Touken Kareshi

A typical day at ECII training

Souza is tired. Tired of his Master's bs, that is. He stopped voicing his complaint after the 100th kunai killed, although Souza never stopped rolling his eyes everytime the Master gives them 900 koban to reset the time gate. Sometimes he's tempted to throw the koban back at the Master but he always stops himself halfway, knowing the Master will just hand it to Kikkou.

And one does not give things to Kikkou and expect any decent reaction.

Souza raises his blade with dead precision and slashes the kunai, then proceeds to covers his ears as fast as possible before Yasusada screams at the top of his lungs like a banshee as he bulldozes the kunai. He keeps stabbing even when the thing is dead. Souza makes a mental note to bring earplugs next time.

"Unfairrrr," Kashuu whines and glares as Yasusada gets the MVP role, again. "When will it be my turn next?"

"After me," Kasen replies without pause, though he too glares at their crazed member. "Yamatonokami should hurry up."

"You should be banned from being leader," Kashuu snips. "You suck at finding kunais. All you get are keys. And Master hates keys."

"Stop squabling," Hachisuka cuts them both.

Ah, Souza thinks, bless Hachisuka and his sane development post kiwame journey. Souza lets Hachisuka stand next to his side. "I can't wait until you're leader again."

"That's gonna be around another 500 kunais," Hachisuka makes a face, as though the idea itself makes him sick. "Why are we doing this again?"

Souza was a second away from a sarcastic reply when they reach a dead end. Ah, times up, if judging by the glowing light appearing on their persons. The Master greets them back, delighted as Yasusada runs to her and reports that they killed all the kunais this time. A significant step forward before their reach their training goal. The Master pats Yasusada's head, then laughs at Kikkou's expectant look, Kashuu's pout, and Kasen's disapproving look at favoritism (not directed towards him). The three get a pat as well.

"Love, I guess," Souza replies as an off comment.

Hachisuka looks at Souza and offers a teasing smile. "Wanna get a headpat as well?"

And just a week to go, Hannya watches Manba fidget with his cloak and looks anxiously in front of the Master’s door. One of those journeys, most likely. Hannya sips at his wine a little more, ignores how it gets a bit bitter.

——-

“You should ditch the blanket.” Because there is already that blue that covers Manba. Manba hides behind the hat and Hannya only laughs. “See you again, soon..?”

Because surely if Saniwa’s can play favorites, the swords surely does so as well)

Yasusada doesn’t really care when the Saniwa sees him for the first time and dismisses him offhandedly. As far as he’s concerned, his true Master is dead hundreds of years ago. He doesn’t understand why Kiyomitsu keeps trying, and failing, to get the Saniwa’s attention. The Saniwa is not Okita, will never amount to Okita, so why bother?

He closes his eyes and imagines a sky where Okita shares the same vision. Side by side. One more time.

A short fic inspired by this art.

Summary: Souza experiences delayed grief as he comes to terms with his history.

—

Okehazama, June 1560

They protected history. Nobunaga’s victory is ensured this time again. Okehazama will be conquered. Souza watches the foot soldiers charge at Yoshimoto’s camp. It’s like playing a film on repeat. Conquer. Defeat. Conquer. Defeat.

This is Souza’s last battle with the Imagawa and fittingly, the last mission he takes before he’ll ask the master for permission to go.

Souza watches, in the bloody field, under the heavy rain, and feels a stirring in his chest. He’s aware of this already, if going by the time he already spent with a human body. Sad emotions, things he tries not to feel because it’s too heavy for his brittle blade. He looks away from the fray.

”Souza.” A gentle touch from soft yet callused fingers. From Souza’s peripheral vision, he can see Kousetsu’s robes. His brother takes his hand, more gentle than his voice. “It’s ok to mourn.”

So Souza weeps.

Hasebe finds them not far off from the fight. The battle was chaotic, and it’s hard enough to pinpoint which is the enemy or ally. But the pink and pale blue just off the clearing near Yoshimoto’s tent gives all the direction Hasebe needs.

Hasebe was fast, already halfway to them, when his feet stops and sees the pink of Souza’s robes crumbling down to the mud. Was he hurt? But Kousetsu doesn’t move to comfort, only holds Souza’s crown like it’s the most fragile thing. Hasebe slows down and cautiously approached the Samonji blades.

Crying. Souza is crying, one hand gripped tight on his blade and the other covered his face. His whole body is shaking and his voice was broken and muffled. Broken. Mourning.

