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Part 1 of Tales of the Undiscovered Swords
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2018-06-25
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2018-08-07
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An Abundance of Foxes and Aoe

Summary:

As if the Citadel didn't have enough foxes already, that tachi waltzes in with his foxy good looks and bishōnen grace, all while staying firm in his belief that he will somehow make a good sumo wrestler.

Introducing No. 198 – Kitsunegasaki, the foxy new Aoe sword here to blow any and all your kitsune stereotypes to bits.

This story will be taken down immediately if Kitsunegasaki is released in the canon game.

Notes:

Yet another tachi. Yay.

Kitsunegasaki (Tametsugu) or Kitsunegasakimaru was forged by Tametsugu of Bitchū Aoe school at the end of the Heian period and near the beginning of the Kamakura period (congratulations, you're older than Juzumaru. Welcome to the old man club). During the Kajiwara Kagetoki Affair in 1200, it was wielded by Kikkawa Tomokane to kill Kajiwara Kagemochi, Kagetoki's son, and later subdue the entire Kajiwara clan (Tomokane himself died shortly after). It is now considered a National Treasure and preserved in the Kikkawa History Museum (?) in Iwakuni city, Yamaguchi prefecture.

Chapter 1: No, Seriously, Who the Hell Is Kikkawa Tomokane?

Chapter Text

刀派　青江 — School: Aoe

狐ヶ崎という。俺は必ず相撲になる！これからどうぞよろしく。
My name is Kitsunegasaki. I'll definitely become a sumo wrestler! From now on, please take good care of me.

"Those tufts of hair are fox-ear-shaped, right? Yes, yes they are." Kogitsunemaru stared with his mouth agape at the new tachi as he walked down the corridor, an almost Elven grace in every step he took. Every inch of him exuded elegance, from the intricate braids woven over a waterfall of straight, silky white hair to the grey military suit with silver patterns and the translucent white cape flowing from his shoulders. Even the two fox-ear-shaped tufts of hair sticking out from his otherwise perfect head of hair looked lovely rather than out of place. "They must be fox-ear-shaped. Yes, they are. I can't be wrong."

"Kogitsunemaru-sama, why are you holding a conversation with yourself?" Nakigitsune's fox asked, though it already knew why – neither it, its owner nor Kogitsunemaru could recover from the utter WTF-ness.

"Isn't it obvious? Aren't there enough foxes in the Citadel already?" Kogitsunemaru replied, "There are me, you two and Konnosuke, and now that guy. Is this place becoming a fox kingdom or something?"

"You two over there, what are you babbling on about?" a voice behind them made their hair stand on its end, announcing that their supposedly private conversation had been heard. Within one second, Nakigitsune's fox found itself staring into the red eyes of the newcomer tachi, the sight of which along with the matching red wavy markings on his cheeks caused it to be so terrified as to hide shivering behind its owner's head for the first time in its life, "Are you lumping me into the same category as the pathetic fur balls who dare call themselves 'foxes' that are yourself? How ridiculous." the fox tried to peek out from under Nakigitsune's hair only to retreat again seeing Kitsunegasaki towering over both it and its owner, "Everyone seems to think that foxes are these cute, cuddly little creatures that can do no wrong. Tamamo no Mae and Kuzu no Ha beg to differ. I beg to differ. Mind you, this proud sword of Kikkawa Tomokane once took down a whole clan." that and several more points proving why Kitsunegasaki was the most special fox in existence were all brought up in one incessant and unnecessarily long half-lecture, half-boast which the writer of this story will not chronicle here in order not to make this paragraph longer than it already is and to spare the readers of their precious time and energy. Kogitsunemaru was ready to quietly slip away, mainly because he neither knew nor care who the fuck Kikkawa Tomokane was, but unfortunately for him, Kitsunegasaki sensed his intention and was right in front of him in less than one second, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Fieldwork." Kogitsunemaru made up a flimsy excuse which was immediately invalidated by Juzumaru and Nikkari with hoes on their shoulders walking past while commenting about the crops they just planted. At that, Kitsunegasaki flashed a smirk and yanked his cape off, trying to let it sweep in the air like what a badass shōnen anime hero would do.

"I challenge you to a wrestling match!" Kitsunegasaki proudly shouted.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do you not understand or do you refuse to understand? I said, I challenge you to a wrestling match!" not a moment was wasted before he charged at Kogitsunemaru and tried his damnedest best to throw him to the ground, his methods including but not limited to pulling his arms, kicking his hard torso, pulling his hair, pushing his feet and even stretching his face. It would have looked stupid enough on its own had Kitsunegasaki not have such a ridiculously Elven physique, a stark contrast to Kogitsunemaru's buff figure, "I am definitely going to defeat you, and you should damn well remember that, you sorry excuse for a fox sword!"

Juzumaru and Nikkari, while heading for the storage room to put away the hoes, paused as their attention was drawn to the fox gathering and the scuffle between two of them. "Who is the thin one?" Nikkari asked.

"If I've not mistaken, he is a work of Tametsugu." Juzumaru said.

A moment of silence passed until realization sank in, and Nikkari, now blue in the face, held Juzumaru's arm as though his life depended on it, "Oh shit he's in the same school as us. We better run."

Chapter 2: He Was Not Related to Kikkō Sadamune, Apparently

Chapter Text

青江為次の作、狐ヶ崎だ。元の主の吉川友兼が駿河国狐ケ崎で梶原一族を負かして、俺はその場の名に由来するさ。そう、狐だけど一族を討伐したから、他の狐と一緒にされると許さないよ。
I'm Kitsunegasaki, the work of Aoe Tametsugu. My former master Kikkawa Tomokane defeated the Kajiwara clan in Kitsune-ga-Saki, Suruga province, hence my name. That's right, even though I'm a fox, I subdued a whole clan, so if you lump me together with other foxes, I won't forgive you.

"… And I would like to state for the record that I shall become the greatest sumo wrestler ever known to man and sword, and that I'll flatten anyone who stands in my way, even if they're the Tenka Goken! Not you, though, Juzumaru-sama." taking off his casual jersey the same way he undid his cape moments ago, baring the T-shirt he wore underneath with his crest emblazoned across the torso, he continued to boast to his fellow Aoe swords whom he was ordered to share living quarters with. It was a decision that didn't endear itself one bit to Nikkari, though he never explicitly stated it. He should have been put in the same room with Muramasa. They can strip together all day for all I care. "It's an honor that one of the legendary five happens to be from the same school as I. I would love to learn from you." with emphasis on love, he knelt down in front of Juzumaru. He showed no reaction, being the eternally composed sword he was, but this did not fly with Nikkari, who covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing.

"Hey, dude. Are you going to…"

"Shut up. This doesn't concern you." Kitsunegasaki dismissed him before turning back to Juzumaru, flashing him a wide and rather creepy smile that proved Nikkari's suspicion not entirely unfounded, "I greatly admire your power, Juzumaru-sama. Perhaps you can help me achieve strength so I can defeat my mortal enemy?"

"You are a sword. You are already born with innate strength." was Juzumaru's simple answer.

"No, I mean, I want you to teach me better wrestling skills so I can defeat that Kogitsunemaru bastard. Damn, that man is strong, but there's no way I'm going to admit defeat as easily. I, proud tachi of Kikkawa Tomokane, shall kick him to the curb and prove that I'm not just some cuddleball with fox ears once and for all!"

"Who is Kikkawa Tomokane?" Nikkari whispered to Juzumaru, who just sighed. Together, they quietly slipped away and disappeared behind the shōji door, leaving Kitsunegasaki to boast to the wall in front of him.

Chapter 3: To Be Honest, I'm Not That Good at Japanese History Anyway

Notes:

A noodle dish is often prefixed with kitsune if it's topped with fried tofu.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Juzumaru enjoyed many little things, one of them being snacks and pleasant conversations on the engawa to unwind after a day of intense battles. This time was no different, though Juzumaru would have appreciated it more had the little moment of relaxation he was spending with Mikazuki discussing whether sarashina soba or tōwari soba tasted better not been constantly interrupted by Kitsunegasaki's trying to knock Mikazuki over from behind. "You know who you're talking to? The great and powerful Juzumaru-sama who is and will always be a stronger Tenka Goken than you!" Kitsunegasaki declared, pinching and pulling his cheeks hard when his earlier attempt to lift him up by the arms and flip him over failed, "Prepare to meet your untimely demise, geezer!"

"Kitsunegasaki!" Juzumaru gave him a firm warning before turning to Mikazuki, "I sincerely apologize, Mikazuki-dono, I should have done something about him earlier."

"It's fine, Juzumaru-dono." Mikazuki laughed despite his mouth's being stretched in the most ridiculous ways, "I like kitsune noodles too. Nothing beats crunchy-outside, fluffy-inside golden fried tofu over rich, hot broth. Mmm, I understand why Kogitsunemaru likes them now."

Juzumaru was in the middle of wondering whether Mikazuki truly understood what he said when Kitsunegasaki lost it (not that he didn't lose it already) and came face-to-face with Mikazuki, red eyes short of shooting lightning into Mikazuki's grey ones shōnen-rival style, "I give you three seconds to take that back, geezer. If I hear one more person assuming I automatically like fried tofu, a table is gonna be flipped." he stripped himself of his upper jersey again, "What the hell is with you and your kitsune stereotypes? Being a fox doesn't mean liking fried tofu! I'm telling you, I will not eat noodles if they aren't topped with at least four pieces of fried chicken! That is the stuff that builds muscles, not that tofu bullshit!"

"Oh, who is this young man?" Mikazuki asked, face not registering any expression beside the serene smile he was still showing, which angered Kitsunegasaki even more.

"He is not young, and he has been part of the Citadel for two weeks." Juzumaru said, "Tachi, Kitsunegasaki. Sword of Kikkawa Tomokane, forged by Aoe Tametsugu."

"Now you asked for it, gramps! I hereby declare you my second biggest enemy after the bastard Kogitsunemaru!" he said while mimicking cracking his fist, because his limited physical strength and delicate hands didn't allow him to actually crack his fists. His declaration was met with a flat who is Kikkawa Tomokane? from Mikazuki before Juzumaru quietly lead him away in order not to incur Kitsunegasaki's wrath even further and to check out a new soba shop in town that served excellent Shinano soba.

As a true practitioner of Buddhism, Juzumaru had mastered the art of not letting anything bother with his meditation. He had been known to still be able to meditate even when none of the inhabitants of the rooms close to his could stand Nikkari's loudly practicing the erhu on a regular basis. There were times when he was disrupted by certain noises, but eventually Juzumaru could train himself to block them out of his mind, thanks to his believing in patience and practice. However, there was one noise that he could never get used to no matter how many times he tried, and it was that very noise that interrupted this meditating session of his, causing him to open the door just to see what happened this time.

The dreaded, grating ka ka ka that somehow managed to be even more grating than it already was.

It was even worse than what Juzumaru expected: it was not just Yamabushi marching in the corridor lifting dumbbells, Kitsunegasaki was following him mimicking his exact movements, only with apples in his hands instead of dumbbells. Behind them was Yagen with a sports timer and a clipboard, and to top off the WTF parade, all three were laughing. It was one epic ka ka ka chorus, the dreadful noise to end all dreadful noises that not only made Juzumaru unable to meditate for the remainder of that day but also gave him a headache that would last for days to come. The only thing keeping him from falling ill altogether was the clearly reluctant look on Yagen's face.

The three stopped in front of the Aoe room, and Kitsunegasaki called, "Hey, Juzumaru-sama! I suppose your level of strength is too high for me to learn from you just yet, so I decided to train from the ground up. He designed the training schedule and diet." he pointed at Yagen, who promptly forced a wide smile and carried on with his own ka ka ka (with the latter half -mi-sama help me purposefully omitted), "I'm starting with something lightweight first before moving on to the dumbbells. I may not make it yet, but I'll keep trying!" he started lifting the apples again only to notice that one of them was missing.

As if appearing out of thin air, Nikkari was leaning against the wall opposite the door, chowing down on the apple, a mocking look in his eyes.

"Bastard! How did you steal it so fast?" Kitsunegasaki lunged for Nikkari and grabbed him by the tracksuit in a hopeless attempt to throw him to the ground. In response, Nikkari gave him a contemptuous smirk.

"I don't even know shit about sumo wrestling and I know that paying attention to your opponent's movements is key. If you did that, I wouldn't have stolen this apple that easily." he said, voice muffled from a mouth full of apple, "And that's not even getting to that lanky build of yours. You, sumo wrestling? Oh please, you're making me laugh."

That enraged Kitsunegasaki even more, making him try to punch Nikkari's face only to have his blow blocked with ease and find himself on his back when Nikkari knocked him down as easily as if he was made of air. "I'm definitely going to get even with you, remember that, bastard!" Kitsunegasaki spat, hiding the utter humiliation of being defeated by a wakizashi until he realized Yamabushi had long left him behind carrying on with his marching through the corridor, and he sprinted out of there to catch up with him. Sighing, Juzumaru slid the door closed and tried to convince himself that it was all a dream.

Then he noticed something.

In a corner of the room where Nikkari's various manga and magazines were left haphazardly laid a tachi that was none other than Kitsunegasaki's sword form.

A treasure sword lying around in the corner, as though it was no different from the pile of old paper surrounding it.

"Can I come in?" Yagen's voice from the other side of the shōji woke Juzumaru from his train of thoughts.

"Please do." Juzumaru answered, and then came a quiet sliding sound of the door followed by Yagen's footsteps as he entered. He plopped down on the tatami, allowing himself to recover from the horror he just went through.

"Man, what did I get myself into?" he said, "That guy practically tortured me into becoming his coach! I'll spare you the details, because it was absolutely horrifying, but it involved a hat, a rubber ducky and a Hello Kitty plushie. Trust me, it was one long, drawn out nightmare."

Juzumaru remained silent.

"I think I have to hide in here for a while. I swear, I'm going to shatter if he's within my 1m vicinity for another second." he shuddered, "Say, aren't you from the same school as him? Why don't you talk some sense into him?"

Because I don't want to hurt him and destroy his ambition. Seeing his determination, I can't find it in my heart to tell him he just isn't cut out to be a wrestler. I can't flat-out tell him to quit, especially when my beliefs say otherwise, that patience and practice makes perfect. Juzumaru wanted to say, but instead, all he managed to get out was a simple, "I'm sorry."

"By the way, I have a question." Yagen said, "Who is Kikkawa Tomokane?"

Awkward silence followed before Juzumaru uttered, "Please leave."

Notes:

Headcanon in which Nikkari can play the erhu because of his attendant BGM.

Chapter 4: I Guess There Gotta Be Famous and Not-Very-Famous Historical Figures, Huh

Chapter Text

Kitsunegasaki scared Juzumaru to no end.

Even Juzumaru himself could not pinpoint exactly why, but he couldn't help but avoid him like the plague if he so much as caught a glimpse of his grey suit or his fox-ear hair. It wasn't because of his less-than-occasional tendency to launch into lengthy boasts about how he was different from all the other foxes and/or his oh-so-important former wielder. It wasn't because of his trying to start fights with others at the drop of a hat. It wasn't even because he would start gushing about "Juzumaru-sama" every time they were within each other's earshot. Then what was it that made Juzumaru dread him so much, even though they shared living quarters and thus couldn't avoid one another forever?

Juzumaru hoped no one saw him blushing as he bent down as deep as he could, repeatedly apologizing to Ichigo who was stroking a sobbing Gokotai's hair. Earlier that day, Kitsunegasaki had launched a volley of insults after he lost to the tantō in one of those wrestling matches of his, and was then nowhere to be found, forcing Juzumaru to take the responsibility in his stead. Juzumaru couldn't recall how many times this happened. The Citadel's facilities were broken from his constant "training", Juzumaru shouldered the blame. Other swords were annoyed by his incessantly harassing and challenging them to unnecessary duels, Juzumaru shouldered the blame. Other swords accused him of being from the same school and his greatest idol, yet unable to keep him in line, Juzumaru shouldered the blame. He, one of the Tenka Goken, having to bow and apologize for who knew how many times… As bad as it all was, it didn't come close to the fact that he couldn't stop him.

He couldn't tell Kitsunegasaki to quit.

As horrible as it all was, Juzumaru couldn't bring himself to speak against what he believed in. He couldn't bring himself to hurt the feelings of the one who held him in such high regards. As shameful as it all was, no shame could be greater than disgracing the name of Buddha with hypocrisy. And so, he had no choice but to watch his Tenka Goken pride go down the drain again and again because of his fellow Aoe tachi's recklessness knowing he couldn't do anything about it, and nothing had ever saddened him more.

As he returned to his room after a day of hard work, he was surprised to see Nikkari's manga and magazines all put away, yet Kitsunegasaki's sword form still lying there in the corner.

A lonely, unused treasure sword, neglected by itself.

"What the hell are you thinking, you idiot?" Hasebe, the captain, shouted between coughs, holding a deep wound in his side, blood running non-stop from his mouth, large patches of his clothes dampened from blood. Too much blood. He collapsed to his knees, unable to stand upright anymore from his wounds, gritting his teeth to stave off the pain. None of his teammates fared any better, stricken with a rain of brutal hits that left them with one grievous injury after another. There were still enemies to go, and Hasebe shot a glare that spoke of more rage than ten-thousand curses at the only one of the party who didn't bring his sword into battle and charged ahead of everyone else, effectively ruining the whole team's strategy. That alone would have been bad enough if not for the embarrassing performance he put on trying to wrestle with the leader of the enemy team. Hasebe would rather eat corpses than insult his master, but he made an exception that day to inwardly scream to hell with master's thinking this fucking fox shithead eligible for battle forever.

Kitsunegasaki lay unmoving on the ground, covered in slashes and blood, blood everywhere, over his suit, over his cape, over his intricately woven locks of white hair. Nikkari backed down close enough for him to reach out and grab the hem of his trouser, but all he got in response was a firm fuck you from Nikkari before he yanked away from his grip.

"Juzumaru…-sama…" he weakly called to the sword facing him, but Juzumaru stood still as though turned to stone. It was too painful for him to move, and not just because of his wounds.

"Behind… you…" he breathed out just in time for Juzumaru to turn around and behead the enemy leader in one stroke… at the same time the leader's blade drove into his stomach, a stab so deep it wrenched from him a painful and loud cry no one ever heard him letting out and had him collapsing along with the enemy, blood gushed forth from his mouth and soaking his suit.

"Juzumaru-sama!"

Juzumaru's still being alive and finally being allowed to return to the Aoe living quarters to rest and recover from his injuries was the only piece of elating news Kitsunegasaki heard all day amidst all the accusations and insults he had been receiving since the evening before, the worst of which had to be Nikkari's refusing to speak to him or even sleep in the same room as him – he slept out in the corridor. As soon as he saw Juzumaru entering, he immediately forgot about his own injuries and sat up, only wincing a little from the pain.

"Juzumaru-sama, I'm glad…"

He stopped right there, because he was taken by surprise.

Juzumaru's eyes flew fully open for the first time in his life.

That surprise barely had time to wear out when he was hit by the words that Juzumaru then said, the words no one thought he was capable of saying.

"You are a disgrace to the Aoe school."

Chapter 5: If This Isn't Proof That History Is Unfair, Then I Don't Know What Is

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"What do you mean?" Kitsunegasaki uttered. He wasn't hurt, wasn't sad, wasn't anything, his voice came out monotone and emotionless. Juzumaru's words came at him faster than the falling blade of a guillotine, the shock so quick he didn't have time to believe his ears anymore. He didn't know what to feel. For a split second, he thought Juzumaru was joking.

It wasn't until a few seconds of heavy silence later that everything sank in and he realized Juzumaru was all but joking. Now shaking, he said, "You… you can't be serious. What are you talking about? Why are you… all of a sudden? I don't understand!"

"Whether or not you understand, it's none of my concern. I believe I have already made myself clear." Juzumaru said, eerily calm. Kitsunegasaki was still at the mercy of those violet eyes and their chilling glare as though etching itself permanently into the back of his mind, into the darkest of his dreams.

"Juzumaru-sama…"

"Shut your mouth. You shall never speak to me again." Juzumaru interrupted him, "And you shall never fool yourself with your useless delusions again. Worthless sword, how dare you believe yourself the strongest ever known to man and sword when all you've done is getting us all in grave danger because of your incompetence? Worthless sword, how dare you treat me to your useless formal address when you never truly respect me? It's time you get out of your thick skull and wake up to the reality that you are but a weak, self-centered, delusional man who has never done anything right. It's time you accept that you shall never achieve you foolish dream and that you are a disgrace to the title of treasure sword you're holding as well as the entire Aoe school."

Kitsunegasaki was speechless.

Juzumaru's eyes slid back to their usual narrow squint again, and Kitsunegasaki, taking it as a cue that he had cooled down somewhat, said, "Why don't you take a rest? You look like you really need it. You shouldn't walk around with those serious injuries."

"No need to care about me." in response, Juzumaru headed for the door, "I would rather die from grave injuries than live alongside the likes of you."

Notes:

Headcanon in which Juzumaru's eyes aren't actually closed, they're just really narrow.

Chapter 6: But After All, History Is History

Chapter Text

Juzumaru's anger wore out as quickly as it sparked, but he was not going to give in so easily. He would not cuddle and soothe Kitsunegasaki before kissing him goodnight. He was no young sword, a Heian period sword at that, older than Juzumaru even, he could and should learn his lesson. Yet, Juzumaru had no intention of sleeping outside on the cold floor like Nikkari, so he patiently waited, making sure Kitsunegasaki was asleep before tip-toeing over a sleeping Nikkari in front of the door and sliding it open as quietly as he could.

The room was quieter than it should be. It was the same silence as every night, yet this time, the silence was almost heavy, weighing down on him, making him hesitate to take another step.

Kitsunegasaki was already fast asleep, facing the door with his back. His white hair spilled in rivers over his pillow, and he clearly didn't bother to undo the braids.

Juzumaru quietly tucked himself in, and faced the opposite direction from Kitsunegasaki's so he didn't have to look at him any longer. The silence was too much, too torturous; minutes went by without even the sound of a rustle. Kitsunegasaki wasn't asleep; anyone asleep would unconsciously shift their bodies after a while, while Kitsunegasaki was perfectly stone still. Still, Juzumaru couldn't work up the courage to turn around and get his attention.

Juzumaru didn't know what to say to him anymore. He had broken his heart in a moment of anger, had thoughtlessly spoken harsh words that he could never take back. Those were the words he never allowed himself to say, those were the things he never believed in. He didn't believe Kitsunegasaki was a worthless sword. He didn't believe he was a disgrace. After all, it was irrefutable fact that the Kajiwara clan feared his power, that he wasn't considered a treasure sword for nothing, that he was every bit an Aoe masterpiece as Juzumaru and Nikkari was.

Kitsunegasaki, as the walking, breathing, talking human he was then, was simply misguided.

Juzumaru was supposed to make Kitsunegasaki see the errors of his ways, and yet he just went off on him.

Juzumaru would never forgive himself.

Kitsunegasaki was already nowhere to be seen the moment Juzumaru rose. He always woke up early for his wrestling training, so it didn't come as a surprise. Only when Juzumaru didn't see him in the dining hall for breakfast did he become concerned. Normally, he would be sitting with either Yamabushi, Izuminokami or both, loudly discussing his plans to knock out his greatest enemies while enthusiastically chowing down on chicken. Neither did he see him when he returned to the Aoe room. There was only Nikkari, grumbling as he tried multiple times and failed to properly tune his erhu, only looking up once to acknowledge his entering. Normally, he would be yelling at Kitsunegasaki to stop messing with his work for fear of snapping the strings before the latter sprung to his feet at the sight of Juzumaru, while Nikkari thanked him for rescuing him from the nuisance. He even asked Yagen for his whereabouts only to receive a shrug, no more, no less, not even a spoken answer. Everything seemed to be the same as before Kitsunegasaki arrived, as though he vanished from everyone's memories but Juzumaru's. By then, he was truly concerned, since none of the Aoe swords had internal affairs that day. Was Kitsunegasaki hiding? Had he left the Citadel for good? Or was he – Juzumaru didn't dare think of that possibility – broken?

Kitsunegasaki was missing, and Juzumaru had no one to blame but himself.

"The fox sword with red markings on his face?" Mikazuki said, and words could not describe how grateful Juzumaru was, "I saw him alone in the training ground. He seems desolate. I suppose you could help him."

Aware of what effects his actions had on him, Juzumaru quickly thanked Mikazuki and returned to his living quarters.

As he expected, he found Kitsunegasaki in the training ground kneeling on the dirt ground amidst the numerous practice dummies, sobbing into his hands. With his right hand knuckles already red, he launched a punch at the wooden pole supporting a dummy, and cried even louder from the pain.

"Kitsunegasaki." Juzumaru called, and the sobbing paused.

He turned around in surprise before slowly backing away, not saying a single thing.

"I'm not here to seek conflict." Juzumaru assured and knelt down next to him. A few seconds of silence followed, and Kitsunegasaki cracked a bitter smile, while his body shook every now and then from his sobs.

"Thank you for your concern, Juzumaru-sama, but how will it change the fact that I am worthless? How will it change the fact that I'm an incompetent bastard who brings nothing but trouble, who doesn't deserve being called a treasure and who is a shame to the Aoe smith who created me?" he laughed between sobs, "How will it change the fact that I am so weak I can't even take down these dummies and that I can never set myself apart from the other fox swords and that I should stop trying?"

"May I ask, is your name Kogitsunemaru? Is your name Nakigitsune?" Juzumaru said, "You're already different from the other fox swords from the name. Nothing in this world is the same, be it man or sword. You do not need to set yourself apart from anyone, you're different and you always will be."

Kitsunegasaki's bitter smile disappeared.

"Do you really think I'm worthless? After all, you told me I am." he said when his sobs had died down somewhat.

"Those were thoughtless words spoken in a fit of anger. For that, I sincerely apologize." Juzumaru answered, "Your former master knew, our current master knows, history knows and I know that you're anything but worthless. You struck fear into the hearts of an entire clan, and it is the truth. But such a feat was accomplished because you were used the way you're always meant to be – a sword. You're trying to be what you're not meant to be, and that lead to disaster." that said, Juzumaru handed him something he found in their shared room – Kitsunegasaki's sword form, "This is what you are. This is where your innate strength lies. Stop trying to become a wrestler and tap into your true strength, then you can accomplish great things. From now on, I shall fulfill your desire and mentor you. In the way of the sword."

Kitsunegasaki remained silent, mulling over Juzumaru's words before reaching out to grab the sword in his hands.

Chapter 7: And It Needs to Be Protected at All Cost

Summary:

I can't write battles for the sake of me…

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"Are you sure this is okay? Are you sure everything won't be fucked up again?" Hasebe asked Juzumaru, eyeing Kitsunegasaki nervously, as did the rest of the team. The formation was set and everyone had lined up, the last thing they wanted was to have the plan ruined again by one reckless sword. "Good thing he carries his sword this time."

Kitsunegasaki still sported that anticipating grin upon his lips, Hasebe's remark going into one ear and out the other.

"I hope you've taught him well." Nikkari chimed in, "I won't forgive you if he screws everything up again."

"You'll see." Juzumaru answered. Within seconds, the grass they were stepping on wilted as dark, ominous aura filled the atmosphere. The enemies were approaching and ready to strike.

"Now!" Hasebe cried, and all at once blades were drawn and fighters charged at full force at the enemies… until Juzumaru halted, and Hasebe, puzzled, asked, "What's wrong?"

"Everyone, hold back." Juzumaru said quietly, holding out his arms to hold back the team when Kitsunegasaki was already way ahead of them.

"Are you making him fight alone? Do you want us to end up like last time?" Hasebe asked, watching him charging head-first at the enemies, one delicately-built sword against a horde of muscular monstrous creatures. The discrepancy was too great. He was already preparing a million ways to explain to his master of a broken sword in his team during mission report…

Until the first head fell. And the next. Not even Hasebe, not even the enemies expected what happened. A fallen arm. An enemy body sliced in two. Screams of agony. A gleaming blade. It was a brutal storm that left no enemies unscathed, a dance of devastation, the dancer enjoying every moment as his blade sent more and more enemies to their untimely demise. Blood marred the perfect white of his hair and grey of his suit, but that was the least of his concern. All he knew was that he was enjoying every moment up until the end, where he stepped on two enemies' faces and delivered a perfect cut in mid-air and landed, with the two enemies he stepped on finally collapsing with fountains of blood gushing forth from them before being both hit by the last corpse falling on them.

どうだ？俺なかなかだろう？
How was that? Am I good or what?

It took a while for Hasebe's jaw to function normally so he could close his mouth, and even longer for the rest of the team save for one Juzumaru. He didn't answer; instead, he walked up to him and said, "For your first serious battle, that was impressive. However, this was just the beginning. There are stronger enemies ahead, and you can't fight them alone."

"Whatever you say, Juzumaru-sama." Kitsunegasaki said with a wide smile, not even bothering to wipe off the drop of dark blood upon his cheek.

Hasebe commanded the team to move forward with the mission.

Juzumaru and Mikazuki's discussion on pizza Margherita vs pizza marinara was interrupted, as usual, by a then all-too-familiar scuffle going on in the courtyard, which Juzumaru was somehow dragged into again.

"Oh yeah, I have a Tenka Goken mentor and what do you have? Nothing!"

At that, Juzumaru had no choice but to stop and give Kogitsunemaru, whose cheeks were being squeezed, preventing him from eating his dango properly, a forced smile.

"Don't give me that attitude. Do I look like the type that goes back on his words?" Kitsunegasaki shrieked between gritted teeth switching to a new method – pulling his toes, "You are still my enemy, and I will still defeat you no matter what it takes!" Kogitsunemaru no longer saw the need to waste his breath on him, and so he carried on munching on his dango as if nothing happened.

"I'm sorry this is still happening, Mikazuki-dono." Juzumaru sighed, "But, as long as it keeps him happy."

"Let's not bother ourselves here any longer. I know a place serving wonderful pizza vegetariana." Mikazuki laughed, "Besides, I need to tell you the truth."

"What truth?"

"I actually know who Kikkawa Tomokane is."

"Mikazuki-dono!"

The End

Notes:

And he has yet to go toe-to-toe with the yokozuna of all swords.

OC Voice Actor Headcanon: Kitsunegasaki should preferably be voiced by Matsuoka Yoshitsugu/Morita Masakazu/KENN/anyone who can voice hot-blooded shōnen heroes who don't sound too young.

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