Beach. Everyone has been working so hard lately so why not take a break and enjoy the beach? You can make sand castles, play in the water, and there are even umbrellas for those who'd rather just relax in the shade. There's a nice row of water melons ready to be smashed later in the day and when the sun goes down, that's when the sparklers come out.
Suffering. It's the hottest time of the year and the citadel doesn't have central air conditioning. The few air conditions that were installed have given up on life after being used so much and now, we really have to make do with what we can while the Konnosuke try to fix it. There's a limited number of fans, plenty of ice cream to go around, and the citadel should be built to circulate air, right? ... Right?!
Spooks. In Japan, summer is a time for horror. Gather around the camp fire and hear some spooky ghost stories or maybe head out into the woods just outside the citadel for a good ol' fashioned test of courage. It's all good, harmless fun! Of course, with so many spirits gathered in one place, what's to say a stray or curious outsider spirit won't join the mix...
Rain. Summer is also known for sudden and torrential downpours of rain. The clouds always seem to grown and darken suddenly and the next thing you know, it's raining sheets and the ground is shaking from thunder. Once it starts, it never seems to stop. Maybe you were caught out in the rain or maybe this is day 7 stuck inside.
Other! It's summer and there are tons of things to do. Go to the general store and stock up on ice cream, wake up in the middle of the night uncomfortable with heat, or run around screaming because cicadas are dying and flying at your face.
[Elegant and fast. Tonbokiri can't keep up. But at least he can get an arm out to catch Ichigo as he falls. Or more like, an arm out for Ichigo to fall onto. It's not elegant, but it works?]
[... and rather stubborn. Ichigo manages to grab hold of Tonbokiri’s outstretched arm so that he doesn’t fall onto it completely. Then he rights himself, holding his arm for support.]
Sorry and thank you, Tonbokiri-dono.
[Then he sighs.]
... why is this body so weak...?
[It’s because of his retempering, isn’t it...? No, it isn’t Ichigo... Stop being so self-conscious about that...]
[He steadies his grip on Ichigo, helping him stand but wishing he'd sit down again.]
Because Aruji made us human. [The straight answer to what well could have been a rhetorical question.]
It is true, this body is ...strangely weak to some things. My former master, legendary for being unharmed through hundreds of battles, died to essentially a tiny knife wound.
However, I would still take all a human's weaknesses for the chance to live this life.
[He stands for a while longer then decides to carefully sit down again, still holding Tonbokiri for support.
Well, it is true that there a great number of benefits to this life. He would never have been reunited with his family and his beloved otherwise.]
I’m very sorry to hear that... Were you there when he passed? [He pauses a bit, trying not to think of his own former master’s death] What was your life like before coming here?
[Although the situation of his former master illustrated the idea well, Tonbokiri somewhat regrets bringing it up. The passing of former masters is never easy to talk about. He smiles dimly as he answers,]
Thank you. I was. It was a time of peace, so I was proudly put on display by Tadakatsu himself in his home. From that place, I saw and heard much. Then... before coming here? I was in storage for a time. Then I was brought out again and found I was named one of the Three Great Spears of Japan. I was on display in museums... [He shrugs slightly. To a sword like Ichigo who had a tragic past, it is a bit embarrassing to talk about how uneventful a time it was.]
[He’s going to reach out to hold your hand gently now out of empathy for your situation, Tonbokiri. Try not to take this the wrong way. This is just how he is.]
I’m very glad to hear that you were much loved and that you were able to live in a time of peace, Tonobokiri-dono.
[And he is sincere about it. He would not wish what had happened to him on everyone else, especially not one as kind-hearted as Tonobokiri. Then he smiles a bit.]
I can see why you were named one of the Three Great Spears. What is it like being in a museum?
[Truth be told, he doesn't know what way to take it, let alone a wrong way. Ichigo-dono is very... emotive, isn't he. But although it is unusual, it is comforting.
Tonbokiri is once again somehow abashed yet proud at Ichigo's kind words. He has such a sincere heart. But he shakes his head self-effacingly as he answers,]
I am only a Great Spear by the merits of my former master. As for museums though... It was odd at first, being stared at as an object of art and history rather than as a deadly weapon in the hands of a warrior. But such is the way of the times, and as I accepted it I grew more used to it.