Hasebe felt like he saw something he shouldn’t have seen. So he starts to walk away—

”Stay,” it was Kousetsu, eyes piercing as he looks at Hasebe that the latter could not decipher. But it held enough of a commanding presence for Hasebe to obey

Just wanna let everyone know why I haven’t been producing content. Not for a lack of inspiration but more of lack of time to actually sit down and write. My time is stretched too much at the moment between work, school, preparing stuff for grad school, and family. To give a perspective, I work on weekends and coming home I have to help in the house. Weekends are worse because I get up at 5am, go to class, and be buried in hw, which takes about the whole of Sunday. Rinse repeat. And the little free time left is prioritized in playing games.

I feel guilty prioritizing the game and not writing but my brain is dead by the time I have that free time so even if I allot it for writing, I’m not gonna end up writing anything. So no writing it is.

Hopefully this all eases out by August. I’m just so tired haha....

Oodenta contemplates the question and stares at the starless night sky his Master is gazing upon. It was a quiet night, lacking of the usual breeze and insects. It felt like the world is in solidarity with the Master’s introspective. And maybe it is, as the Citadel was fashioned to her soul.

And her soul is grieving.

Oodenta offers his hand and rubs the palm of her hand that held his, giving warmth to the cold skin. Silently, he also offers his prayers and a portion of his spiritual powers to her. Give her strength.

She looks up to him, waits for the answer that Oodenta cannot give.

But Oodenta tries, because it was him the Master found herself at this quiet night; him that saw her eyes that told him someone said goodbye.

“I hope that she was.”

Not scenario-related but wanted to share this sorter. It’s in Japanese though but the characters should be familiar. It sorts up until Chiyoganemaru which I think is really cool. Link can be found here.

I promised myself to not use the “tie” option but ofc I keeled when it comes to the Samonji’s OTL the rest, I powered through and forced rank them.

Before anything else, disclaimer that this is in no way reflective of anyone’s opinions other than myself. Everyone is welcome to make their own list. It can be very enlightening and fun (so long as there is no policing of interest)

Three things to note:

Favorite and not favorite swords are easy to sort while others that you are neutral are harder to rank because really, whether they’re top 30 or 35 is irrelevant to your sanity

You’ll always be surprised how two seemingly unrelated swords can be SO HARD to compare. I get it. I love Ishikirimaru to no end. I love Hyuuga Masamune to no end. Between the two? You tell me, as I never encountered a scenario where I am conflicted to pick between a non-kiwame tantou and an oodachi

THERE IS ALWAYS THAT ONE SWORD THAT CURVEBALLS YOU AND REFUSES TO NOT BE PICKED. Yes, I’m talking about you, Taikogane. I can’t believe you ranked higher than Kikkou

Hi! Congrats on Kogarasumaru! I was trying to get either Koryuu or Mouri, but I got Sada-chan instead. He’s a good boy, so no complaints about that. I was kind of sleepy but wanted to wait for my last sword in the forge before closing my computer. I have no regrets, I’m happy to get him!

For more info, Akita was my secretary (he’s my favorite Tantou and one of my rare favorites that I currently have, the others just refuse to come home. I’m planning to make him my first Kiwame. I had another account but I lost it so I had to create another recently, so that’s why I don’t have any Kiwame…) I don’t have any Sadamune swords, but I do have Ookurikara and Shokudaikiri (I’m still waiting for the day Tsurumaru will appear). For my personality, I guess I’m kind of motherly towards my swords? Like, if they get hurt just a little I kind of freaked out and if their troops broke I’m seriously thinking of going back to the citadel even if they aren’t injured. I may have the tendency of being really oblivious most of the time and daydream a lot, I still try to be observant (even if it doesn’t work most of the time). I’m a good strategist though?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the messy English, I’m kind of sleepy right now and English isn’t my first language, so yeah. Have a nice night/day!

I know I keep complaining of constantly getting Sada-chan but I never got around to deleting any of his dupes because I, too, love this boy. So much. There were tears when I was first looking for him and the joy when I got him could rival Micchan (who also happens to be my attendant during that sortie). So yes, knowing people get very happy getting Sada-chan is a treasure.

Also eeeeeeep AKITA IS A GOOD TANTOU ALSO ONE OF MY FAVORITES 1000/10 WOULD LOVE WITH ALL ME HEART

“Ah! A new person has arrived!” Akita scrambled to get up, the sleepiness gone, and tried to wake up his Master who is half awake in front of the hearth. The Master stirred but didn’t open their eyes, only mumbling a few encouraging words about how Akita is doing great.

