Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

                “And this concludes the tour, Tsurumaru,” the secretary said as the two approached the main doors again. The dim halls echoed with footstep and word, dull and faint. It silenced as they stood at the large entrance, remaining ever so still for a moment longer. “Any questions?” The voice was stern with a hint of croaking at the start of each word.

                “Still a stick in the mud as usual, huh Hasebe?” the man in all while replied with his hands on his hip. He shook his head and clicked his tongue, all while still smirking. Hasebe sighed and attempted to pretend that his old acquaintance hadn’t said anything. There were more wrinkles engraving into his skin, particularly on his forehead. His eyes rolled towards the clipboard in his hand, casually flipping through the papers attached.

                “I take that as no questions. Then, your training mission will begin whenever our mentors return.” He scribbled down something into his clip board with a fancy modern invention called a ‘pen’ while the other raised his brow.

                “Training? I know how to fight.” Tsurumaru swung his arm around Hasebe neck, but the man wasn’t having it, shoving the offending limb off with an exasperated groan.

                “It’s not your typical sparring session. We have the dojo for that. Look, you’ll find out when you get assigned. You like surprises, right? Anyways, two of them will be back soon from what I’m told.” There was great exasperation in his throat that he didn’t bother to hide. Before the crane could continue pestering the poor man, there was a flash of light behind the doors. Tsurumaru jolted a bit and turned towards the flash while the other remained unfazed. “And they’ve returned.” Two decorated warriors, one with light blue hair and golden eyes while the other with midnight blue hair and sky blue eyes lined with a yellow crescent, slid open the door.

                “Oh my, hello Hasebe and a new comrade?” the one with darker hair chuckled lightly with a smile.

                “Good timing. This brat- Ahem, new recruit will be your student for tomorrow’s mission.” Hasebe made a quick note onto his clipboard, not even flinching at his slip up.

                “Hey, I heard what you called me,” Tsurumaru spat. He glanced at his possible mentor. He was certainly pretty, perhaps a good target to surprise next. He glanced to the other who came back with him, dusting off some dirt off of his elaborate attire. “Ah, Ichigo Hitofuri?”

                “Oh Tsurumaru-dono, so you have joined us at the citadel?” Ichigo replied with a smile. He looked up and stood with perfect posture. “It’s been a while since we have seen each other after I left the imperial collections.”

                “Yep, that’s the situation. So, are you or that guy gonna be my ‘mentor’?”

                “Master had informed me that Mikazuki Munechika will be your mentor, not Ichigo Hitofuri,” Hasebe interrupted. He turned to Mikazuki. “Good luck.” The secretary made his leave, ditching the crane with the two swords before one of them can protest.

                “Haha, I’m used it,” Mikazuki laughed again. He certainly was carefree and light hearted. Tsurumaru furrowed his brows at the name. It resounded over and over in his head with a flickering light but wasn’t fully clicking.

                “Mikazuki Munechika?” he repeated.

                “You might have heard of him because he is one of the five heavenly swords, said to be the most beautiful,” Ichigo explained gesturing to his partner who hid behind his sleeve humming.

                “Hmm… Ah!” The two returnees merely blinked at the man, waiting for his response.  Tsurumaru snapped his fingers and pointed upwards. The two’s eyes followed the gesture towards the ceiling but saw nothing special or out of place.“A Sanjou sword?”

                “That’s correct,” Mikazuki replied. “I am crafted by the renowned Sanjou Munechika. Come now, we can speak more elsewhere.” Mikazuki began gently guiding Tsurumaru around towards a particular direction, his feet almost sliding on the wooden panels.

                “Indeed,” Ichigo agreed. “Have you eaten?”

                “No?” Tsurumaru answered. They gave him a strange vibe, one that he couldn’t name. There was something about their ambiance, their personalities. They were both particularly happy-go-lucky, and he wasn’t sure if he likes that or if it will annoy him later.

                “Fantastic!” Mikazuki declared. “Let us eat together before Ichigo’s little brothers steal him away.” Tsurumaru just let himself be pushed by the veteran until the three of the reached the dining hall. He wondered if his socks were going to burn off from the friction when he felt his feet heat up a little bit during the trip.

                “I will go help Shokudaikiri-dono prepare our meals,” Ichigo excused himself as the other two took a seat across each other at one of the tables. He left the room, and it was just the two of them now.

                “So,” Mikazuki began before Tsurumaru had a chance to speak. “You’ve met Ichigo before, have you?”

                “Yeah, we were in the imperial collections together along with his kid brother Hirano Toushirou and another guy called Uguisumaru,” Tsurumaru waved his pale hand in dismissal. “Are they here?”

                “Mhm, they’ve been here for many moons now. So is ‘Tsurumaru’ your full name?”

