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.
[Bending low, he comes close to Ichigo. Lifting one of Ichigo's arms so that he can duck his head underneath, he drapes the arm over his shoulder.]
I'll lift you up.
[And with just that warning, he stands, bringing Ichigo up with him. One hand firmly on his waist keeps him steady, but he warns,]
Keep your weight on your good foot.
[Of course, with Tonbokiri being a good twenty centimetres taller than Ichigo, he might have to stretch a bit to even reach the ground. Either way, Tonbokiri supporting Ichigo like this is no strain at all.]
Mm, I can emphasize that it takes time to become used to an adjustment of size. My haft length was often changed to suit my former master. ...And that was nowhere near as much a change as you went through.
[As he speaks he lets go of Ichigo gently, holding out a hand to continue giving him support.]
I apologize for treating you so delicately, for I know you are a noble and strong blade. But I simply do not want to see you damage yourself further. So please bear with me a little longer.
[Once Ichigo is settled upon his back, Tonbokiri stands and sets off towards the Toushirou tantou's room at a gentle walk. As Ichigo didn't seem to mind the topic, Tonbokiri replies with a thoughtful hum.]
I did not know that swords would be thus adjusted as well. I am certain your master was tremendously glad have you remain by his side.
[He chuckles.] In my case, I once had a length of over three meters! Yet as Tadakatsu became older, I was subsequently shortened to suit him better.
[Ichigo puts his arms a little more firmly around Tonbokiri’s neck as he’s lifted. This is certainly quite a bit higher than when Mitsutada carried him on his back the other day after he was injured in battle... His injuries weren’t that bad but the other tachi had insisted on carrying him. Is there something about him that makes others want to protect him, he wonders.
There is a fondness in his voice as he recalls his late master.]
Hideyoshi-sama had a vast sword collection but I was his favourite, so he constantly kept me by his side. I was a bit too tall for him to carry around comfortably at first though, so he had my size adjusted to suit him better. I was there with him till the end...
[And he was kind of a status symbol since all swords smithed by Awataguchi Yoshimitsu, one of the Three Great Swordsmiths, were very desirable at that time. What better way to show off one’s wealth and status than by carrying the only tachi Yoshimitsu had ever smithed because Ichigo was apparently so perfect that Yoshimitsu did not feel like he could top that.]
Three metres? [He laughs a bit too.] Perhaps it’s a good thing you were shortened or you’d never fit in any of the rooms here! It sounds like your master loved you a lot too.
[He laughs lightly, trying to imagine being any taller than he already is. It'd be dangerous to his forehead, at the very least. As it is he has to be careful about doorways.
Tonbokiri is moved by the fondness Ichigo had in his voice for his former master, and of course he has to agree.]
I believe so. There are as many stories as there are blades here, so it is a precious thing to have a history of being loved by a master like we have been.
Hidehoshi Toyotomi-dono was a great, talented and ambitious warrior, certainly worthy of the honours he won for himself, and those he earned from his Lords.
It is interesting to think that we may have crossed paths at some time, as our masters were rivals and allies. Ah, what a turbulent time that was.
Forgive me, I did not mean to make you worry over if we did or not.
Truth be told, I cannot recall either. Lord Ieyasu was a pivotal man, and many paths cross because of him. However it is not like Tadakatsu was literally by his side all the time. Nor was Hideyoshi-dono.
Ah, please don’t blame yourself, Tonbokiri-dono. I’m not upset. It’s just that... it would have been nice if I could remember but... it’s fine too if I can’t since we now have the chance to meet again.
[And Ichigo is rather uneasy at the thought of Tokugawa Ieyasu. If it weren’t for him, he wouldn’t have burnt and he wouldn’t have been retempered... Or would it have happened no matter what? He doesn’t say anything about that though and keeps it in his heart.]
[There is... something about the tenseness in the body lying against his back that tells Tonbokiri that Ichigo is more upset than he says. He mentally shakes his head, reprimanding himself. He'd only just now found out about a sliver of Ichigo's tragic past, so he should be more careful about this topic.
...If he wants to understand Ichigo-dono better, he'll have to expand his knowledge about what historically happened at Osaka castle. What happened at the Toyotomi family's stronghold after Tokugawa's era of peace began.
But for now, he replies to Ichigo,]
Thank you for saying so. You are right. Let us make the most of the chance that has been given to us here and now.
[Wondering if Ichigo is falling asleep, Tonbokiri slows his pace slightly, trying to walk even more gently. But then, it's only a handful of doors until they arrive at the tantou's room. So he calls out softly,]
Ichigo-dono, we are nearly there. Shall I set you down outside the room?
