from her.
She knows who she's taking, and that has just been announced. However, that doesn't answer the most pressing question now.]
So... who's dancing? Do I have volunteers before I start picking victims?
3. Performance
[Satori does not perform herself because she never really learned and doesn't have an interest in learning those things. Watching is fine, though.
And, well, she is one of those few Saniwas who actually get Mikazuki Munechika to perform and show off for everyone. She has others of course, but having him as a performer is a great thing.
She can even act all modest and demure while he does, honest! At least, she'll try real hard.]
5. Festivities
[That's the best part of the evening of course. Once again, Satori has ditched her geta so she can go and get food from the food stalls and some alcohol too. She's a bit too old for the game, but it's fun watching the younger ones try hard at them.
Careful, she's sort of running around with her arms full and she might bump into you!]
6.Suprise Attack
[Well, it's a good thing she ditched her geta earlier. Satori stuffs her snacks inside her kimono and goes to where she knows her sword will be waiting - they have instructions on where to wait and what to do in case of such an event.
Once she finds them, she is quick to issue orders.]
Jii-chan, you and the oodachi take the front. Manba, Hasebe, Nagasone and Kane-san, get up there and grab them before they get inside the perimeter. Yagen, you and Haku head inside the building and make sure it's clean and empty, we might need it to fall back. Tomoe-chan, with me.
[In times like these, it helps to have years of experience, even if she's not normally on the battlefront. She may hate the Time Government, but she's not letting anyone break or take any swords here.]
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But after all of these years, he's grown rather fond of his new master. They've been through a lot together. She's had to put up with a lot of his more stubborn and foolish moments and she's taken care of and forgiven him each time.
So when Satori asks for volunteers, for the first time since summoning him, he steps forward, )
Oh, pick me, pick me!
( He'll be a victim this year. )
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Are we talking actual dancing or super set up for a prank, Tsuru?
[The way she says it, she wouldn't actually say no to a prank, it's just that she doesn't really need anyone to come down on her that hard right now, and she'll never hear the end of it if Tsuru does something.]
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Well, I can do both.
( Dance and do a prank. )
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... But if you actually want to dance, then sure. Blow them out of the water, Tsuru.
[You'd had better make this your best dance ever, she is counting on you.]
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( And he'll just come over towards Satori and reach to take her hands. Come and step out with him, )
What if we danced together, aruji? Imagine the looks on their faces!
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[She looks a bit surprised as he suddenly takes her hand, though.]
You wanna make me dance? No way, I never learned that stuff and I'm not all graceful like you.
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If a sword can learn then so can a you, aruji. ( He's already beginning to lead her into a few easy steps, ) Just follow my lead. I'll show you the way.
( It's also fun to just see Satori get flustered once in awhile. )
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[She might be following a little - here - but there's no way she's doing it in front of the Time Government.]
The last thing I need is to make a fool of myself in front of all those fuckers. You wanna dance, that's fine with me, but don't try to rope me into this.
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One of her favorite things is playing the games and having fun. She wonders if she can catch some of the goldfish and raise them back at home. Or maybe she can get a stuffed toy to take home? It seems ridiculous to make the tantou share one toy... but she's sure Mutsunokami is collecting his share. She's so excited she barely pays any attention. When Satori comes by, she steps out of the way quickly and calls out, )
Satori-san!
( She's carrying so much! Most children would ask what she has but Hana, being who she is, isntead offers, )
Do you need help?
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She did see Hana earlier, but between the ceremonies that placed them in different areas, and then just the throng of people, she didn't have a chance to catch her.
She looks at what she is carrying and for a second she wonders how hard people would judge her if she made Hana carry the sake bottles and if she actually cares that people would judge her... but no. She can't be mean to Hana, and the poor kid would probably be the one to get in trouble instead of her.
So she hands her two skewers instead.]
Nah, I'm fine. Just looking for a place to sit down so I can eat.
[Barefoot with dirty feet. It's a wonder her kimono is still intact, but Satsuki lent her that one and she needs to take care of it, so she's tucked the sleeves and the bottom of it so it doesn't trail behind her too much.]
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She'll take them from her, holding them carefully so her fingers don't touch any of the actual food. Usually, Hana is pretty good about finding places to relax in times like this but looking around, there are so many people here, she's certain even her secret places have been taken. )
I don't know... there are so many people tonight.
( Hm. )
Let's look together.
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[And the somewhere ends up being... a bench where some sword tsukumogami were assembled - not Satori's, and not Hana's, but they of course vacate the space when two Saniwa look like they might want to sit down. Satori does thank them warmly, but she also has no qualms about taking the offer and stealing the spot once it's free.
She puts the bottles down and opens one, then points at the skewers Hana is carrying.]
You can eat those, by the way.
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But you waited in line, didn't you?
( So she should eat what she waited for!!! )
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[That's why her swords are nowhere to be seen. She sent them on errands.]
Anyway, you must be hungry after that show you put on. So go on and eat! You're a growing girl, you need food!
[She'll open another box to reveal takoyaki.]
Or maybe you want some of those.
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But Hana shakes her head. She can't take too much (if she ends up taking any at all). )
At least have one.
( She'll keep one of the skewers for herself if Satori takes the other. )
And you don't have to worry... they gave me a bento for performing.
( Because of course the time government would spoil one of their own saniwa more than the regular folk. A small dinner is a nothing expense. )
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Oh wow. A full bento. That's, like, absolutely an appropriate 'reward' for how well you danced. How super nice and not at all condescending of them.
[Seriously? A bento? Could they sink any lower to at the same time rub it in non-government raised saniwa's face that they are lower on the totem pole while being douchebags at their own favorites? That's hard to do and yet they manage it every single time, somehow.
But fine, she'll take a skewer if you promise to eat the other.]
I'm not worried about you not getting enough food Hana-chan. Festivals are for stuffing your face though!
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In the past, he never volunteered. Ookurikara never care for such social gatherings, and he prefer to leave his skills in the blade than in the performing arts. But he would have the build, flexibility and focus for it.
And well, before, he's more reluctant to get close to Satori. And being more picky about how much he would respect the Saniwas.]
... I don't mind.
[Suddenly, he speaks up! With a surprise?!]
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Then she frowns and strides towards Ookurikara and puts a hand on his forehead.]
... Kara-chan, are you sick? Do you need repairs?
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He frowns, before he raise a hand to lightly swat her hand away from his forehead. Which is perfectly normal and healthy, by the way. He's not sick at all.]
I'm not sick or need repairs.
[So yes. That means while he's of sound mind and body, he volunteered to... dance... for their citadel?]
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... Are you sure you want to dance? Like for real? You're not leading me on?
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Yes. I know what I'm saying.
[Who do you think he is, Tsurumaru?]
Choose me and I'll dance for you.
[Shokudaikiri Mitsutada looks surprised for a moment, before he smiles at what's going on. Understanding Ookurikara's... Ookurikara-ness of it all.]
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[are you kidding?! If he wants to dance of course she's going to say yes! Who else would have a dancing Kara! But she's still surprised.]
Why this year, though? You've never volunteered before.
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[Which is a non-answer. But for those who knows him, Ookurikara's practically all but saying "he likes her". Which is on a different scale from acknowledging her as their master.
Just this year, though. Unless he change his mind for next time.]
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... Okay. What kind of clothing will you need, though?
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