Akita stared at his Master in exasperation before giving up and examining the new sword. The Master technically did gave him permission to awaken this sword, since they gave him the shikigami paper. He was between contemplating when a gush of wind came inside the room. Harmless, but it did scare Akita enough to loosen his hold on the paper and… for the paper to drop on the sword.

“I kept you all waiting! Hehehe. Just kidding. I’m the rumored Sada-chan!”

Hopefully, the Master won’t be too upset.

HELLO! I DON’T KNOW IF THIS IS STILL OPEN BUT!!!

AFTER I SUBMITTED MY HOTARUMARU ASK, I SAW A POST THAT THE UNFORGABLE SWORDS CAN NOW BE SMITHED AND I TRIED TO THOUGHTLESSLY SMITH WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING BECAUSE WHY NOT AND!! JIJI SUDDENLY APPEARED!!?!?!?!

IDEK ANYMORE. NEVER IN MY LIFE AS A SANIWA HAVE I EVER DARED TO HOPE OR EVEN WISH FOR MIKAZUKI TO APPEAR IN MY CITADEL LIKE HE JUST NEVER BECAME A GOAL FOR ME TO GET BECAUSE I WAS CONVINCED I WOULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO GET HIM AND?? IDK WHAT TO FEEL?? I feel like I don’t deserve him since I’m unlike the other saniwas who are really passionate about getting him like what–

I don’t know what to feel for him like I’m so honored and frozen in place I seriously cant even– sorry for ranting omg 😂

Hello! I wish you the best in getting those Osafune swords 💕

After 10 months, I finally got Hotarumaru to come home to my citadel 😭 I was looking for him since the beginning and for some reason I couldn’t get him till now!! I was actually 2x bitter over my lack of Hotaru because of the current event but omg DMM is so generous to give him at 10k fireflies!!!!!!!! I froze and teared up when I finally got him!!

I actually don’t have Aizen (dismantled him because I lack space huhu) nor Kuniyuki to welcome Hotaru, but my whole citadel probably knows how much I’ve been waiting for him so they’d most likely give him a very warm welcome! I imagine my first unit would be very glad to have him as well!

Also a very affectionate, personal and caring Saniwa who usually maintains a bit of professional composure. I also cannot emphasize how much I love Kashuu!!!!! 😂 💕He’s been with me through it all! I can imagine him being a bit jealous at first since my attention would initially be all over Hotaru lol to which Horikawa (my 2nd regular secretary after Kashuu) would reassure him 😆

This has been very long lolol imsosorry I hope you’re having great smithing and drop rates in this event! God bless!

Sorry I can’t get past the words after Aizen getting dismantled WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO MY SON MY PRECIOUS RED HEAD THAT ALWAYS FELT SECOND BEST AND BELIEVING THAT HIS AIZEN MYOU IS HIS ONLY SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND WORTH AND NOT MUCH ELSE BEFORE HE WENT ON A KIWAME JOURNEY TO LEARN THAT HIS EXISTENCE ALONE IS ENOUGH HE IS LOVED ENOUGH BY THE SANIWA DMM is kind enough to give us 30 more sword spaces so yaaaay a space for Aizen.

asdfghjkl ok salt aside, CONGRATS ON GETTING HOTARU!! I can definitely relate to the bitter feeling of wanting a certain sword but never seeming to get it. It’s very frustrating but aaaaaa the moment when it’s within your grasp and YOU GOT IT !!!!! it’s a good feeling.

“I’m Hotarumaru, from the shrine of Mt. Aso. Tada! This is what you’d call a ‘headline-worthy’ introduction, right?”

“Do we reallyyyy need to bring him back?” Kashuu was eyeing the newcomer suspiciously. And maybe in a stranger’s eyes, he’s being petulant.

Horikawa only smiles excitedly as he takes Hotarumaru’s hand to lead everyone back. “Yes, he’s part of the mission. Master has been waiting for him for quite some time, right?”

Kashuu hums but follows Horikawa back. “Well, if Master wants him, guess we need to escort this one back safely. Hey Hotarumaru,” Kashuu flashes Hotarumaru with a competitive smirk. “Wanna catch fireflies together?”

Hotarumaru’s eyes turned bright, lighting like his namesake. “Let’s catch lots.”