[He just... has some idea of how much the tantou idolize Ichigo, so he doesn't want to do anything that might disappoint them.]
[He is walking in there as regally as he can no matter what...! He has an entrance to make and an image to uphold! Then he'll call Yagen or Hakusan aside and tell them what's wrong. Maybe bringing him back to his brothers isn't the best idea after all...?]
[Ichigo slowly dismounts, placing a hand on Tonbokiri's arm, as he takes deep breath and gingerly tries to stand on his injured foot. He lets go and takes a step forward, trying not to wince. He stands in front of the door for a moment, considering whether or not to go in.
...
No, he doesn't feel up to it right now. Don't get him wrong, he loves his brothers dearly, but he doesn't quite have the energy to deal with them at this very moment...
He turns back to Tonbokiri.]
Tonbokiri-dono, please take me to Mikazuki's room instead.
[He looks at Ichigo in surprise at the request. Right when they are at the doorway to his brothers' room?
He kneels down, both to speak softly and to let Ichigo onto his back again. Between trusted comrades, there is no need to question a decision before acting. But for this time, Tonbokiri will question while acting.]
O-Of course, as you wish. But is something the matter? Shouldn't Yagen-dono have a look at you first?
I see. [The intense subjects they talked about may have exhausted him...]
I shall seek out those two after I have seen you to Mikazuki Munechika-dono's room, then.
Is there anything else I can do for you besides that? Bring you something from Shokudaikiri-dono to eat, perhaps? When you are tired, sweets are good.
[ (/blush I must be doing Tonbokiri right then! He would be honoured that he's following so closely in Tadakatsu's image, as he was a loyal retainer to Iyeasu.) ]
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That’s very kind of you, Tonbokiri-dono. And, I’ll see if he wants to come along. Well, I guess I should be getting back now. Could you help me back?
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[Bending low, he comes close to Ichigo. Lifting one of Ichigo's arms so that he can duck his head underneath, he drapes the arm over his shoulder.]
I'll lift you up.
[And with just that warning, he stands, bringing Ichigo up with him. One hand firmly on his waist keeps him steady, but he warns,]
Keep your weight on your good foot.
[Of course, with Tonbokiri being a good twenty centimetres taller than Ichigo, he might have to stretch a bit to even reach the ground. Either way, Tonbokiri supporting Ichigo like this is no strain at all.]
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[But before he can protest more, he’s been lifted into a rather awkward position! He can’t reach the ground at all, Tonbokiri...]
... I don’t think this will work...
[Yet another disadvantage of being shortened...?]
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My apologies, Ichigo-dono. I'm somewhat taller than other swords...
[He stoops his posture slightly so that Ichigo's feet can now touch the ground.]
I thought that supporting you like this might be better than carrying you, but perhaps I should carry you after all.
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It’s fine, Tonbokiri-dono, and I suppose it doesn’t help that I’m of a smaller stature now than what I originally was...
[It’s so nice to be back on the ground!]
Yes, I guess it would be better if you carried me...
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[As he speaks he lets go of Ichigo gently, holding out a hand to continue giving him support.]
I apologize for treating you so delicately, for I know you are a noble and strong blade. But I simply do not want to see you damage yourself further. So please bear with me a little longer.
[He then turns his back to Ichigo.]
I can carry you upon my back.
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[He takes hold of his hand for balance.]
I understand. Thank you for doing this.
[And he carefully gets on his back.]
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As Ichigo didn't seem to mind the topic, Tonbokiri replies with a thoughtful hum.]
I did not know that swords would be thus adjusted as well. I am certain your master was tremendously glad have you remain by his side.
[He chuckles.] In my case, I once had a length of over three meters! Yet as Tadakatsu became older, I was subsequently shortened to suit him better.
[Heh, those were sure the days, though.]
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There is a fondness in his voice as he recalls his late master.]
Hideyoshi-sama had a vast sword collection but I was his favourite, so he constantly kept me by his side. I was a bit too tall for him to carry around comfortably at first though, so he had my size adjusted to suit him better. I was there with him till the end...
[And he was kind of a status symbol since all swords smithed by Awataguchi Yoshimitsu, one of the Three Great Swordsmiths, were very desirable at that time. What better way to show off one’s wealth and status than by carrying the only tachi Yoshimitsu had ever smithed because Ichigo was apparently so perfect that Yoshimitsu did not feel like he could top that.]
Three metres? [He laughs a bit too.] Perhaps it’s a good thing you were shortened or you’d never fit in any of the rooms here! It sounds like your master loved you a lot too.