[He might be a bit too used to giving his brothers little comforting hugs and touches, and he already considers you a friend. He did pour his heart out to you earlier after all and you have been nothing but truthful to him in turn.
He shakes his head a bit.]
I think that’s only partly true. Our masters do shape who we are but... there’s also a part of us that belongs only to us.
[He considers that for a moment.] I see. Were there others with you?
[Tonbokiri smiles sadly. Ichigo sounded a lot like Monoyoshi there. But he does not comment on that for now, instead moving on to the question.]
Others... Taikogane Sadamune-dono was in the same museum as me for quite some time. Occasionally I would be alongside other swords that have come to be here, as well.
...But it's hard to say they were 'with me'. We were simply in the same place for a while. It's not like we could make bonds then the way we can now.
[That sounds quite different from what he experienced at the Imperial Collection.]
That’s a pity... I was able to become quite close to the others who were with me at the Imperial Collection. But I suppose that’s because we were in the same place together for a much longer time?
I’m very fortunate to have met them. They helped me a lot during a very difficult time. [Namely walking up having no memory of who he was. It was indescribably terrifying...]
Well, Tsurumaru-dono is here. Have you been subjected to his mischief yet?
[The name of that sword connected with the word 'mischief' brings an understanding smile to Tonbokiri's face.]
Yes, I'm afraid so. [He chuckles.] He is very focused and dependable while on mission, but while at home... Well, he certainly makes our daily lives more interesting.
I don't suppose having known him a long time renders you less likely to be targeted for mischief?
[He laughs a little in return, then he shakes his head.]
I think it might be quite the opposite unfortunately... [Then he sighs.] Though I suppose his reason for targeting me might be a little different from everyone else.
[Since Tsuru kind of confessed his love for him a while back, before he was reunited with Mikazuki.... He still has to figure out how to deal with that.]
He was the first person I saw actually when I woke up again. He was waiting for me to wake up because he was curious.
... yes, I know now that he often hides his concern under a cover of mischief... [Even his confession was full of puns, so it took a while for Ichigo to get it...
He glances out at the rain again.]
He did leave quite an impression, He was such a lovely vision in white. And I guess... I left quite an impression on him too. [And he doesn’t know it yet, but apparently Mikazuki raised Tsurumaru, so perhaps he had also somehow seen Mikazuki in him and was attracted to that... It’s a very complicated love triangle!
[If he were to know of it, he wouldn't envy you your love triangle.]
[As it is, Tonbokiri nods. Although he does not have much practical understanding of the myriad of relationships this human heart can form, he can sense a quiet affection from Ichigo when he speaks of Tsurumaru.]
I'm certain you did.
May you continue to bear his mischief with good grace. For, like you said, it's mostly just a cover for his concern.
... in addition, Mikazuki has some... troubling habits. I fear the tricks he likes to play on people might be worse than Tsurumaru...
[Namely, certain types of poetry and he would go apologise to all the victims but Mikazuki won’t tell him who he’s trolled and it’s not like he can just go ask everyone if they’ve been subjected to his husband’s special poetry...]
I’m so grateful that my brothers are mostly well behaved.
[He’s just going to bury his face in his hands now. At least Mikazuki did say that the ones he wrote to troll people were ‘less serious’ than the ones he writes for him. Yes, his husband constantly writes him lewd poetry... So he hopes his victims aren’t too traumatised...
He looks over at that. His face quite flushed from the thought of those poems.]
Really? I’m glad that they’re well-behaved when I’m not around. Some of them make me worry though, like Houchou and his... hobbies...
[Ahh, so the 'trick' Ichigo is referring to is Mikazuki's poetry. His sympathies. Perhaps... it would be best to keep with the other thread of conversation for now. Ichigo-dono is clearly distressed by the inappropriate poetry.
Houchou though...]
Ah, I see what you mean. Well... his, ah, interest in married women can do little harm at Honmaru, at least. I worry more about what he says about Lord Ieyasu. I wouldn't want him to unintentionally offend someone.
