He may have grown to be more confident, but Mitsutada's core has always been the same. It's strange, that she should feel relief, that no matter what, she'd still love him for everything he is. Even someone more emotionally constipated than she is. That's saying something.]
I'll teach you everything I know. We can do it now, if you want to spend time doing something on a day off.
[ He nods, stepping away from the wall and waiting for her response. For a moment, his expression changes - just a very subtle, slight smile, and all-too-easily missed by those not paying enough attention. ]
[She's paid attention to him enough to be able to pick it up. It was just a glimpse, but she stares, just a little, before she shakes it off and leads him to the kitchen. Seeing how in the future he will be very comfortable in it, she's sure he will be fine.]
---
[Days past since her next visit, but seeing how Mitsutada has opened up to her, just a little, she resolves to see him again. Although, this time, she was a little more hurried, as she was running late (at least, so she considered when she made her schedule), being held back by work with her older brother in a crucial trade meeting.
With a good part of reaching the Citadel requiring traversing by foot, she notes, while making her way closer to the edge of the lands, close to the fields, how she is far into the afternoon, and the visit would potentially be a short one. But she does not have much time to consider what other options she has when she picks up on movement around her.
All she does is quicken her pace, but she stays alert. Once she crosses into the Saniwa's lands, all should be well.]
It's not something be has been expecting, but it is something he isn't quite sure how to deal with. He knows that it could simply be some sort of mundane reason, but the route to the Citadel has been a little strange these couple of days. It was situated far away from civilization to allow the swords some peace, but its distance made it hard to reach as well.
So he's walking along the road out now, hoping to see if he could meet and escort her along the way. Anywhere with a high concentration of spirits tended to draw more of them - and not all of them are beneficial. ]
[Not every country is able to see spirits. But with greater power clustering around an area, it seems like she would be able to. In any case, she knew it was since it moved so fast that it cut her off.
And she couldn't even see its form properly when they found each other trying to find the other off. She wasn't sure if it was because of her own self not being quite human that she was able to fight it, but as long as her punches and kicks connect, she's not going to complain.
It is just incredibly irritating to be unarmed for such a moment.]
What are you? Do you want to hurt them?
[If anyone is in the premises, they would be able to hear her demanding answers. She can't die, but it doesn't mean this wasn't going to hurt.]
[ The spirit lurks mostly in the growing shadows, two red eyes glowing from within the darkness. There is the sound of rattling as it moves, accompanied by low, animalistic growls - and the glint of silver on its claws.
Vietnam's strikes can wind it somewhat, but she does too little damage to incapacitate it completely. But luckily for both of them, her shouting lets him locate her, and he is by her side within a few moments. He isn't wearing any armour, but his true form is drawn and purple gaze sharpened to terrifying intensity. ]
I have you covered.
[ And then, as he turns to address their opponent in a frighteningly soft hiss: ]
Die.
[ His slashes are precise and forceful, chaining one after another to force the beast backwards - even reverting mid-strike and manifesting some distance away to shift into a more advantageous position. The demon bleeds glowing ectoplasm everywhere, staining his well-pressed clothes, but he doesn't seem to care. ]
[She had no idea how to destroy it, but as long as she could keep up with it, she'll think of something. Keeping up is one thing, though, as it takes strong hits and she's not left undamaged. It'll take more than that to take her down, though.
What she didn't expect was for Mitsutada to be looking for, so seeing his larger form surprised her enough to stop.]
Mitsu-- [Not Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, it is the Nameless Mitsutada, but nonetheless she was happy to see him. And for the first time, she saw him in action, and it was a sight to see.
But she had no time to admire it, in this growing darkness, because the blood covering him had her forget for a moment that it wasn't his own, and for once she felt fear that he will die yet again.]
[ There were some things that his previous version had gradually forgotten, or otherwise hid away for a variety of reasons. The sheer ferocity and accuracy of his strikes were one of them, because he was taken from a time where his sole purpose was to kill - and he did it with terrifying perfection, using the environment around him as well as his spirit form to full advantage.
There is a metallic shing and blue light flares along the length of his sword - a flash of brilliance that was blinding in the evening light. The beast sputters and falls, its form shattering into myriads of splinters that fizzed away harmlessly on the ground.
His stance doesn't relax until he can confirm that it is indeed gone. Then, he sheathes his blade without a word. ]
[They say even the nicest of people can be monsters on the battlefield. If there was an example, Vietnam would name herself. Giving her all extends to even the most violent of tasks. To say she wasn't expecting it would be a lie, that Mitsutada, having been said to be one of the stronger tachis, would not be a beast in battle.