(I hope the photo comes up fine I don’t usually submit stuff so I’m a little worried *sweats*)

Along my quest for smithing Shizukagata, I happened to smith Azuki (along with 2 Koryuu’s, 3 Tomoegata’s, a Kikkou and a Sengo) so it was quite a shocker!

I had my Kiwame Kashuu as my secretary because I’m so proud of my baby and want to keep him close and just love him forever (maybe he is my source of good[?] luck hehehe) so my saniwa will definitely be doting on Kashuu as she welcomes Azuki to the group but will probably feel a little bad for Azuki and apologizes to him because she doesn’t have Kenshin yet but will definitely won’t stop until he comes home (even if she gets exhausted because can’t stop won’t stop)!

Congrats on getting Koga sweetie and thanks for doing this! It was certainly fun! <3

Teach me your ways of getting Azuki and Koryuu I’m literally in tears (BUT ALSO HAPPY FOR YOU LIKE WOAH THIS IS SOME GOOD SWORDS)

“Stop pouting.”

“Am not pouting.”

“Yes you are,” the Master replies, words final. Kashuu didn’t stop though, just leaned closer by the Saniwa’s side.

“I’m still the favorite, ok?”

“Of course you— oh my God.” The Saniwa ignores the half whine of Kashuu in favor of the unawakened sword. A new sword in their Citadel. “Kashuu! Kashuu! We did it!” The Master was immediately by Kashuu’s side, spinning him around with laughter and excitement.

And immediately, Kashuu’s sour mood lightened and happily hugs his Master back. And together, they awoke the new sword to his new human body.

“I am Azuki Nagamitsu. Do you… like sweets?”

I actually already got him last night. Despite being a guaranteed 100K reward, I was surprised when he appeared in my screen, probably because I was mindlessly grinding. My sounds were turned off too so I didn’t get to hear his voice TT____TT well, my sister’s going to get him too so I’ll be there during her playthrough to hear Chiyo’s lines.

Following the mindless grinding, Kane-san also came home from Kiwame training (don’t have a screenshot ahskshala). Wasn’t really planning to send him out but Regiment Battle is giving 4 letter sets so I decided, I want a Shinsengumi team.

He has best Uchi stats I keep shouting at my sister how he keeps getting refined with no maxed out stat in sight that she looked me, all judgingly, and said, “stop comparing everyone to Souza’s shitty stats.”

And I’d be offended but it’s the truth jskshsslsh

Saniwa: MITSUTADA!

Mitsutada: yes, Master?

Saniwa: go look for your family.

Mitsutada: understood, Master.

...: literally 4 taikogane’s later

Saniwa: STOP BRINGING TAIKOGANE—

Mitsutada: but you said my family—

Saniwa: SCHOOL FAMILY NOT DATEGUMI

...: 2 more Taikogane’s later

Hello! It’s me again, haha. I saw your post about getting Crow Dad, and congrats!! I’m working on smithing Azuki myself c: As for the new smithable swords, I got Kikkou from a 1:30:00 timer yesterday! 

For more info, I had Mitsutada as my secretary sword in the moment of forging (Maybe he was hoping for the other Sadamune haha), and since I already had Hasebe (non-kiwi) for some time in the citadel, I think he’d be very ecstatic to hear that Kikkou came home. I don’t have Tomoegata yet, but I do have Fudou from the last event. Tonbokiri and Sengo have been in my citadel for a while as well. As for my personality, I love all of my swords to death and would probably manage to keep everyone on good terms with each other, and keep morale and spirits high in the citadel.  To be honest? First thing I’d do if I saw Kikkou come home is tackle him into a hug out of sheer happiness. Probably an oddball of a master, but very good with her swords and good at building bonds (albeit with little military experience).

(Also, tell me if you see the picture I put of Kikkou, I’m not sure if it uploaded properly)

Sorry for the wall of text, and thank you in advance! c:

asdfghjkl I CAN DEFINITELY FEEL THE LOVE PLEASE NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR WALLS OF TEXT I LOVE READING THE ADORATION FOR ONE’S SWORDBOYS nnnnnn

“I’m Kikkou Sadamune. The reason behind my name? … fufu. I guess I’ll leave that up to your imagination.”

It’s not his Sada-chan, but Mitsutada felt elated all the same seeing a Sadamune sword (because it meant they’re getting closer, surely). Plus he can’t really feel disheartened when the Master screamed in delight and proceeded to welcome the newcomer to their Citadel. 

Kikkou prefers neglect play but the attention and adoration his new Master is displaying for his appearance could be something he could get used to.

headcanon for you: