( Losing Mitsutada had been hard on everyone, especially the saniwa who had had felt responsible for the loss. They'd tried to go about their days as usual and eventually, a sense of normalcy did return to the citadel. Being sent out to the front lines no longer brought on a sense of cautious dread and the swords were able to charge into battle as they had before.
As for the saniwa, days had been spent in the forge, trying to bring back a lost comrade. In the process, they'd made many other, new friends which had contributed to the new spirit in the citadel. They were all given their greetings, welcomed into the group, and looked out for but the saniwa always returned to the forge in due time. For as long as the saniwa worked, Mutsunokami hovered nearb. As the saniwa's first sword and chosen secretary, it was his duty to look out for their master.
The day Mitsutada returned had been a lot less celebratory than he-- anyone-- had expected. Of course, they'd made the best of the situation. This was no different than welcoming any other sword for the first time. Welcome home, Mitsutada... who isn't Mitsutada.
Fast forward to today! It's a slow day, with Mutsunokami taking a break from the front lines. Today, it was time for other groups to take the lead. He doesn't mind! After all, he was never much of a warrior's sword to begin with and he much rather preferred to take it easy when he could.
... But the day seems even slower when he's spending it with Nameless Mitsutada. Mutsunokami tries, he really does, but it's difficult being familiar with someone who still regards you as a stranger. Ah... maybe if he got to know him a little better as he is now instead of trying to treat him as he was before? Yes, that seems like a good idea and so, Mutsunokami sits across from him, legs crossed, hands holding onto his ankles, and... watching Mitsutada carefully.
Waking up remembering little except for serving under his first master in a human form, being told that you were now seven hundred years in the future, tasked to fight those who would change history. He could take all of that in stride, because he expected his duty to change, and he did not expect Nobunaga to live forever. What perplexed him was the fact that he had apparently lived before, a different man with more memories, that dying had given him some sort of amnesia - and yet, he did not feel any gap in his recollections. Everyone kept talking about how he used to be, which was frustrating to some extent - because that Mitsutada is not him, and would most likely not be, since there was no way to bring back what he supposedly forgot.
So he did what he always remembers doing, throwing himself back into work to prevent those thoughts from coming back to haunt him. Learning old skills again and putting them into practice, that was how he spent his days.
Even if he doesn't really show it, he is grateful to Mutsu for some extent. The uchigatana did not harp too much on his previous incarnations' deeds, and did not ask too many irrelevant questions. That in itself was very helpful.
And now that they both have a day off together, it was inevitable that they would end up in the same room. Two can sort of play at this game, even if he didn't know it was a game in the first place. He returns Mutsu's attention with his own unwavering purple gaze, sharp but not threatening.
This continues for about a minute before he finally says something. ]
( To be fair, Mutsu was never one to stay stuck in the past. Certainly, he missed his old friend but missing someone doesn't bring them back. Second chances were not things he'd be accustomed to prior to arriving at the citadel and even now, second chances were not guaranteed. All of those hours the saniwa had put into the forge for this Mitsutada was proof of how they close they could have been to never having another chance at all if they'd given up a day or two earlier...
If he'd heard Mitsutada at all, it doesn't seem to register. He's too busy focusing on the guy in front of him. After a moment, he rocks forward and then back and then sits up straight as if he has a purpose, )
I was just thinking...! ( About something very serious. ) If ya're from when ya say ya are... that means I'm older than ya now, right?
( Second youngest sword in Citadel. Asking the important questions. )
Then maybe I should call ya Mitsutada-kun. ( Yeah. This is exactly what he was thinking. ) What d'ya think? Ya've been here long enough so there's no reason to be all formal and everything, right?
I mean... ( The gears in his mind are turning, he's counting on his fingers, he's doing some math. ) There aren't a lot of other guys here younger than me and we're only a couple of centuries apart now! Which really isn't a lot compared to some of the other guys here.
( Except Kane who has to call him Mutsunokami-san! Okay, no, even Kane can call him Mutsu-kun. )
( So from now on, this is Mitsutada-kun instead of Mitsutada-san. It's a step. )
... Since I'm older, ya should probably call me Mutsunokami-san. ( ... ) I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Most people here call me Mutsu-kun. But ya know me; it doesn't really matter.