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Tonbokiri is moved by the fondness Ichigo had in his voice for his former master, and of course he has to agree.]
I believe so. There are as many stories as there are blades here, so it is a precious thing to have a history of being loved by a master like we have been.
Hidehoshi Toyotomi-dono was a great, talented and ambitious warrior, certainly worthy of the honours he won for himself, and those he earned from his Lords.
It is interesting to think that we may have crossed paths at some time, as our masters were rivals and allies. Ah, what a turbulent time that was.
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We might have crossed paths...? Unfortunately, I can’t remember whether or not we have. [He sighs.] There’s so much I just can’t remember...
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Forgive me, I did not mean to make you worry over if we did or not.
Truth be told, I cannot recall either. Lord Ieyasu was a pivotal man, and many paths cross because of him. However it is not like Tadakatsu was literally by his side all the time. Nor was Hideyoshi-dono.
It is like... ships passing in the night.
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[And Ichigo is rather uneasy at the thought of Tokugawa Ieyasu. If it weren’t for him, he wouldn’t have burnt and he wouldn’t have been retempered... Or would it have happened no matter what? He doesn’t say anything about that though and keeps it in his heart.]
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He mentally shakes his head, reprimanding himself. He'd only just now found out about a sliver of Ichigo's tragic past, so he should be more careful about this topic.
...If he wants to understand Ichigo-dono better, he'll have to expand his knowledge about what historically happened at Osaka castle. What happened at the Toyotomi family's stronghold after Tokugawa's era of peace began.
But for now, he replies to Ichigo,]
Thank you for saying so.
You are right. Let us make the most of the chance that has been given to us here and now.
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[He's just going to rest his head against's Tobokiri's shoulder for a bit, falling silent for a while.]
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But then, it's only a handful of doors until they arrive at the tantou's room.
So he calls out softly,]
Ichigo-dono, we are nearly there. Shall I set you down outside the room?
[He just... has some idea of how much the tantou idolize Ichigo, so he doesn't want to do anything that might disappoint them.]
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... we're there already? Yes, that's a good idea. I'll walk the rest of the way.
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Please don't walk on an injured foot. It's good to try and spare your brothers undue concern, but you should be honest with them, too.
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[He is walking in there as regally as he can no matter what...! He has an entrance to make and an image to uphold! Then he'll call Yagen or Hakusan aside and tell them what's wrong. Maybe bringing him back to his brothers isn't the best idea after all...?]
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My apologies. Of course that it what you meant.
[Now by the door, he kneels down to let Ichigo off, holding an arm out for him to use as support.]
There. I'm certain that your brothers shall take good care of you from here.
[He'll just position himself discreetly behind the door, so that when Ichigo slides it open, he won't be the focus.]
[ (You have a few seconds left in which to change your mind, Ichigo...) ]
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...
No, he doesn't feel up to it right now. Don't get him wrong, he loves his brothers dearly, but he doesn't quite have the energy to deal with them at this very moment...
He turns back to Tonbokiri.]
Tonbokiri-dono, please take me to Mikazuki's room instead.
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[He looks at Ichigo in surprise at the request. Right when they are at the doorway to his brothers' room?
He kneels down, both to speak softly and to let Ichigo onto his back again. Between trusted comrades, there is no need to question a decision before acting. But for this time, Tonbokiri will question while acting.]
O-Of course, as you wish. But is something the matter? Shouldn't Yagen-dono have a look at you first?
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to his noble steed.]I'm sorry for making you walk all the way here for nothing, but I'm very tired and wish to rest. I won't be able to rest properly here.
[Not with all his brothers swarming around him, worried about his ankle. He doesn't have the energy right now to reassure them.]
Please help me fetch Yagen or Hakusan later.
((And I'm getting such strong master-servant vibes from these two... orz Sorry, Tonbokori, but you kind of feel like a close trusted vassal!))
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Let me tell you about Kanzeon Bosatsu...]I see. [The intense subjects they talked about may have exhausted him...]
I shall seek out those two after I have seen you to Mikazuki Munechika-dono's room, then.
Is there anything else I can do for you besides that? Bring you something from Shokudaikiri-dono to eat, perhaps? When you are tired, sweets are good.
[ (/blush I must be doing Tonbokiri right then! He would be honoured that he's following so closely in Tadakatsu's image, as he was a loyal retainer to Iyeasu.) ]
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[He shifts his position a bit to get more comfortable on the spear’s back.]
Sweets...? I suppose that sounds good. [A pause.] But please don’t tell Mitsutada-dono that I’ve hurt myself.
[The last thing he needs is him rushing over to check on him or something in Mikazuki’s room...]
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