She never expected Mitsutada to be this vicious though. It was like he saw only one thing, to end the life of whatever was coming. It was keen, precise. And he wasn't going to lose.
Vietnam didn't know how she should feel. There was a chill, but it wasn't fear. She wasn't afraid. And there was a part of her that was mesmerised by his strength.
It was only when he sheathed his sword that she moves to join him.]
Are you alright? Are you... [The blood covering him catches her eye. But while this disturbing vision before her would make others think him bloodthirsty, she immediately searches him for wounds.] A-are you hurt?!
[ She comes too close too fast, and there is a part of him which is still on high alert - so he moves back, but it's merely by reflex and the kill in his sharp purple eyes is fast fading. ]
I am not.
[ As much as he is okay with Vietnam, having her come too close still makes him a little uncomfortable. ]
[She stops as he requests, hands raised to show that she means no harm. The heat of the battle must still be getting to him, and she had always been one to respect space.
It didn't mean she'll stop worrying about his condition.]
Are you sure? We should get back as soon as possible, and get you cleaned up.
[ He's managed to calm himself fast enough to return to his usual breathing, but still very aware in case something else pops up. He doesn't seem to notice the sheer amount of blood splattered over his clothes, only realizing when he adjusts his hair and sees the stains on his fingers.
Examining his hands, he shows no sign of reaction towards this. ]
I am unharmed.
[ Mostly because his spirit charge orbs took the damage for him, but also because the beast barely landed a scratch. ]
[Yes, it's actually quite worrying how much blood is on him. In fact, it should be worrying how easy he's taking it, but what's done has been done. No one should flinch at the sight of blood in battle. She's seasoned enough.
But as along as he is fine, she sighs in relief.]
As long as you are unharmed. I... [--don't want to go through this again.] Let's return to the citadel. Before anyone realises. [She pauses.]
Thank you, for helping me. And coming out for me too. I troubled you greatly.
[ He proceeds to train his clear purple gaze on her - clear like ice, or sharply tinted glass. ]
No, you did not.
[ And then he turns towards the Citadel, signifying that he did not wish to speak further on the matter. He doesn't look back.
Because what needs to be done will be done. Circumstances can, and will change. Such as these. If he did not adapt his schedule to it, then he would not have fulfilled his duty.
Even if Nobunaga was gone, that sense of perfection still remains with him. ]
[It should relieve her when he says she did not trouble him. But she's still filled with dread, just watching him walk forward, and she follows. Because she did trouble him. No matter what happened, he still had to fight, and it was because she was late that he had to look for her.
She heaves a long sigh as she continues after him in silence. How does one make it up to him, though? The same rules do not apply now, his younger self does not appreciate the same things he does.
Vietnam looks up. His back still looks the same to her. Still the same shadows cast when the light his them from the Citadel, now growing bigger as they get closer.]
[ His silhouette may look the same, but there are still subtle differences. He wears a vest instead of a suit, in the colours of the Oda pennants instead of the pure black and white which were a permanent fixture for his previous self.
They make their way to the Citadel in complete silence. Once they finally reach the courtyard, he turns to face her with a questioning expression.
Tell him what needs to be done, and he will do it. ]
[At times, he even looked a little younger. If it was just because he didn't have the same experience written on his face like Mitsutada did. But all these reminders tell her she has to deal with him differently. He has yet to learn.
Silence has never been awkward to her, and it actually allowed her to gather her thoughts. What to do? How to make it up to him? What would the others say? But as he stops, he looks at her for the first time since they've headed back, and he looks...inquiringly?
What? He's asking for her request? Command? She's certain it's a request.]
Let us sneak in, so that they will not find out and be worried. Take me to your quarters. [Before making it look like all is well, they have to make sure he looks convincingly the part.]
[ He responds with a nod, looking around briefly to make sure they were not being followed before moving into the building itself. He could walk soundlessly if he so wished, and it only takes a short while before they arrive at his room.
Much of the things had been left exactly as they were. The only things he had used would be the bed and the washroom. Nothing else was touched. ]
[Once again she follows. She knows the route to his room, which made it easier for her to remain quiet as she trails after.
It was a surprise, since she had not stepped foot into his room since his unusual return. It looked the same, exactly how it was before he left for battle that day. And it was enough to make her heart sink, but she tried not to show any sign of sadness. Her fists clench to stop it, and she forces herself to speak.]
It's...tidy. [A mediocre start, but still something.] I will get you some fresh clothes, and let's see, there should be a kit here somewhere so we can wipe the blood off of you... [It might be strange to see how well she knew every part of this room.]
