鴉の武士

｛刀｝－ The sword had slumbered quietly for so long. Unused, unattended, sheathed for countless years. He missed the sting of battle, the warmth of being admired, the kindness of being polished and cared for. He missed the thoughts and feelings of another, of being an extension to a swordmaster’s body. Two souls of one purpose, one path.

His consciousness twitched. Reforming slowly in that quiet darkness within steel. And then with a blinding flash of light, he was torn free of it. Torn free and…felt a strange shape to his being. Something other than metal. Other than sword and sheathe. The shape around his soul made him think of…a body.

“I…” A voice. He knew somehow that it came from himself.

How do I have a voice? The light dimmed slightly. Kijinmaru was now able to see in a different way than ever before. Not with sensation and soul. But with actual vision. He looked down at himself and gasped. 

Lungs, breath, a heartbeat? Hands and wrists and a body!? 

He touched his clothing, unsure if it was real. If he was really in this form. He felt the touch of fabric, felt what it was like to feel with fingers and skin. He felt warm and alive. 

Stunned, Kijinmaru looked up, and found himself meeting the golden gaze of a man.

Something impelled him to speak, some instinct beyond will and thought. 

“I am Sesshu Sumi Ikeda Kijinmaru Kunishige. Why have you summoned me?” 

And then he froze, further surprise furrowing through him. “You…You are…Miyoshi Yutaka?” 

｛刀｝－ Miyoshi’s voice roused Kijinmaru from his dismal musings. He glanced up warily at the other man, forcing himself to focus on each word. It was odd, having such loud thoughts and to feel emotions in such a physical way. He sniffed, silently begging the prickling in his eyes and the odd dampness on his cheeks to disappear as he listened as attentively as he possibly could manage.

The description of the enemy was odd, pinching at a bright note of curiosity that, at least for the moment, helped cast Kijinmaru’s darker thoughts aside. “Like us…Me and the others…Blades…” His brows furrowed. Odd, but somehow soothing to know he was not the only sword now given flesh.

Speaking of appearances…Kijinmaru briefly wondered how he looked. Although, part of him thought perhaps a “demonic” appearance would suit him quite well. After all…

Kijinmaru found himself reaching for the tea mug. Holding it the way he knew his master would have, but not yet bringing it to his lips. He breathed in the steam, his mind dancing across the words Miyoshi was speaking. He felt a little overwhelmed, his confusion still firmly in place, but there was one thing that stood out to him and gave him a small sense of comfort, allowing the odd sensations in his face and body to finally quiet.

Fighting. He was a blade, designed to be used. That was his purpose and he had always longed for the thrill of battle. To be loved for what he did. To destroy or to protect. To join his will with another’s and act without hesitation.  

Kijinmaru waved a hand. “Iya iya,” he said. “I am made to fight, and I am pleased to be called forth to do so.” It’s been so long. “I would gladly serve the hand of one with a warrior’s soul such as yours,” he continued. Even if Saitou was gone and Miyoshi was acting bizarrely, surely his old master would be pleased to see who would command him now.

“Please, if you would tell me more about this enemy? What is their purpose? Has warfare changed back to blades? You know I really hate guns so Iamverypleasedtoknowtheyhavefallenoutoffashionandwebladesareofusagain, Saitou-samawouldbesopleased, ne?”

[ 鴉 ] - It brought him some comfort that Kijinmaru wasn’t at all bothered being summoned to fight, actually it made sense why he would want to fight he was made exactly for that purpose.

However being told that he had a warrior’s soul felt wrong to the saniwa, as if he were one of the great samurai from the past. Sure he was taught some swordsmanship and archery before coming here but that was mostly for self defense or support, would Kijinmaru be disappointed upon finding this out?

Miyoshi closed his eyes briefly to push down those needless thoughts and focused on answering the other’s questions, he wasn’t sure what Kijinmaru would do or say if he learnt they could go back in time, to a time where Saitou Hajime lived. Would he suddenly demand that they go there? The saniwa wasn’t supposed to use that power unless it was for a mission.

Taking a deep breath Miyoshi straightened himself before speaking, deciding to tell him anyway as he would most likely find out one way or another.

“Well for the most part yes, swords are used more often in battle but that all depends where or rather when our enemy decides to go. Its very hard to explain and frankly I’m not even sure myself how it is even possible but the enemy is able to travel back in time and are determined to rewrite history, if they succeed then this future is in terrible danger.”

“Saniwa,” he muttered below his breath, before exhaling heavily and trying to draw himself up straighter. Saitou never would have acted like this. But, now that he thought about it…with Saitou gone, perhaps that part of his soul that had been fused with his was…also gone.

It took a moment for the tachi to be able to speak past the pain in his core.

“What is this enemy?” he asked, each word leaving his lips slowly. His fingers knotted in his ebony hair, as if it could shield him from what he was hearing, from this new reality he had somehow been dragged into. “And why…why wake me, after all this time?”

He watched Miyoshi’s movements. How odd, all of this. A body. Being thrust back into daylight after countless years. A new purpose, it seemed. And a man who did not remember what Kijinmaru did. A man who once served under his master would now be his own master, it seemed. A blade still, but used…differently. Less directly. A blade wielding a blade.

All of this almost felt too absurd for Kijinmaru. His frenzied emotions struggled to push through again, and he knew his feelings were clearly visible in each feature of his new face - whatever it even looked like, the sword had no clue. He stared at Miyoshi with stormy eyes, the confusion, grief, and uncertainty shining visibly within.

He almost wished he was still in that darkness, rotting away in loneliness, preserved in absence.

[ 鴉 ] - The saniwa lifted his head at the sound of the other’s voice, it seemed as though he had calmed down just enough to be listening to his words which gave miyoshi great relief. Then next came Kijinmaru’s question, he wasn’t expecting him to be interested right away considering how confused and hurt he looked but it was an opening for him at least. 

“The enemy isn’t anything we’ve seen before, they are similar to you and the others in the way that they are also blades but they seemed to be contorted... almost demonic in appearance, as for who orders they follow we haven’t been able to find that out yet...” 

Miyoshi debated if he should continue speaking as he wasn’t sure on how the blade would react upon hearing that the enemy goes back in history to change its outcome, and it was their job to also go back and prevent that from happening. 

[✾] — Twilight wrinkled the sky with deepening folds of darkness. The streets were relatively calm, foot traffic growing thinner as the light waned. Saitou led his division through alleyway and open spaces alike, marching through Kyoto with a blank expression and a sharp gaze. 

So far, their patrol had proven uneventful. As nighttime fully descended, however, there was always the chance for criminal activity or drunken ronin to stumble into their path. Saitou remained silently observant, ignoring the chattering amongst his division.

Something unexpected caught at his gaze. Saitou turned his head. A flicker of sky blue. Immediately, his hand slid back, resting on the hilt of his blade. No other patrols should have been at this section of the city at the moment. Something was wrong. 

The air was too still, too quiet, tensile. Like a thread pulled too taut. It was ready to snap any second. Saitou maintained his even pace, hand tightening imperceptibly on the hilt. His senses were alert as he scanned their surroundings for any sign of their presence.

They rounded a corner. Saitou stopped abruptly. 

Ahead of them were five men, their backs towards the patrol, adorned in the blue jackets of the Shinsengumi. Odd, low laughter bubbled quietly from their lips. Someone from the third division called Saitou’s name softly, confusion in his tone.

The men turned, red eyes blazing in the shadows. Before the patrol’s very eyes, black and brown hair sank beneath the colour white. Their mouths twisted to show their teeth, their features drawn with a feral madness.

The corners of Saitou’s eyes tightened. The third division was not to know about the rasetsu. No one was, aside from the captains who were already privy to the existence of the deranged soldiers. Now it seemed they were to be introduced violently.

With wild squeals chanting for blood, the rasetsu charged Saitou and his men, blades drawn, speed unnatural, screeching apart the fabric of night.

Yet despite lack of enthusiasm the samurai was doing as he should, he stayed in formation behind his captain and looked around for any signs of unrest, even if he did look more casual doing it then the serious captain Saitou Hajime. 

As he turned his head he caught something flash in the corner of his eye, it happened so fast that he wasn’t sure if he even saw anything, that is until he noted his captain’s hand tightening his grip on his sword. Miyoshi didn’t say anything as they continued along their designated route but remained on high alert none the less. 

As they turned Saitou had stopped abruptly, almost causing Miyoshi to run into him. Looking past his captain’s shoulders he noted the men ahead of them wearing the familiar blue colour of the shinsengumi but as a low fit of laughter erupted from them it became clear something was up as Miyoshi grabbed the hilt of his sword. 

“Saitou-san?” 

But before he could get an answer from his captain the mens’ appearance changed right before their eyes, and before he could ask anything else they were already under attack. Miyoshi just barely drawing his blade in time to deflect one of the possessed men’s blows.

  Are they even human? the samurai wondered as his balance faltered from the unnatural strength from his attacker’s blow. 

｛刀｝－ The command to be silent caught Kijinmaru off guard. He found himself obeying, whether more out of surprise or nature, he was unsure. After all, it was a blade’s nature to obey their master. To do as directed.

Just as suddenly as he felt it, his surprise sank beneath the emotions churning within. Kijinmaru hissed a breath out through his teeth, and turned his face away from Miyoshi.

The man’s next words, however, plucked at his nerves anew. An odd pounding was sounding in his head, matching the thick warmth of his newly forged heartbeat. He whipped his gaze back towards Miyoshi, hands and jaw tightly clenched. “Of course I know Saitou-sama is dead! I was there!”

Kijinmaru’s voice broke on the words, the anger rushing out of him. In its place, a feeling like water, tugging at him. His chest felt crowded, his body felt tense, he felt…He felt the same way he had in that dark void of disuse.

“I was there when he died,” he said, his voice dwindling to a murmur. “And I have been impossibly alone since then. I do not know what year it is, or even where I am. But if you are here, Miyoshi-san, I just thought…I thought perhaps time had somehow…If-If I can have a body, by some magic, th-then maybe…”

The muscles between his shoulder blades twitched. He hung his head, shielding his face from view with his hand as the water overflowed.

“I know nothing about life anymore, or my purpose, but I know your soul, Miyoshi-sama. I know it. You fought under his command, and he truly cared about you. I..I just…I don’t understand…”

The sound of footsteps. A voice called out. “Aruji-sama? Are you alright?”

Kijinmaru’s confusion deepened. Who was that? Why were they calling Miyoshi their master? “Who…Who is here? Why am I even here?” he breathed out shakily, the wetness still spilling down his cheeks.

[ 鴉 ] - The young male hated being chosen for this role, sure it always had its ups and downs but this really took it to the next level. This whole situation, this whole thing was beyond him, he just wanted to live a normal young adult life with their normal problems. Yet he isn’t able to have a normal life, so in the end he shouldn’t- No he couldn’t blame Kijinmaru for any of this, even if he did the summoning the same as always something must have went wrong on his end for the sword to think he remembered him. 

The sudden sound of  Heshikiri’s voice caused the saniwa to stop thinking about what was happening and actually do something to solve the situation. 

“Yes! I’m fine, please tell everyone to continue to stay away from this corridor.” 

“Yes Aruji-sama”

Once Miyoshi heard Heshikiri’s footsteps fade out he began to take a few steps forward towards Kijinmaru and took a deep breath before kneeling down in seiza while facing the tearing man, honestly the pain and confusion on his face didn’t make any of this easier for Miyoshi, it mostly just caused him even more guilt for being so immature and insensitive.

“I apologize for everything. I am the person responsible for all of this, I summoned you here but something must have gone wrong for you to think you remember me- or for me to not remember.” Miyoshi quickly added the last part to save them both from the continuing argument of who thinks what is true, he could deal with that later when both of them weren’t so emotional 

“I never gave you the formal introduction or explanation, so I hope you will allow me to do that now, I am Miyoshi Yukata, I am the Saniwa who is able to bring famous swords of the past to life, the person before was also a sword Heshikiri. Only with your help we can defeat a new enemy that has appeared to destroy the modern day life as we know it.” 

The samurai let out a light chuckle upon hearing the question, turning his head to face who he was speaking with. 

“Goodness, no I’m hardly qualifie-” he stopped mid sentence upon seeing the others face. he could barely process in his brain to whom he was speaking to, he looked like a younger version of…

The revelation that the visitor wasn’t a captain surprised Yuki deeply. It was only the other captains who seemed to show their faces, and the boy could easily guess why.

“Saitou was your captain?” Yuki unfolded his arms and lifted a brow. “Must have been rough. He’s strict as hell. Let me guess, he expected you to be perfect at everything, right? And drop everything to do exactly what he wanted when he wanted it.” Yuki’s voice still carried an edge, but this time more sardonic than angered. “And then he wouldn’t even say anything when you actually did it. No acknowledgement at all.”

Yuki found his gaze shifting away; a strange sadness tugged at him faintly.

“No clue why you’d want to come visit him.” I wouldn’t, Yuki thought bitterly. He was there for his siblings and mother, no one else. It was strange to imagine anyone who got bossed around by Saitou actually wanting to spend time with him.

[ 鴉 ] -  This was getting slightly more awkward for the samurai, by the sounds of it their relationship as father and son was... unstable to say the least, perhaps it even has already crumbled. 

“Ah you could say he was strict, but I didn’t join the Shinsengumi expecting to be coddled.” 

Then Miyoshi seemed to smile a little as he began remembering things from the past.  “Actually I gave him a pretty hard time, I’d skip out on training, cause all sorts of trouble around the compound... He doesn’t still do random drills before the crack of dawn does he?” 

Kijinmaru nodded emphatically and allowed Miyoshi to usher him back into the room. He sat down in seiza, then thought better of it and shifted his posture. He watched the tea fill the mugs, staring hard at the curls of steam as his heart raced. Soon he would have the answers he desperately sought.

But the moment Miyoshi began to speak, a horrible pain clutched Kijinmaru’s chest. He gasped, gaze snapping up to Miyoshi’s face, searching his eyes desperately. Surely this was some kind of horrible jest. This was Miyoshi Yutaka, Kijinmaru knew that without a shred of doubt. It was not appearances he knew, but souls, and this was the soul of Miyoshi.

Kijinmaru felt like he couldn’t breathe.His chest was aching and his eyes were losing focus, his mind racing jaggedly. “Uso,” he said breathlessly. “That cannot be…” His fingers rose, pressing against his forehead. He noticed they were shaking, that his whole human form was humming with a weird trembling that only unsettled him more.

“Why are you lying? And how…How can Saitou-sama be…If you are here…You did serve under him in the Third Division. I remember you. I remember.”

An odd wavering consumed Kijinmaru’s vision. Everything grew clouded as something warm began to well up, only to seep coldly against the skin beneath his eyes. Frustration, dark and deep, filled him.

His fingers curled against his forehead, his back rounding as he leaned forward, one elbow digging into his thigh. “This makes no sense.” He felt lost. He felt…He wasn’t even sure how he felt. He had never felt emotion this strongly before. Not even when Saitou…

He lifted his head, azure eyes flashing as they rose to Miyoshi’s face. A fierce glare was pressed into his features as anger overpower the confusion. “You are a liar!” He jerked to his feet. “I will not stand for this! Either we are back in time and Saitou-sama is out there, or you are somehow…you somehow…” He growled in aggravation, unable to think of any possible explanation.

“You are lying!”

Even if he did look too young. Even if the years had truly marched ahead. This was the same man. It had to be.

[ 鴉 ] - Hearing the slight break in the sword’s voice caused Miyoshi to look up and face the other, and honestly he wish he hadn’t. Seeing him break emotionally like this caused a heavy weight of guilt to overcome him, the saniwa didn’t know what to say or do, he felt like if he said anything more it would cause the situation to get worse. 

Yet even staying silent proved to be another terrible decision on his part as Kijinmaru then asked him why he was lying, it would be easier to explain what had happened but since the sword somehow thinks he remembers him in the Shinsengumi it made it almost impossible to make thing clearer. This had to be Miyoshi’s fault, something wrong must have happened in the summoning and Kijinmaru was paying the price for his mistake. 

“I-” 

The Saniwa was about to speak but the glare he received from the other caused the words to catch in his throat, it caused his body to stiffen up in fear, never had he had anyone look at him with such hatred. However even if this was his fault for the way Kijinmaru was feeling he had just about enough of being yelled at and being proclaimed as a liar.

Clenching his hands into fists to stop the slight shaking, the saniwa then stood up abruptly and faced the sword. “Enough!” He shouted loudly in a voice that even he didn’t know he was possible of making. “I’m sorry okay?! I don’t know why you think I was in Saitou Hajime’s division but I wasn’t! Do you think it’s easy for me to summon you and then having to tell you your master is gone cause you somehow refuse to believe that he died?! You were still with him when he grew old weren’t you?!” 