[Well, he’s trying to get used to receiving such poetry as Mikazuki explained how he started writing them to him way back because he missed Ichigo so badly whenever he was away with his master. Ichigo thinks the reason behind them is actually very sweet, it’s just that the poems really are...
Anyway, Houchou...]
Houchou has managed to get his hands on... certain inappropriate magazines. I’ve already destroyed all the ones I could find but I’m sure he has more somewhere and the others mustn’t ever see them! What he says... I’ve actually never considered that...
[Yet another thing to worry about!]
And he eats way too many sweets! It’s just not healthy!
[The poems ... really are, aren't they. ;A; (And Tonbokiri doesn't know the half of it.)]
[Tonbokiri winces at the unfortunate resourcefulness of the tantou. And he has little room to comment about eating too many sweets... But still.]
That is a lot to worry about. Mm. I hope that he can learn that inappropriate magazines will not honour the ones he pines over so much. And that moderation in sweets is better than overindulgence.
But it does take a long time to have one change their ways, doesn't it.
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But at least he can get an arm out to catch Ichigo as he falls. Or more like, an arm out for Ichigo to fall onto. It's not elegant, but it works?]
Ichigo-dono! It is not good to rush.
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Sorry and thank you, Tonbokiri-dono.
[Then he sighs.]
... why is this body so weak...?
[It’s because of his retempering, isn’t it...?
No, it isn’t Ichigo... Stop being so self-conscious about that...]no subject
Because Aruji made us human. [The straight answer to what well could have been a rhetorical question.]
It is true, this body is ...strangely weak to some things. My former master, legendary for being unharmed through hundreds of battles, died to essentially a tiny knife wound.
However, I would still take all a human's weaknesses for the chance to live this life.
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Well, it is true that there a great number of benefits to this life. He would never have been reunited with his family and his beloved otherwise.]
I’m very sorry to hear that... Were you there when he passed? [He pauses a bit, trying not to think of his own former master’s death] What was your life like before coming here?
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[Although the situation of his former master illustrated the idea well, Tonbokiri somewhat regrets bringing it up. The passing of former masters is never easy to talk about. He smiles dimly as he answers,]
Thank you. I was. It was a time of peace, so I was proudly put on display by Tadakatsu himself in his home. From that place, I saw and heard much.
Then... before coming here? I was in storage for a time. Then I was brought out again and found I was named one of the Three Great Spears of Japan. I was on display in museums... [He shrugs slightly. To a sword like Ichigo who had a tragic past, it is a bit embarrassing to talk about how uneventful a time it was.]
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I’m very glad to hear that you were much loved and that you were able to live in a time of peace, Tonobokiri-dono.
[And he is sincere about it. He would not wish what had happened to him on everyone else, especially not one as kind-hearted as Tonobokiri. Then he smiles a bit.]
I can see why you were named one of the Three Great Spears. What is it like being in a museum?
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Ichigo-dono is very... emotive, isn't he. But although it is unusual, it is comforting.
Tonbokiri is once again somehow abashed yet proud at Ichigo's kind words. He has such a sincere heart.
But he shakes his head self-effacingly as he answers,]
I am only a Great Spear by the merits of my former master.
As for museums though... It was odd at first, being stared at as an object of art and history rather than as a deadly weapon in the hands of a warrior. But such is the way of the times, and as I accepted it I grew more used to it.
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He shakes his head a bit.]
I think that’s only partly true. Our masters do shape who we are but... there’s also a part of us that belongs only to us.
[He considers that for a moment.] I see. Were there others with you?
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But he does not comment on that for now, instead moving on to the question.]
Others... Taikogane Sadamune-dono was in the same museum as me for quite some time. Occasionally I would be alongside other swords that have come to be here, as well.
...But it's hard to say they were 'with me'. We were simply in the same place for a while. It's not like we could make bonds then the way we can now.
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That’s a pity... I was able to become quite close to the others who were with me at the Imperial Collection. But I suppose that’s because we were in the same place together for a much longer time?