                “Tsurumaru Kuninaga. I’m made by Gojou Kuninaga.” He had the largest and smuggest grin on his face. However, it slowly shrunk as Mikazuki merely continued to smile, unfazed. He would be lying if he didn’t feel disappointed by the lack of a reaction, but at the same time, the man became more and more interesting, the ultimate challenge to spook.

                “Hmm, so that would make us something like grandpa and grandson.” The crane felt relieved that he made the connection. “Well, I don’t have children so I suppose it’s more like granduncle and grandnephew. Haha, how fascinating! I am something like an old man.”

                “Right, so gramps, you’re going to teach me something? Hasebe was saying something about training’ or so.” He leaned against his hand, elbow resting on the polished table.

                “Correct. You’ll find out more about it tomorrow.” Mikazuki looked to the side, missing the twitch on Tsurumaru’s eye and his slight wince as his smirk faltered. “Ah, Ichigo has returned with food.” Their heads turned to the man with a large tray containing their meals.  He set a bowl of tonkatsu ramen in front of each of them then setting one down next to Mikazuki where he will be sitting. Ichigo placed their chopsticks down as well before joining them. They said their thanks and began eating.

                “Mmm! This is amazing!” The crane awed with his mouth full and continued aggressively devouring the food as the other two calmly ate.

                “Shokudaikiri-dono is quite the magnificent chef,” Ichigo chuckled.

                “Oh? Mitsu-bou? As expected of Date Masamune’s favorite sword.” Tsurumaru inhaled the rest of the noodles and drank the soup. Satisfied, he sat and waited for the two across him to finish eating, civilly. He tapped his foot waiting for them as they took their sweet time, quietly eating. “I’m gonna…. Give my compliments to the chef.” Tsurumaru slid out of his seat and took his dirty dishes with him to the kitchen where he found the man single handedly preparing dinner for a family of sixty. The man skillfully sliced the tomatoes with such efficiency and speed, the rapidly clanking against the chop board and a swoosh to scope up the product into a bowl with the knife. He was so engrossed into his work that he didn’t hear someone entering, such a great opportunity to surprise. However, as much as Tsurumaru would like that, he would like to eat dinner later.”Yo, Mitsu-bou. Thanks for the grub.” The knife was placed gently against the cutting board after being viciously attacked. The man turned completely around, his eye patch hindering his sight.

                “Ah, Tsuru-san!” he greeted. “I did hear that you were joining us today. Welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the food.” He walked over and took the dishes away from the new guy to put into the sink.

                “Are you sure you’re sword? Or a chef?”

                “Why not both?” There was a pause before Tsurumaru sighed and leaned back against the door frame.

                “You really do take after Lord Masamune.”

                “I’m grateful for that compliment. Tsuru-san, will you be going on your training soon?” A loud whistle screamed with a large puff of steam seeping out of the kettle opening. Shokudaikiri turned off the fire and the whistling silenced.

                “Yeah, tomorrow. Why won’t anyone tell me what it’s about?” He watched his old friend pour hot water inside a ceramic bowl before covering it with its lid.

                “It’s something that’s better left to experience.” He heard his old friend click his tongue but ignored it. “It makes much more sense than just explanations. Who is your mentor?”

                “Mikazuki.”

                “Ah, he’s a good mentor. Mine was Hasebe.” The chef walked over the other side, opened a wooden woven basket, and pulled out some sticky white mochi topped with a yellow green paste. He returned back around and handed it to his visitor.

                “That must- Ooh, zunda?” The crane accepted and immediately consumed the mochi. “Well, seems like no one’s going to tell me about it.” Shokudaikiri only chuckled at how true it was. “Fine, I’ll just wait and see then,” he said so exasperatedly, rolling his eyes. “See ya, Mitsu-bou.” The sword returned to the other room to see the two he was dining with be surrounded by children. He blinked a few times at the amount of lively little ones swarming his jolly companions; although it felt like more of them appeared every time he blinked. One of them, a brunette with a short bowl cut, was familiar. After a moment, he connected the dots. “What a surprise,” he muttered quietly to himself.

                “Ichinii! Let’s go play!” that brunette cried out with a smile, tugging on Ichigo’s arm.

                “Ah, let me put away the dishes first,” Ichigo chuckled, though he had difficulties even standing with all of his little brothers clinging to him.

                “Hahaha, shall I take care of the dishes then?” Mikazuki offered. He laughed behind his sleeve at the sight. “After all, you brought out the meals.”

                “It is alright! Besides, it seems like you cannot exactly leave either.” Some of his brothers were standing around the man, one even sticking to him. Mikazuki patted the boy on the head before fixing his slightly disarrayed clipped bangs. Tsurumaru stared at the debacle that was his old friend and appointed mentor’s sad attempt of trying to get out of the dining hall. They have not even been able to step away from the table. He began to wonder how tomorrow would go.