[ Mitsutada speaks, for the first time since they left the now-bloodied path. ]
I will do it on my own.
[ He does not, will not need help, because Nobunaga demanded every man stand on his own - and the same applied to his swords as well.
So he merely unbuckles the sheath from his belt, laying his true form on the table and the scabbard by its side. The blade is still stained with blood, it had already dried. ]
[The blade she knows she cannot touch, since it every sword needs to be carefully handled. Only be a Saniwa or rarely trained attendants, and then also their masters.
She stops, slowly nodding.] Yes, ah...
[Her grip changes. Relax, Vietnam. Being here threw her off her game more than she predicted.]
But let me repay you, somehow. I am unsure how to make it up to you, so please tell me what you want, something I can do.
[ He doesn't need to look directly at her to know where she is, because his senses are honed to razor keenness and sometimes he stopped breathing consciously to not block out fainter sounds that helped with echolocation.
But repayment... that is not something he had thought about. So he is silent for a good few minutes, while he starts cleaning the blood off his true form. ]
[ He doesn't take his time, getting everything efficiently finished - cleaning his true form and refining the edge where it had been slightly dented, then cleaning up himself and getting a fresh change of clothes. While he did not have more than a few pieces of his own, he manages to make use of his previous self's things.
So when he comes out, he's wearing a white dress shirt and tie, but with the conspicuous lack of a jacket. If he is surprised by Vietnam's presence, he doesn't show it - merely giving her his usual unreadable blank look. ]
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[ He didn't expect any less from himself. ]
I... want to be useful to everyone.
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He may have grown to be more confident, but Mitsutada's core has always been the same. It's strange, that she should feel relief, that no matter what, she'd still love him for everything he is. Even someone more emotionally constipated than she is. That's saying something.]
I'll teach you everything I know. We can do it now, if you want to spend time doing something on a day off.
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[ He nods, stepping away from the wall and waiting for her response. For a moment, his expression changes - just a very subtle, slight smile, and all-too-easily missed by those not paying enough attention. ]
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---
[Days past since her next visit, but seeing how Mitsutada has opened up to her, just a little, she resolves to see him again. Although, this time, she was a little more hurried, as she was running late (at least, so she considered when she made her schedule), being held back by work with her older brother in a crucial trade meeting.
With a good part of reaching the Citadel requiring traversing by foot, she notes, while making her way closer to the edge of the lands, close to the fields, how she is far into the afternoon, and the visit would potentially be a short one. But she does not have much time to consider what other options she has when she picks up on movement around her.
All she does is quicken her pace, but she stays alert. Once she crosses into the Saniwa's lands, all should be well.]
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It's not something be has been expecting, but it is something he isn't quite sure how to deal with. He knows that it could simply be some sort of mundane reason, but the route to the Citadel has been a little strange these couple of days. It was situated far away from civilization to allow the swords some peace, but its distance made it hard to reach as well.
So he's walking along the road out now, hoping to see if he could meet and escort her along the way. Anywhere with a high concentration of spirits tended to draw more of them - and not all of them are beneficial. ]
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And she couldn't even see its form properly when they found each other trying to find the other off. She wasn't sure if it was because of her own self not being quite human that she was able to fight it, but as long as her punches and kicks connect, she's not going to complain.
It is just incredibly irritating to be unarmed for such a moment.]
What are you? Do you want to hurt them?
[If anyone is in the premises, they would be able to hear her demanding answers. She can't die, but it doesn't mean this wasn't going to hurt.]
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Vietnam's strikes can wind it somewhat, but she does too little damage to incapacitate it completely. But luckily for both of them, her shouting lets him locate her, and he is by her side within a few moments. He isn't wearing any armour, but his true form is drawn and purple gaze sharpened to terrifying intensity. ]
I have you covered.
[ And then, as he turns to address their opponent in a frighteningly soft hiss: ]
Die.
[ His slashes are precise and forceful, chaining one after another to force the beast backwards - even reverting mid-strike and manifesting some distance away to shift into a more advantageous position. The demon bleeds glowing ectoplasm everywhere, staining his well-pressed clothes, but he doesn't seem to care. ]
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What she didn't expect was for Mitsutada to be looking for, so seeing his larger form surprised her enough to stop.]
Mitsu-- [Not Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, it is the Nameless Mitsutada, but nonetheless she was happy to see him. And for the first time, she saw him in action, and it was a sight to see.