( Ranks, formalities, he's always been pretty casual about these things. )
And if we get any Osafune swords, we'll deal with them when they get here. But ya were here first so ya get to pick first.
[ That's an interesting concept to him, though he finds that he has little opinion on the matter either way. ]
Okay.
[ Jikkyu is definitely gone. There were a couple more of his brothers in Nobunaga's collection, as well as others that ended up in the hands of other, potentially rival clans. But he knew little more than that. ]
[ Twice already... well, that wasn't something he was expecting. ]
I hope so.
[ He wonders how they are doing, idly. Where are they now? Were they still in one piece? ]
I did not expect to come here.
[ This could mean a lot of things, but mostly he refers to having a human form. He's examining his hands now - strangely unmarked, unlike the ones his previous self had. ]
I know what ya mean. ( Leaning forward from where he's sitting on the floor, still cross legged but it's clear he's excited to talk. ) Ya know the family I came from were goshi. ( Low ranked samurai that had purchased their titles, ) and since we were on an island, I didn't get out a lot.
( So basically, he was a status symbol instead of a utilitarian sword. He was sheathed, kept on display, and sure! Maybe he got to go out on a business trip or two but come on... does that sound exciting to any sword. )
But then I got to meet my last master and everything changed! ( He could prattle about Sakamoto forever (trust him, he's memorized all of the museum tour lectures by now) but he'll spare him. ) I got put away for a long time after him and it was the same old... but now we're here! ( Watching Mitsutada examine his hands, Mutsu really understands. Really! )
Pretty cool, right?
( Would this Mitsutada even care about being cool...... )
[ He listens to Mutsu's narrative, giving the other his full attention. Other people rarely listened, instead using the time while others spoke to compose their own reply. He never did that, only starting to think about what he should say after the other finishes. ]
Mm.
[ Just a vague sound of affirmation while he pieces together something worth saying. ]
I think it's interesting to have a change of pace.
[ Though Mutsu should also know that this Mitsutada had a very different history. A past of constant fighting - for him, this is almost a too-long break. ]
( He can definitely agree. Even if their circumstances are different, being brought here was still, well... nice. It was nice to be of use again, nice to get out, nice to be able to do something, and... nice to be able to make friends. )
But speaking of... ( And he's just going to... scoot himself closer. ) How're ya settling in? Everything okay?
Ya know I'm older than ya so if ya need help, ya can ask me.
[ He freezes when Mutsu comes closer, though it is more out of reflex than anything else - so he relaxes a few seconds later, making it a point to let go of his true form. ]
Fine. [ He's not sure what consists as 'good', so it's the best he can give right now. Though... ] The others often talk about him.
[ The other version of himself, he means. ]
Was he really that interesting?
[ Said neutrally, with genuine curiosity. He wants to know what sort of expectation he might have to live up to. ]
Ya're a pretty sharp sword. ( See what he did there, heh heh. ) I bet ya figured out a lot already.
( Just gonna lean back a bit and play with a piece of hair. It isn't that he's avoiding answering the question but he wants to make sure his answer is good. He's gotta answer the question without trying to set this guy up on some pre-set path... Sure, history was going to happen as it was meant to be but this guy... well, he'd been thrown a little off course, you could say. )
Mitsutada-san was a really cool guy. But let's see...
He was... a hardworker. He was always helping out and getting others to do their best too. If ya gave him a job, he took it seriously and ya knew it'd get done well. Oh, and if ya fought him? He'd thank ya for showing him how to get better.. even if he won!
( He's careful to stay a bit to not get too specific. In particular... he might have tried to pick certain traits that a certain someone also has. )
... Hey, have ya helping out around the place but have ya sparred with anyone yet?
[ The lull in the conversation this time stretches longer than usual. He gives Mutsu the same acute but slightly off-centre gaze that indicats he was thinking over what the other had said.
So, someone who was productive, humble and helpful... He isn't too sure that he could be that last one, especially since speaking with others was so difficult. But the first two, he can do. Hopefully. When they accept him for who he is and not who he was. ]
Mn... yes, I have.
[ But he doesn't look so sure about himself. Only the stronger tachis and older swords did. It seemed that his current style is much more forceful and accurate than what they were accustomed to. ]
Dotanuki-san, right? If ya wanna spar, ya should talk to him if ya haven't already. ( It sounds like a suggestion but. ) The Shinsengumi swords might be pretty good too.