                The thought persisted well into the night as he found himself staring up at the ceiling panels, faintly noticeable in the dark. A couple of snores from his fellow former Date Masamune swords broke him out of the trance. He glanced to the left side to see Shokudaikiri, still with his eye patch on, let out a soft exhale. The chef’s arm stretched out to the left where tiny ‘Sada-chan’ Taikogane slept curled up between him and Ookurikara who was surprisingly very peaceful. For someone who was always ‘I don’t plan on getting along with you’, Ookurikara didn’t object or react as they were getting into their futons with Sada-chan clinging to him and Shokudaikiri. They must have gotten used to the routine. Tsurumaru chuckled lightly to himself. The four of them were together again under one roof, sharing one sleeping quarter. With new human bodies to do whatever they please, Tsurumaru knew life at his new now would be exciting as ideas of spooks and games with his old and new friends popped into head.

                A new day, a new task. He faced back up and wondered what sort of surprise he will get tomorrow?

                Or rather, if he was going to get any sleep at all.

---

                Yawning, the crane haphazardly got dressed into his battle attire. He knew that he certainly did not get enough sleep when he attempted to tied his kimono the wrong way that his roommates needed to help him from labeling himself as dead. He let out another yawn as he just allowed the assistance.

                “Are you sure you’ll be alright, Tsuru-san?” Shokudaikiri asked with a frown. “You can always postpone for another day. It wouldn’t do any good if you’re sleepy.” He lifted the bird’s arms into the sleeves of his pristine white coat as Sada-chan adjusted the folds and tied the obi.

                “It’s fine, Mitsu-bou,” Tsurumaru unconvincingly answered with yet another yawn only to receive brow raising, unimpressed looks. He opened his mouth to protest after finally realizing the judgment, but a knock on the door interrupted him. Ookurikara, being closest to the door, kicked it open then stuffed the futons in his hands back into the closet. At the entrance was the mentor, smiling completely awake. He was in the same outfit as yesterday, just cleaner without the dirt sprinkled or smeared on him.

                “Ah, you’re all up early,” Mikazuki laughed heartedly. “That’s good. That’s good.” After a pause, he took a step in.

                “Mikazuki-san, I don’t think Tsuru-san is in proper condition to-“ Shokudaikiri attempted to intervene, but Tsurumaru held out his hand in front of him, waving it.

               “I’m fine,” he insisted. “Just got to move around a bit and get some food and I’ll be good to go. You worry too much, Mitsu-bou.”

                “Someone has to,” he sighed, crossing his arms and shaking his head.

                “Thanks mom.”

                “Sounds like he’s okay,” Taikogane snickered. “Have fun!” The boy gave Tsurumaru a slap on the back with a resounding clap before running to help Ookurikara put away the remaining futons. The crane rubbed his back, grumbling incoherently.

                “Well then, shall we be off?” Mikazuki asked after a pause. His expression did not change the slightest since he entered the room.

                “Wait, are you sure about this?” Shokudaikiri asked, this time to Mikazuki.

                “Hmm, well it won’t be a hard mission. Master did learn their lesson from the early days.” Mikazuki turn around to face the exit. “Well come along Tsurumaru, if you’re up the task.” The crane let out another yawn before waddling after him. He wasn’t sure what happened next save for a flash of light and a few blinks later, they were in a completely unfamiliar territory. He swung his head around to take a good look at all the trees surrounding them.

                “So….” Tsurumaru began. “What’s the plan?”

                “You’ve been briefed about our efforts against the Retrograding Army, correct?”

                “Yeah, are we fighting them?” He shifted his weight onto one foot and stretched his arms upwards.

                “We will see soon enough.” Mikazuki took a step before pausing, his hand tracing his sheathe to the grip. “Or sooner than we thought. Wake up; we have not so friendly guests to greet.” The brushes ruffled and the enemies emerged from beyond. The warriors drew their blades and engaged in battle. Mikazuki slipped back to handle the farther ones while keeping an eye on Tsurumaru’s every move. He watched him lunge forward, leaping through the air and slashing through the large and flying opponents. He watched the tired expression morph into a cynical grin as blood coated his blade. He watched him bounce from tantou to tantou, slicing them down one by one. He watched as his grin slowly shrunk into a satisfied smirk as he sheathed his sword and the enemy remnants vanished into thin air. “Easy.”

                “Hmm. Certainly skilled.” Mikazuki set aside his sword as well now that the battle was over and slowly walked towards him.

                “Impressed?”

                “Hahaha. Praise you seek? Well, you have much to learn.”