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That is splendid that you have comrades from that time. I hope that Aruji might summon more of them here so you can meet them again.
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I’m very fortunate to have met them. They helped me a lot during a very difficult time. [Namely walking up having no memory of who he was. It was indescribably terrifying...]
Well, Tsurumaru-dono is here. Have you been subjected to his mischief yet?
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Yes, I'm afraid so. [He chuckles.] He is very focused and dependable while on mission, but while at home... Well, he certainly makes our daily lives more interesting.
I don't suppose having known him a long time renders you less likely to be targeted for mischief?
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I think it might be quite the opposite unfortunately... [Then he sighs.] Though I suppose his reason for targeting me might be a little different from everyone else.
[Since Tsuru kind of confessed his love for him a while back, before he was reunited with Mikazuki.... He still has to figure out how to deal with that.]
He was the first person I saw actually when I woke up again. He was waiting for me to wake up because he was curious.
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But that story makes him more curious himself.]
That sounds very much like him. Very curious, but likely he was concerned as well.
Did he make a strong impression upon you, as he was the first you saw?
[Because he can relate, even if his first strong impression was the taste of daifuku. (A sense of taste is an amazing thing to a blade, okay?)]
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He glances out at the rain again.]
He did leave quite an impression, He was such a lovely vision in white. And I guess... I left quite an impression on him too. [And he doesn’t know it yet, but apparently Mikazuki raised Tsurumaru, so perhaps he had also somehow seen Mikazuki in him and was attracted to that... It’s a very complicated love triangle!
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[As it is, Tonbokiri nods. Although he does not have much practical understanding of the myriad of relationships this human heart can form, he can sense a quiet affection from Ichigo when he speaks of Tsurumaru.]
I'm certain you did.
May you continue to bear his mischief with good grace. For, like you said, it's mostly just a cover for his concern.
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[This is his life now. Trying to handle two troublesome grandpas...]
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I can sympathize. Keeping track of Muramasa is more than enough for me. I'm sorry you have two men to chase who are like that.
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... in addition, Mikazuki has some... troubling habits. I fear the tricks he likes to play on people might be worse than Tsurumaru...
[Namely, certain types of poetry and he would go apologise to all the victims but Mikazuki won’t tell him who he’s trolled and it’s not like he can just go ask everyone if they’ve been subjected to his husband’s special poetry...]
I’m so grateful that my brothers are mostly well behaved.
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And as someone who chases one with troubling habits...]
I sympathize deeply. But we all shall ever be true to our nature.
[He chuckles.]
'Mostly' well behaved. I can't say I've ever seen otherwise from them, but I'm sure they act somewhat different in front of you.
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[He’s just going to bury his face in his hands now. At least Mikazuki did say that the ones he wrote to troll people were ‘less serious’ than the ones he writes for him. Yes, his husband constantly writes him lewd poetry... So he hopes his victims aren’t too traumatised...
He looks over at that. His face quite flushed from the thought of those poems.]
Really? I’m glad that they’re well-behaved when I’m not around. Some of them make me worry though, like Houchou and his... hobbies...
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His sympathies. Perhaps... it would be best to keep with the other thread of conversation for now. Ichigo-dono is clearly distressed by the inappropriate poetry.
Houchou though...]
Ah, I see what you mean. Well... his, ah, interest in married women can do little harm at Honmaru, at least. I worry more about what he says about Lord Ieyasu. I wouldn't want him to unintentionally offend someone.
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Anyway, Houchou...]
Houchou has managed to get his hands on... certain inappropriate magazines. I’ve already destroyed all the ones I could find but I’m sure he has more somewhere and the others mustn’t ever see them! What he says... I’ve actually never considered that...
[Yet another thing to worry about!]
And he eats way too many sweets! It’s just not healthy!
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[Tonbokiri winces at the unfortunate resourcefulness of the tantou.
And he has little room to comment about eating too many sweets... But still.]
That is a lot to worry about. Mm. I hope that he can learn that inappropriate magazines will not honour the ones he pines over so much. And that moderation in sweets is better than overindulgence.
But it does take a long time to have one change their ways, doesn't it.
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