But she had no time to admire it, in this growing darkness, because the blood covering him had her forget for a moment that it wasn't his own, and for once she felt fear that he will die yet again.]
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There is a metallic shing and blue light flares along the length of his sword - a flash of brilliance that was blinding in the evening light. The beast sputters and falls, its form shattering into myriads of splinters that fizzed away harmlessly on the ground.
His stance doesn't relax until he can confirm that it is indeed gone. Then, he sheathes his blade without a word. ]
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She never expected Mitsutada to be this vicious though. It was like he saw only one thing, to end the life of whatever was coming. It was keen, precise. And he wasn't going to lose.
Vietnam didn't know how she should feel. There was a chill, but it wasn't fear. She wasn't afraid. And there was a part of her that was mesmerised by his strength.
It was only when he sheathed his sword that she moves to join him.]
Are you alright? Are you... [The blood covering him catches her eye. But while this disturbing vision before her would make others think him bloodthirsty, she immediately searches him for wounds.] A-are you hurt?!
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I am not.
[ As much as he is okay with Vietnam, having her come too close still makes him a little uncomfortable. ]
Please don't touch me.
[ No really. Don't. ]
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It didn't mean she'll stop worrying about his condition.]
Are you sure? We should get back as soon as possible, and get you cleaned up.
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Examining his hands, he shows no sign of reaction towards this. ]
I am unharmed.
[ Mostly because his spirit charge orbs took the damage for him, but also because the beast barely landed a scratch. ]
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But as along as he is fine, she sighs in relief.]
As long as you are unharmed. I... [--don't want to go through this again.] Let's return to the citadel. Before anyone realises. [She pauses.]
Thank you, for helping me. And coming out for me too. I troubled you greatly.
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No, you did not.
[ And then he turns towards the Citadel, signifying that he did not wish to speak further on the matter. He doesn't look back.
Because what needs to be done will be done. Circumstances can, and will change. Such as these. If he did not adapt his schedule to it, then he would not have fulfilled his duty.
Even if Nobunaga was gone, that sense of perfection still remains with him. ]
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She heaves a long sigh as she continues after him in silence. How does one make it up to him, though? The same rules do not apply now, his younger self does not appreciate the same things he does.
Vietnam looks up. His back still looks the same to her. Still the same shadows cast when the light his them from the Citadel, now growing bigger as they get closer.]
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They make their way to the Citadel in complete silence. Once they finally reach the courtyard, he turns to face her with a questioning expression.
Tell him what needs to be done, and he will do it. ]
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Silence has never been awkward to her, and it actually allowed her to gather her thoughts. What to do? How to make it up to him? What would the others say? But as he stops, he looks at her for the first time since they've headed back, and he looks...inquiringly?
What? He's asking for her request? Command? She's certain it's a request.]
Let us sneak in, so that they will not find out and be worried. Take me to your quarters. [Before making it look like all is well, they have to make sure he looks convincingly the part.]
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Much of the things had been left exactly as they were. The only things he had used would be the bed and the washroom. Nothing else was touched. ]
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It was a surprise, since she had not stepped foot into his room since his unusual return. It looked the same, exactly how it was before he left for battle that day. And it was enough to make her heart sink, but she tried not to show any sign of sadness. Her fists clench to stop it, and she forces herself to speak.]
It's...tidy. [A mediocre start, but still something.] I will get you some fresh clothes, and let's see, there should be a kit here somewhere so we can wipe the blood off of you... [It might be strange to see how well she knew every part of this room.]
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I will do it on my own.
[ He does not, will not need help, because Nobunaga demanded every man stand on his own - and the same applied to his swords as well.
So he merely unbuckles the sheath from his belt, laying his true form on the table and the scabbard by its side. The blade is still stained with blood, it had already dried. ]
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She stops, slowly nodding.] Yes, ah...
[Her grip changes. Relax, Vietnam. Being here threw her off her game more than she predicted.]
But let me repay you, somehow. I am unsure how to make it up to you, so please tell me what you want, something I can do.
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But repayment... that is not something he had thought about. So he is silent for a good few minutes, while he starts cleaning the blood off his true form. ]
Wait for me outside.
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Perhaps he didn't want anything at all, he always had been the type. She'll press again later, he does need space to clean up.]
Alright. If you need anything, please call out for me.
[She turns to leave, closing the door after her and stands outside, trying not to look so obvious should someone come past.
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So when he comes out, he's wearing a white dress shirt and tie, but with the conspicuous lack of a jacket. If he is surprised by Vietnam's presence, he doesn't show it - merely giving her his usual unreadable blank look. ]
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