                “Right…. Was this it?” Tsurumaru’s smirk dropped into a frown with a click of the tongue.

                “We have just arrived. No need to rush. Everything will be cleared in due time.”

                “What is so secretive that no one will tell me? What is there to train if enemies are this easy? I’m not rusty on my skills you know.” It was incredibly frustrating. So much that he lost sleep yet here there were at the training and he has yet to see what the big deal that everyone was making a fuss about.

                “Is that so?” He couldn’t see Mikazuki’s face as the man had walked past him, not looking back, but the words sent chills down his spine despite the tone still ever so casual. “Well then, I shall leave the next swarm up to you. Come along.” Tsurumaru felt teased. Was this some sort of hazing? A test? Whatever it was, he welcomed it to turn it all around. He will show this revered man a surprise that was his pride and skill as a sword.

                He followed after the man down the dirt path, deeper and deeper into the woods. All the build up to this particular mission and the lack of sleep over it was upsetting and irritating considering the disappointing turnout. At the very least, he would put them into shame and maybe get some new prank material. The thoughts made a grin creep up on his face, but it dwindled when he snapped back into reality. They had been walking further and further into the wild for a while now as if they were just trying to run into some random encounters. Much to Tsurumaru’s own surprise, Mikazuki took seat against a tree and let out a sigh. “They should be arriving soon enough,” Mikazuki explained. “Look alive, did you not want to show off?”

                “Just wait and see then, old man,” Tsurumaru clicked his tongue and twirled around looking for his entertainment. The gentle gracing of the wind, the rustling of the leaves threw off his perception. He eyed left and right. His fingers tapped a rhythm against his handle. Another rustle but nothing changed. He scaled up a tree until he balanced on top of a branch with ease. His eyes surveyed below over the green foliage with the occasional patches of dirt. An eye turned to the side, Tsurumaru watched Mikazuki sit still in perfect seiza. He was far away, but he could feel the moon gazing with scrutiny and unnerving smile. He clicked tongue and felt chill graze his skin. He drew his blade quickly enough to block the clashing metal before him. The branch creaking beneath from the impact, he forced the large muscle back with a screech and clank. Falling backwards, Tsurumaru regained control midair and sliced the nearby flying bones, landing as light as a feather on the ground. The sack of muscles draped with a suffocating dark aura growled and charged after with a sword nearly twice as large as the crane’s own.

                 Clank.

                Heavy.

                It was different from earlier. A sharp sting etched his pale white cheek. With a hiss, Tsurumaru pushed away the oodatchi and swung around towards the smaller enemies, pests interfering with his demonstration. Blood dripped from the skin into the air as he spun and diced the tantou and danced around the oodatchi. Shrills filled the blood stained air as the defeated vanished. The crane huffed and puffed but there seemed to be no end with one or another opponent sneaking up behind him. Grazed by numerous cuts, fatigued from each attack after attack, he treated backwards for a breather. He glanced to the side only to find that Mikazuki was no longer at where he sat.

                A war cry.

                He returned his focus back before him only to see a shadow, the back of his mentor as the latter defended him. “Hmm. I believe it’s quite enough idling now.” The man lunged forward with such grace that it was mesmerizing as he danced with vanishing mist and twinkling crimson droplets.

                Swift.

                Efficient.

                Mikazuki soon cleared the area of the Retrograding Army. His fluttering kimono waved to a still, miraculously pristine. “Just what are you…?” Tsurumaru uttered almost breathless.

                “I am Mikazuki Munechika as I have introduced before. From the Heian period, I supposed I am something like an old man.” He mused to himself.

                “Old man, yeah right…”

                “Even the old can pull his weight. So, what have you learned?” Mikazuki approached the sword until he was only a foot or two away.

              “Alright, I get it.” The crane sighed and leaned against the tree behind him for support. “I still have a long way to go.”

               “Oh? In what way?” Mikazuki kept his smile, almost a mockery. Tsurumaru glared into his eyes trying to catch a clue.

                “That I still have to get stronger,” he answered slowly, gauging the reaction but it was the same old, unfaltering expression.

                “In what way?”

                “Beating around the bush huh…?”

                “Now if I had just told you outright, would you have gained as much as if you were to solve it yourself?” With a gloved finger brought his own chin, Mikazuki hummed lightly. “I suppose I can give you some hints since we should be returning by night fall.”

                “Oh yes. Please do.” Tsurumaru’s voice droned flatly. His eyes narrowed and await for the handholding help. His foot tapped with anticipation.

                “Why do you suppose you were sent with a specific person on this mission?” Tsurumaru frowned as soon as the words left Mikazuki’s mouth.

                “Because some are better teachers…?” He raised an eyebrow as he answered. It felt too obvious to be correct answer. A silence filled the air. “Because you can’t do everything alone…?” His sentence ended with a two octave increase and the last note lingering for a few seconds.

                “Good, you’re on the right track.” Mikazuki gave him a slow applause. “We all have much to learn from each other. However, it is not necessarily that you lack skill.”

                “What are you getting aside from teamwork?” Tsurumaru crossed his arms waiting. Mikazuki looked up at the reddening sky, a gradient of warm colors.

                “You may have a full team to assist you, yet even that can produce unsuccessful results.” Tsurumaru’s brows scrunched together, producing defined wrinkles on his forehead. He opened his mouth to question, but Mikazuki continued. “However, perfect composition and chemistry creates a nearly indestructible team. Our master has found an efficient and increasingly successful plan that had been working well for the past couple years.” Mikazuki lowered his head and faced him again. “That is ‘partnership’, being one a team with someone who compliments you, supports you. Someone who understands you and can cover up your flaws with their strengths just as you would do the same for them.”

                “So in other words, this mission is supposed to make me look bad and realize I can’t solo?” Tsurumaru summarized.

                “Hahaha! Well, that’s one way to look at it.” The sky grew cooler above as much of the warmth travelled close to the horizon. “I am here to help you realize your own weaknesses so you may find a partner one day.” Tsurumaru remained silent as he thought back to the battle. How overwhelming it was. He couldn’t keep up. There was always one that had their eyes on him. What was the use of a surprise attack if you were seen? All of their attention was on him, and he couldn’t escape. He bit his lip. “Well, come along. We have one more stop before we must return. I’m afraid us tachi aren’t much use at night time.” Tsurumaru winced at his wounds but followed after Mikazuki leading the way further into the depths. The tall trees shrouded the light that it was practically night already, but soon they arrived to the other side, out into a plain grassy field. The evening made it seem like everything was on fire. “Look alive. We have some rude, uninvited guests to escort out.” A light ruptured above and their opponents appeared before them, tough and aggressive. Mikazuki drew his blade. “This time I’ll do my part as well.”

                “Heh, better not make me do all of the work again,” Tsurumaru scoffed as he drew his sword as well.

                “Hmm? I believe you claimed they were easy so it should have been no problem for a youngster like you to handle it.”

                “Tch, are there usually this many?” He nodded a head towards the army that looked like a sea of darkness. It was far larger than what they had just dealt with.

                “Hahaha, sometimes. Typically on a bad day. I suppose we are unfortunate. No matter, it will be fine.” Mikazuki led the way into the fray and Tsurumaru followed. Mikazuki drew their attention as he sliced a line of them in half and proceeded to lure them to attack him one at a time. He dealt with them swiftly as Tsurumaru surprised them from behind, wiping out a wave. He felt the adrenaline coursing though; the old cuts ceased to hurt. There was a thrill. A grin formed as the corner of his lips curled up, growing wider and wider. The numbers dwindled quickly to just the slower but more powerful enemies. Tsurumaru jumped and attacked from above, but it left him open and unable to properly retaliate the yari behind him. Mikazuki quickly took out the spearman and knocked Tsurumaru out of the air, suffering a cut from a tachi that had their eyes on the crane. He kicked the sword out of grasp while still airborne as Tsurumaru landed the finishing blow. Mikazuki landed roughly grazing the ground, and cleaned up the remaining mobs. Panting, they sheathed their blade as the sun sunk past the horizon.

                “Oh ho. That was something,” crane exhaled a broken laugh.

                “Not bad.” Mikazuki touched the cut on his arm. Fresh blood stained his black gloves, but it wasn’t heavy.

                “Yeah, only a few flesh wounds out of all that.”

                “Mhm, with your future partner, it should run much smoother and perhaps no injuries at all and very minimal fatigue.” Tsurumaru grew silent. Despite everything that happened, he felt somewhat sad.

                “Can’t you be my partner?” he asked.

                “Hahaha.” The laughter stung. It was a trait of his yet it pained to be laughed at for such an important request. “Grandpa or granduncle can’t keep watching over you. I have already found my partner, and you will too in due time.”

                “Hm, what a shame. Must have been a lucky guy.” He noticed Mikazuki gave a soft, almost tender smile. He raised a brow and wanted to question.

                “Indeed. Well, give it some time. There are plenty who have yet to find their partner. Perhaps one of them will be your?”

                “Yeah maybe.” Tsurumaru couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed yet oddly relieved. The two of them worked well together but perhaps that was just because Mikazuki was experienced. The same man also mildly irritated him earlier. Still, it might have been due to the lack of sleep. He stretched and yawned. “I’ll find someone and we’ll be a better duo than you guys will ever be.”

                “Haha, good luck with that.”

                “Right, so we’re done here?”