When he finally stopped shouting at the other to catch his breath Miyoshi had realized what he had done, and placed his hand to cover his face shamefully. He was the saniwa he couldn’t be having verbal fights with the swords. 

Shit...

“Eto...” He looked at the tea tray balanced uneasily in Miyoshi’s hands, at the steamy droplets that had rattled out of the cups. Heat rose to his face yet again. Miyoshi really wasn’t gone all that long...

“I know Saitou-sama was always so patient and andheneverwouldhavebrokenadoorlikethatIdon’tevenknowhowitbrokeIjustopeneditlikeyoudid, Miyoshi-san.” Kijinmaru found himself out of breath from his own quick words, but his shame made it hard to speak at a lower speed.

He swallowed. “Saitou-sama...he isn’t...here, is he? ThatistosayIdon’tknowwhatyearitisbutifyou’rehere....” Kijinmaru took a deep breath. “If you’re here, my master must be too?”

[ 鴉 ] - A heavy sigh came from Miyoshi, it wasn’t like he was angry but rather he was relieved that the other seemed unhurt. However he had hoped that he could wait a bit before telling him well everything, it was never easy telling the swords who were more attached to their previous master that they were gone. “It’s alright Kijinmaru no one expects you to be like Saitou-san, I’m just glad you’re unhurt. Let us go back in the room and I can explain everything to you while we have tea yes?”

He waited for Kijinmaru to sit before entering himself and pouring tea into both their cups, he sat down rubbing the back of his neck wondering how he should begin.

“Well I guess I should explain that while my is Miyoshi Yutaka I never served under Saitou Hajime or for anyone in the Shinsengumi. I wasn’t even born during that time...” He paused briefly wondering how to continue, or was he trying to stall before having to tell the sword the worst part?

The samurai let out a light chuckle upon hearing the question, turning his head to face who he was speaking with. 

“Goodness, no I’m hardly qualifie-” he stopped mid sentence upon seeing the others face. he could barely process in his brain to whom he was speaking to, he looked like a younger version of…

The teen glared at the other man, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Quit staring at me like that. State who you are and why you’re here, or I’ll assume you’re a trespasser.”

Yikes! 

This was one angry and rude teenager! Apparently He only got his looks from his father and nothing else.

“Look, I’m sorry for staring but you surprised me. And if you must know I was in the third division of the Shinsengumi, Saitou Hajime was my captain.” 

The Samurai then wondered if his captain ever mentioned him, and silently hoped that he hadn’t. 

The sword looked around the room, studying it. Saitou was good at being patient. Surely he could be as well. And he would finally try tea, something he knew his master had loved. He could wait to have his questions answered.

Kijinmaru hopped to his feet and hurried towards the shouji, trying to catch a glimpse of movement through the rice paper. Nothing. Just swaying shadows from a tree branch. He found himself raking his fingers through his long, dark hair, noting its softness faintly before his focus snapped back into place. Human bodies were strange and distracting.

But he needed answers.

He reached for the door. Kijinmaru hesitated. What if he was in the Shinsengumi compound…and why did he feel like it would be a very bad thing for him to stroll out if he was? Some part of him knew they could never see him, that he needed to hide himself from them. But if Miyoshi was the one who summoned him, then maybe it was alright? Not that he was even sure of where and when he was. He would just have to find Miyoshi and ask again, maybe with more urgency or more plainly.

As he contemplated this, Kijinmaru grasped the shouji and slid it open with all of his might. There was a terrible crunching noise. The sliding door bucked and wobbled, a flake of wood spitting to the ground. And one of the panels looked ripped.

Shimatta.

Kijinmaru rushed around to the outside of the door, inspecting the damages. He shook it loosely. Was it supposed to be at an angle like that? Why was it so frail? Maybe he could fix it?

No. No, he couldn’t. He didn’t even understand how he had broken it in the first place. Clearly, it was the shouji’s fault for being so weak.

[ 鴉 ]  -   In the kitchen Miyoshi was trying to make the tea as fast as he could, often muttering curses towards the pot and water for not heating faster. When it was finally done he almost spilled it everywhere has he flung it onto the tray and walked as fast as he was able to while carrying a tray of tea back to the room, and just as he was about to turn the corner down the hall.

Crunch

Oh shit

Turning the corner he could see the frame of the shouji tilted outwards slightly and once again walked as fast as he could with the tea towards the room where he had left the sword. 

“Kijinmaru! Are you alright? Did something happen? I thought I told you to wait?!”

@karasunobushi

    Copper hues look to the proffered treats before trailing to Miyoshi. A sneaking suspicion creeps up in the back of Saisuke’s mind. A delicate brow raises. A bribe? “What did you do this time, Yutaka?” Though the mochi are tempting, he can’t help but question this. 

“Can’t I just be making and giving sweets without something negative to have happened?!”

...

Saitou…

No, something was not quite right. His master had passed away some time ago. That was why he had been all alone in that darkness. And Saitou had been quite old when he passed.

The man standing before him - who looked utterly confused - appeared to be so young. But he was Miyoshi Yutaka. Kijinmaru recognized his soul, and the man’s words confirmed it for him had there been any room for doubt. He was that same man who had served under Saitou. So how could it be he was alive and young?

Kijinmaru’s mind flooded with questions.

“You’re Miyoshi Yutaka of the third division! You served under my master, Saitou Hajime. Or…perhaps you still do? Eto…I know it is odd to say this, but I am his sword or perhaps youknowthatsinceyousummonedmehereandthat’snotwhat’sshocking.” Kijinmaru laughed nervously, his words coming out fast. His tongue felt burdensome and jumbled, like it couldn’t quite keep pace with his thoughts. How odd.

He took a small breath. “Anou, that is to say…eto…I am very pleased to see one of my Aruji-sama’s comrades. But how is it you’re…eto…How…” His cheeks felt oddly warm. What was this feeling stealing over him? He felt…embarrassed by how his words were failing him.

“Has time somehow…reversed?”

[ 鴉 ]  -   What was he talking about? Had the summoning gone wrong? That would explain a bit but not how he knew his name just by looking at him! Yet it was also reassuring to the saniwa that he at least remembered his time with Saito Hajime, so he hadn’t completely screwed up. 

He desperately wanted to ask the more questions but seeing how the sword was speaking with such excitement Miyoshi quickly thought it would be better if he just got him secluded for now, it might be for the best that he also put off the meeting with the other swords until they could sort this all out. 

Composing himself, Miyoshi brought back his smile and began to speak.

“How about we take a breath before continuing yes? We have lots of time to talk so there is no need to rush everything, shall I get us some tea?” 

｛刀｝－ The sword had slumbered quietly for so long. Unused, unattended, sheathed for countless years. He missed the sting of battle, the warmth of being admired, the kindness of being polished and cared for. He missed the thoughts and feelings of another, of being an extension to a swordmaster’s body. Two souls of one purpose, one path.

His consciousness twitched. Reforming slowly in that quiet darkness within steel. And then with a blinding flash of light, he was torn free of it. Torn free and…felt a strange shape to his being. Something other than metal. Other than sword and sheathe. The shape around his soul made him think of…a body.

“I…” A voice. He knew somehow that it came from himself.

How do I have a voice? The light dimmed slightly. Kijinmaru was now able to see in a different way than ever before. Not with sensation and soul. But with actual vision. He looked down at himself and gasped. 

Lungs, breath, a heartbeat? Hands and wrists and a body!? 

He touched his clothing, unsure if it was real. If he was really in this form. He felt the touch of fabric, felt what it was like to feel with fingers and skin. He felt warm and alive. 

Stunned, Kijinmaru looked up, and found himself meeting the golden gaze of a man.

Something impelled him to speak, some instinct beyond will and thought. 

“I am Sesshu Sumi Ikeda Kijinmaru Kunishige. Why have you summoned me?” 

And then he froze, further surprise furrowing through him. “You…You are…Miyoshi Yutaka?” 

The awe and wonder on their faces never seemed to not amuse the saniwa, they usually had a look of bewilderment at first and who could blame them? But what always amazed him was how quickly they adapted, as if they learned and grew with their previous masters.

He gave a polite smile as the new sword introduced himself, asking the usual questions Miyoshi faced after summoning a blade. However just as he was about to answer the sword did something rather unexpected and spoke his name as if they had met before. 

“I -um, what... huh?” 

This caused Miyoshi to break his act he usually did when doing “official” saniwa business, his professional and polite face turned that of shock and bewilderment! Heck he wasn’t ever taught how to handle a situation where the sword knew his actual name! Was that even possible?!