( Is he trying to help Mitsutada make more friends, maybe? )
I'd be careful around Kane-san if I were ya though... ya know he likes to call me a dirty fighter? Ya should see him!
I'll introduce 'em to ya if ya haven't had a chance to talk to 'em already.
( And yet... Mutsu doesn't offer himself to spar with Mitsutada. He's heard rumors about this guy's style, you see, and it doesn't really sound like a style he'd do well with. Not that he's afraid of a challenge or anything of that nature because anyone who knows Mutsu knows that he's the type to give his all in any fight! But this flavor of Mitsutada might appreciate other opponents over him, hence, his suggestions. )
I'd offer but... I don't really do well in the practice hall.
( It's too open, too formal... Depending, Mitsutada may have seen Mutsu losing most of his more traditional duels in the practice hall but you don't become secretary if you're a loser, right? His fighting style was best displayed outside the hall, in a more non-traditional or, rather, realistic, environment with obstacles and scrappier situations. )
[ Seen, not met - because while he doesn't talk to most people, he still watches them, observing how they acted and spoke. Even without being told, he could understand much of the dynamics that went on in the Citadel, and unlike Horikawa he kept what he saw to himself.
So he knows. And he appreciates Mutsu telling him very much. ]
Thank you.
[ Though the most he would do is request duels politely. He didn't want to hurt his comrades because they can't keep up. ]
But you do very well in sorties, too. I think that is important.
( In his opinion. So what, he isn't that great in the training hall... he can carry himself in battle and keep his friends safe out there and that's what matters most. )
...
Hey... ( He isn't one to go talking about the old Mitsutada all of the time and he's still going to have this one choose his own path but... ) How's ya'r aim?
( Not with a sword but with a rifle. But he leaves the question a little vague and open just in case... )
[ How's his aim... there are quite a few ways that question could go, but he knows what Mutsu is hinting at. The other used a gun, unlike most of the other tsukumogami.
So his answer comes a little faster than usual, accompanied by a nod. ]
Enough to bring down a moving horse at full speed.
[ The bloodbath of Nagashino wasn't that long ago, for him. ]
( Even when he wins a fight, he thanks his opponent for showing him what more he could learn... )
Yeah, yeah! It's a li'l late right now to get things ready but... next time, Mitsutada-kun!
( He's excited now. I mean, look, worst case scenario, he was going to teach this guy how to fire a gun from the beginning all over again but this was even better. )
That gives ya some time to practice 'cos I'm not gonna go easy on ya.
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no subject
As for the saniwa, days had been spent in the forge, trying to bring back a lost comrade. In the process, they'd made many other, new friends which had contributed to the new spirit in the citadel. They were all given their greetings, welcomed into the group, and looked out for but the saniwa always returned to the forge in due time. For as long as the saniwa worked, Mutsunokami hovered nearb. As the saniwa's first sword and chosen secretary, it was his duty to look out for their master.
The day Mitsutada returned had been a lot less celebratory than he-- anyone-- had expected. Of course, they'd made the best of the situation. This was no different than welcoming any other sword for the first time. Welcome home, Mitsutada... who isn't Mitsutada.
Fast forward to today! It's a slow day, with Mutsunokami taking a break from the front lines. Today, it was time for other groups to take the lead. He doesn't mind! After all, he was never much of a warrior's sword to begin with and he much rather preferred to take it easy when he could.
... But the day seems even slower when he's spending it with Nameless Mitsutada. Mutsunokami tries, he really does, but it's difficult being familiar with someone who still regards you as a stranger. Ah... maybe if he got to know him a little better as he is now instead of trying to treat him as he was before? Yes, that seems like a good idea and so, Mutsunokami sits across from him, legs crossed, hands holding onto his ankles, and... watching Mitsutada carefully.
He's practically staring. Rude. )
no subject
Waking up remembering little except for serving under his first master in a human form, being told that you were now seven hundred years in the future, tasked to fight those who would change history. He could take all of that in stride, because he expected his duty to change, and he did not expect Nobunaga to live forever. What perplexed him was the fact that he had apparently lived before, a different man with more memories, that dying had given him some sort of amnesia - and yet, he did not feel any gap in his recollections. Everyone kept talking about how he used to be, which was frustrating to some extent - because that Mitsutada is not him, and would most likely not be, since there was no way to bring back what he supposedly forgot.
So he did what he always remembers doing, throwing himself back into work to prevent those thoughts from coming back to haunt him. Learning old skills again and putting them into practice, that was how he spent his days.
Even if he doesn't really show it, he is grateful to Mutsu for some extent. The uchigatana did not harp too much on his previous incarnations' deeds, and did not ask too many irrelevant questions. That in itself was very helpful.
And now that they both have a day off together, it was inevitable that they would end up in the same room. Two can sort of play at this game, even if he didn't know it was a game in the first place. He returns Mutsu's attention with his own unwavering purple gaze, sharp but not threatening.
This continues for about a minute before he finally says something. ]
... yes?
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If he'd heard Mitsutada at all, it doesn't seem to register. He's too busy focusing on the guy in front of him. After a moment, he rocks forward and then back and then sits up straight as if he has a purpose, )
I was just thinking...! ( About something very serious. ) If ya're from when ya say ya are... that means I'm older than ya now, right?
( Second youngest sword in Citadel. Asking the important questions. )
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I think so.
[ It did make him the youngest sword, now that he puts some thought into it. ]
Does it matter?
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I mean... ( The gears in his mind are turning, he's counting on his fingers, he's doing some math. ) There aren't a lot of other guys here younger than me and we're only a couple of centuries apart now! Which really isn't a lot compared to some of the other guys here.
( Except Kane who has to call him Mutsunokami-san! Okay, no, even Kane can call him Mutsu-kun. )
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[ Because to him he is still nameless, and swords do not need names to be indicated. ]
I suppose that is workable... but only while I am the only Osafune here, of course.
[ Named ones, hopefully. Even he acknowledges that it is a bit inconvenient to have two nameless swords running around. ]
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( So from now on, this is Mitsutada-kun instead of Mitsutada-san. It's a step. )
... Since I'm older, ya should probably call me Mutsunokami-san. ( ... ) I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Most people here call me Mutsu-kun. But ya know me; it doesn't really matter.
( Ranks, formalities, he's always been pretty casual about these things. )
And if we get any Osafune swords, we'll deal with them when they get here. But ya were here first so ya get to pick first.
no subject
Okay.
[ Jikkyu is definitely gone. There were a couple more of his brothers in Nobunaga's collection, as well as others that ended up in the hands of other, potentially rival clans. But he knew little more than that. ]
... you think that they would come?
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Either way, ya beat 'em twice already so if they're gonna get here, they better hurry up.
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I hope so.
[ He wonders how they are doing, idly. Where are they now? Were they still in one piece? ]
I did not expect to come here.
[ This could mean a lot of things, but mostly he refers to having a human form. He's examining his hands now - strangely unmarked, unlike the ones his previous self had. ]
no subject
( So basically, he was a status symbol instead of a utilitarian sword. He was sheathed, kept on display, and sure! Maybe he got to go out on a business trip or two but come on... does that sound exciting to any sword. )
But then I got to meet my last master and everything changed! ( He could prattle about Sakamoto forever (trust him, he's memorized all of the museum tour lectures by now) but he'll spare him. ) I got put away for a long time after him and it was the same old... but now we're here!
( Watching Mitsutada examine his hands, Mutsu really understands. Really! )
Pretty cool, right?
( Would this Mitsutada even care about being cool...... )
no subject
Mm.
[ Just a vague sound of affirmation while he pieces together something worth saying. ]
I think it's interesting to have a change of pace.
[ Though Mutsu should also know that this Mitsutada had a very different history. A past of constant fighting - for him, this is almost a too-long break. ]
no subject
( He can definitely agree. Even if their circumstances are different, being brought here was still, well... nice. It was nice to be of use again, nice to get out, nice to be able to do something, and... nice to be able to make friends. )
But speaking of... ( And he's just going to... scoot himself closer. ) How're ya settling in? Everything okay?
Ya know I'm older than ya so if ya need help, ya can ask me.
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Fine. [ He's not sure what consists as 'good', so it's the best he can give right now. Though... ] The others often talk about him.
[ The other version of himself, he means. ]
Was he really that interesting?
[ Said neutrally, with genuine curiosity. He wants to know what sort of expectation he might have to live up to. ]
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( Just gonna lean back a bit and play with a piece of hair. It isn't that he's avoiding answering the question but he wants to make sure his answer is good. He's gotta answer the question without trying to set this guy up on some pre-set path... Sure, history was going to happen as it was meant to be but this guy... well, he'd been thrown a little off course, you could say. )
Mitsutada-san was a really cool guy. But let's see...
He was... a hardworker. He was always helping out and getting others to do their best too. If ya gave him a job, he took it seriously and ya knew it'd get done well. Oh, and if ya fought him? He'd thank ya for showing him how to get better.. even if he won!
( He's careful to stay a bit to not get too specific. In particular... he might have tried to pick certain traits that a certain someone also has. )
... Hey, have ya helping out around the place but have ya sparred with anyone yet?
( Or is everyone still treading carefully... )
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So, someone who was productive, humble and helpful... He isn't too sure that he could be that last one, especially since speaking with others was so difficult. But the first two, he can do. Hopefully. When they accept him for who he is and not who he was. ]
Mn... yes, I have.
[ But he doesn't look so sure about himself. Only the stronger tachis and older swords did. It seemed that his current style is much more forceful and accurate than what they were accustomed to. ]
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( Is he trying to help Mitsutada make more friends, maybe? )
I'd be careful around Kane-san if I were ya though... ya know he likes to call me a dirty fighter? Ya should see him!
I'll introduce 'em to ya if ya haven't had a chance to talk to 'em already.
( And yet... Mutsu doesn't offer himself to spar with Mitsutada. He's heard rumors about this guy's style, you see, and it doesn't really sound like a style he'd do well with. Not that he's afraid of a challenge or anything of that nature because anyone who knows Mutsu knows that he's the type to give his all in any fight! But this flavor of Mitsutada might appreciate other opponents over him, hence, his suggestions. )
I'd offer but... I don't really do well in the practice hall.
( It's too open, too formal... Depending, Mitsutada may have seen Mutsu losing most of his more traditional duels in the practice hall but you don't become secretary if you're a loser, right? His fighting style was best displayed outside the hall, in a more non-traditional or, rather, realistic, environment with obstacles and scrappier situations. )
no subject
[ Seen, not met - because while he doesn't talk to most people, he still watches them, observing how they acted and spoke. Even without being told, he could understand much of the dynamics that went on in the Citadel, and unlike Horikawa he kept what he saw to himself.
So he knows. And he appreciates Mutsu telling him very much. ]
Thank you.
[ Though the most he would do is request duels politely. He didn't want to hurt his comrades because they can't keep up. ]
But you do very well in sorties, too. I think that is important.
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( In his opinion. So what, he isn't that great in the training hall... he can carry himself in battle and keep his friends safe out there and that's what matters most. )
...
Hey... ( He isn't one to go talking about the old Mitsutada all of the time and he's still going to have this one choose his own path but... ) How's ya'r aim?
( Not with a sword but with a rifle. But he leaves the question a little vague and open just in case... )
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So his answer comes a little faster than usual, accompanied by a nod. ]
Enough to bring down a moving horse at full speed.
[ The bloodbath of Nagashino wasn't that long ago, for him. ]
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If ya want, we can practice together some time! ( "It's what we used to do." ) There aren't a lot of guys I can shoot with here.
If ya're good enough, I'll even let ya help me train the tantou and their troops with me.
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Mm. When you have time, of course.
[ His speciality is in flintlock rifles, but he supposes he can learn too.
At least it made him useful. ]
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Yeah, yeah! It's a li'l late right now to get things ready but... next time, Mitsutada-kun!
( He's excited now. I mean, look, worst case scenario, he was going to teach this guy how to fire a gun from the beginning all over again but this was even better. )
That gives ya some time to practice 'cos I'm not gonna go easy on ya.
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Next time. [ He echoes the other's words after a short pause, punctuating it with a nod. ] I will look forward to it.
[ It's getting late, so he gets up from where he had been sitting. ]
I will be tidying up.
[ Indicating his intention to leave. If Mutsu had anything else to say, now would be the time. ]