                “Indeed.” Mikazuki rolled a die. Light circled their feet then engulfed them in light. The brightness disappeared, and they were back in the citadel, out in the courtyard. “Now then, do not forget your lesson and go to the repairs.” The mentor walked off back inside, leaving the crane alone. Tsurumaru looked down at himself to see that he was a bloody mess. His pale white skin and white clothes were stained with dried blood polka dots all over.   He grimaced at how upset ‘Mitsu-bou’ was going to be. He could see the frown and concern already with the long lecture to follow. However, since it was already at such a state, it would sure give someone quite the startle. Tsurumaru chuckled to himself and looked up at the sky.

                “It’s probably going to be you, isn’t it?” The crane murmured. “Whenever you get here that is.”

---

A/N: Edit: I made this a two shot instead.
This I wanted to get done last month but the prologue took forever and was draining. I was actually going to mention a few partners but the story didn’t flow that way as I wrote. Tsurumaru feels a little out of character in the second half, but I was trying to portray his annoyance. I don’t write him enough get a full grasp of his character.  I’ll do better next time. Also it is listed as IchiMika, but pairing is a lot more subtle. I wonder who Mikazuki's partner is- Sorry if the tag is misleading, but it is me.

There will be a new story in about a week. It’s supposed to be a short one, but there’s going to be an announcement with it. Yay shameless promotions! There are so many ideas but so little time to write.

Chapter Text

The grimy crane lightly dashed through the empty hallways, sneaking from room to room until his pace came to a pause. His once pristine white attire was now stained with dirt that would take great efforts and weeks to remove. He could imagine the stern disappointment and frustration on Shokudaikiri and Kasen’s faces. However, the sheer thought and the inevitable success of his surprise was enough to retain the smirk on his face. Tsurumaru lifted his fingers one by one, counting silently, waiting eagerly.

One.

Two.

There was a faint thud and a clearer scream. His grin widened. A snicker escaped his clenched teeth. The wind carried a light echo of his name, but he couldn’t make out its owner. That was fine. He will find out soon enough. He looked at himself, filthy. All evidence led to him. The evidence must be eliminated. Tsurumaru cautiously peek around every corner and through every gap as he made his way outside to dust himself free. His steps were so light and almost nonexistent that it was easy for him to carry out his deed. A familiar blue caught his eyes. He blinked again as he peeked once more through a mostly closed door. The sunlight flowing in his direction made it difficult to see but that short blue hair blocked slightly by a yellow bandana was all too familiar.

An opportunity. This difficult man not expecting a spook from behind sat vulnerable. Tsurumaru held back the unnerving chuckle in his throat. Slowly, he approached the gap. His fingers touched the edge of the frame as light as a feather.

He paused.

His eyes widened.

His jaw dropped at the full scene. His plan escaped his mind as he witnessed his former mentor sitting side by side closely with another familiar sky blue haired being. The two were facing each other, heads slightly tilted, lips pressed against each other. A pale red graced their cheeks, and Tsurumaru felt his face heat up, adding some color to his own cheeks. His hand covered his mouth as a gasped nearly leaked. Cautiously, the bird backed away and fled the scene.

The now cleaned crane sat quietly. He thought back to what he had seen. His lips pursed. He hugged his knee caps and rested his chin on his arms. His yellow eyes stared blankly at the opposite wall. The scroll and shelf were but a blur in his eyes. All he saw was that moment awkwardly replaying with questions echoing through his head, eating at his curiosity. The memories of that mission, how his mentor broke his usual smile for a softer one when he had mentioned that the partner was lucky. Dots were connecting and all led to a few possible conclusions. A fear crept up at a possible answer to one of his many questions. He lost himself back to an endless debate at the chain of thoughts.

The door slid open. Hasebe opened his mouth to speak but froze. The anger disappeared into befuddlement as he watched Tsurumaru remain silent and devoid of emotions, didn’t even turn to look at who had arrived. After a moment of pure silence, the secretary took a step back and closed the door. Left undisturbed again to his own thoughts, Tsurumaru continued to think.

He stood up abruptly. His fingers tapped his thighs and paced in place. Soon, he paced around in place. The crane took a deep breath and stiffly wobbled out of the now empty bedroom. His unsteady feet brought him back to the source of his dilemma. The gap was still there as he remembered. The white sword bit his lower lip as he peeked through. Mikazuki was still there as he was a few hours ago, but now alone with tea and a fresh plate of dango. With a small exhale, Tsurumaru slid opened the door, and Mikazuki turned slightly. “Yo,” he began with a faltering voice. Great start, he told himself. Mikazuki didn’t react to that blunder but gave a smile. Tsurumaru slowly made his way over until he almost faced him properly. “So… Uh, I saw you and Ichigo— probably your partner, just a feeling.”

“Oh?” was all the other replied. His crescent marked eyes bore into the bird’s pale skin.

“Yeah, you two making out.” He said it. There was no going back. His hands got clammy. His pinky twitched as he attempted to discretely wipe them on his hakama.

“Is that so? My, do you not know of ‘privacy’?” Mikazuki shook his head teasing and a few light clicks of his tongue. The older sword set down his cup to the side and turned more towards the bird at side. Tsurumaru shifted his pose to cross his arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, you guys were right here,” he gestured to the great outdoors as far as the immediate backyard of the citadel would allow. “Out in the public for everyone to see.”

“Ha ha ha,” the signature laughter rang in the air. “Yes, that’s quite true.” There was a pause, enough for the gentle breeze to brush through their hair and cease.

“So, is that what it means to be ‘partners’?” Tsurumaru hand rubbed his arm gently as he anticipated the answer. He shifted his weight onto one foot as he awaited a response.

“There are many types of partners. Ichigo and I just happen to be a romantically involved case.” Mikazuki lifted up his tea and took a sip.

“Yeah, I guess not everyone just kisses another.” The crane joked attempting to ease the atmosphere. “I wonder if everyone finds out about you guys this way.”

“Ha ha ha, you are the first. Although, I can’t say if others do not have suspicions.” Mikazuki’s demeanor had hardly changed. He was still amiable, calm, and patient. Tsurumaru couldn’t stir him even after revealing the secret.

“Then is that like the ultimate form everyone’s aiming for?” His voice nearly croaked. His mouth felt dry as he’s finally asking the dreaded questions. He couldn’t really understand why he felt so afraid. Thoughts of that man came into mind, but he immediate shook them away. A long friendship full of history, it ached him that this definition of the ideal team may break them. He wasn’t ready for such a thing. The momentary silence made the thought weigh more, heavier and heavier.

“Tsurumaru,” Mikazuki finally spoke. “Do you recall your training?”

He blinked for a moment before replying, “Composition and balance, yeah?”

“Mmm. Romantic or platonic. They are but words. Why not try to observe the others? See if you can distinguish who are partners and who are not. Ponder on that before seeking me out again.” A new mission. There was hardly such a thing as straightforward with this man. “However, there’s no need to rush for an answer. Care to join me for some tea and dango? The day is exquisite and would be a shame to go unappreciated.”

“Hmm nah. I’ll do this little homework first. Sounds like a quick game.” Tsurumaru turned around, taking a look out into world. The day was bright with the afternoon sun glaring down. The cherry blossom tree stood in the distance as grand as ever. It was a typical spring day. “I swear you’ve been sitting here for a few hours now…”

“Ha ha ha, I suppose the old man in me prefers to idly absorb nature at work.”

“Right… See ya.” He skipped back in doors and began hunting down every sword in the citadel. It was surprisingly difficult. Tsurumaru was able to find those on duty, but it was difficult to tell as they did their chores routinely in an almost programmed manner. Some would notice the stares, and he’d flee immediately before being interrogated. He would hear cheerful voices of the small tantous playing but every time he searched for the source, he would find nothing. He also couldn’t simply waltz into others’ rooms so casually. This was an incredibly frustrating game of hide-and-seek as if it was all orchestrated for him to fail. Hours passed and nothing. His efforts were in vain. Tsurumaru twitched and leaned against the wall, just waiting for dinner to begin.

It was time for dinner and the dining hall was packed with toudans appearing from thin air. Tsurumaru sat in the corner with meal, glancing side to side as his comrades trickled in and sat down with boisterous chatter erupting. Blocking part of his view, his roommates took a seat in front and beside him. “What are you spacing out for?” Taikogane asked, waving a hand in front of his friend. Tsurumaru grabbed the obscuring hand and guided it down to table.

“I’m observing,” he replied while not so subtly swerving his head around to spot. The other three narrowed their eyes, glanced at each other before returning their attention to the bird.

“What are you planning?” Ookurikara flatly accused.

“Kara-bou!” Tsurumaru gasped dramatically. “You’re talking to me? I’m so flattered and offended at the same time.“ His tone dropped to a low droning one. “Is that what you think of me?” Ookurikara only glared.

“Wasn’t Hasebe screaming out your name earlier?” Shokudaikiri sighed.

“Ah, was that him?” Tsurumaru recalled the unrecognizable voice from earlier. “Hmm, now that you mentioned it, I think he open the door to our room but he didn’t say anything and just left.”

“Whoa! How did you get out of it?” Taikogane asked but Ookurikara stuffed a piece of tempera into the boy’s mouth as Shokudaikiri hushed him.

“But no, darn old man told me to go people watching.”

“Ah,” Shokudaikiri realized. “Still learning about partnership?”

“Yep. You want to tell me about it?”

“Well, I would, but Mikazuki hears gossip from everywhere so he would know if I spoke.” Shokudaikiri rubbed the back of his head sheepishly with a weak smile. The look on Tsurumaru’s face was pure displeasure. A strong parted frown was plastered on his glaring face.

“Are you serious? Fine, whatever.” He shook his head and return to observing as he blindly ate when he was told to not let the food go to waste. He spotted the Shinsengumi to the left. He watched Horikawa pick up a roll of sushi and lifted it towards Izuminokami like a mother. Or wife, he couldn’t tell. Either way Izuminokami flustered in embarrassment, throwing a small tantrum at his ‘assistant’. A wakizashi and a uchigatana. His bird eyes shifted across to Kashuu ever so cleaning eating as Yamatonokami made simple replies to all his questions to the slight annoyance of other. Two uchigatanas. He then turned his attention to Nagasone who seemingly told them to settle down and eat, which they did, calming down a bit. Tsurumaru moved onto the next table as he took a sip of his miso soup. And the next and the next until he went through everyone. Eating his sushi he thought back to the ones that stood out to him the most. The twin wakizashi from the Awataguchi, the tantou and naginata from the Sanjou, perhaps the three spears as a special trio case, the wakizashi and tantou when he spotted Monoyoshi walking over to say something to Gotou, the green haired wakizashi and the oodachi from Sanjou… He knew there was probably more than what he could see at the time. Not that like he can find any interactions outside of meal time so far. He stared at his empty plate, he contemplated. Taikogane was very hesitant about take the dish to the kitchen, feared that he would break the crane’s concentration. Ookurikara couldn’t care less and snatched the plate so they could finish chores.

The room quieted as everyone left the room, leaving a single crane alone in the corner. Every once in a while Shokudaikiri or Taikogane would peek from the kitchen to check up on their oddly acting friend. Eventually Tsurumaru stood up and exited the dining hall.

Night fell and the air was a little chilly. The crane strolled through the hallways until he approached the same spot that started it all. “You really like this spot don’t you?” The bird sighed at the old man camping out on the open corridor again.

“I admit I love the scenery,” Mikazuki laughed and patted the seat next to him. Tsurumaru accepted, sitting down with a gap between.

“It’s the same every day.” He pointed to the plain field and the tree on top of the hill.

“I am a simple being.” Mikazuki sipped his sake he held in his hand. The other could smell a whiff of the alcohol. “So, what have you learned?”

“Pairs of different same types of swords.”

“Hmm? And?” Mikazuki wasn’t even looking at him but at the stars in the sky.

“Uhh, they’re close like brothers?” Tsurumaru tested the waters, but the other gave no reaction.

“Is that so?”

“Like the former Hijikata swords, they’re really close and can do the wakizashi and uchigatana dual attack? Great for night battles?”

“Good, what else?” The bird braced himself for a very long one-sided conversation.

“Uh, Imanotsurugi’s speed with Iwatooshi’s range?”

“Mmm.” The process repeated with Tsurumaru listing partners and their balance with only brief acknowledgement from the other. Mikazuki slowly finished the bottle of sake when the exam had concluded. Tapping his foot, Tsurumaru waited for the results when he couldn’t name anymore. Mikazuki let out a sigh of content and set the sake dish down. “Very good. There are different types of effective partners for unique situations. Understanding is key to successful teamwork. And as you’ve stated, they’re close in their own way. Tell me, who do you think is compatible with you?” Tsurumaru paused. Everything was a lesson.

“What do you think?” He returned the question. He already knew the answer too well even before all this. Mikazuki chuckled lightly.

“No one here yet, but do not fret. Your fated other will arrive soon enough.”

“Oh ho?” Tsurumaru raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that right? Well, thanks.” Tsurumaru stood up and stretched.

“Retiring to bed now?” Mikazuki joked, not budging from his spot.

“Nah, you probably should though, old man.” Tsurumaru raised a hand as he walked away. Fresh air was nice. It was very calming as he strolled around the citadel with only the moonlight to guide him as it had been since his arrival.

“Tsurumaru,” an all too familiar voice called out to the crane. A voice that had been around him for centuries despite the turmoil of history. And now here at the citadel again.

“What an enigmatic old man. First a mentor, gossip king, and now a prophet?” Tsurumaru muttered to himself with a smirk. He turned around, placing his hand on his hip. “Finally arrived and after me this time, Onimaru?”

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A/N: Phew, done for ichimika day. Now this is a two shot. I didn’t want to going into the different partners in too much detail. It would have been very long and repetitive. So I hope this will do.
I meant “How to Find Your Partner 101” as a joke placeholder but I can’t think of a title.