"Happy birthday, my dear Saizo." He says, presenting to him a small box. Inside he would find a dagger, old and unsuited for work yet still somewhat glimmering, as if it had life of its own. It belonged to his father - Recovering it was hardly easy, and perhaps it could help ease the ninja's pain. "We are having your favourite for dinner. And the day is yours to do as you please."
Saizo had been content to work the day away, only leaving a small amount of room to celebrate Kaze’s name day, despite the two being twins. Years after his death, Saizo could hear his father’s words echo throughout the halls of the castle; “Such frivolous celebrations are pointless to a ninja, to a clean leader. You must train every day and serve the royal family every day.”
It was because of his name, that he learned to not care. Kaze had it easy, he always had it easy being the younger of the two- he could have more of a choice in who he served, had more of a choice, in what he celebrated.
So maybe it was all of this, that made it shocking for the Ninja, that Ryoma had remembered at all. Not used to receiving gifts, he was left speechless and only bowed in thanks to his liege, quickly-and yet...slowly opening the gift box handed so carefully to him. And inside... well... words were lost once more on his tongue.
The dirty old dagger had been burned in some areas, and dirt and grime covered a majority of it- the metal was rough in his hands and still cool to the touch.... reminding him of simpler days. The days, where Ryoma, Kagero, and him were still children training to their their parents’ place. When his father roamed the grounds... occasionally checking up on his sons training.
Maybe it was emotion he had felt, but the burning in his throat was becoming too much to bare. “..Thank you Lord Ryoma.” His voice was curt, and a bit shaky. Hopefully he would see this as “showing his emotion” for it would have been too embarrassing to properly show such things in front of the King.
“With my new found time, I wish to seek out my brother.” It wasn’t more of a wish or request, so much as him telling Ryoma where he’d be. “I will report for dinner as requested.. Thank you.” A hand sign and a flurry of smoke would announce his departure, reappearing where ever Kaze was.
“Brother? Is everything fine?”
“Yes. Happy Birthday, Kaze. Let us.. “celebrate” together this one year.”
