voice testing!

[cranelike]

White

( It's a pretty normal day at the citadel until news breaks out that the saniwa has managed to summon a new spirit. Depending on who you've heard the news from, you may or may not have the name. Or maybe you've heard that the newcomer is supposed to be a beautiful sword dressed in white. Or that he's an imperial sword or some other vague but specific piece of information. Either way, it should be easy to find a new face here, right?

Just follow the sounds of one (1) distressed sounding Konnosuke and you'll see the newest addition to your rag tag sword army. He's picked up Konnosuke and has him on his back in front of him, rubbing at his belly. Konnosuke squirms to get free. )

A little fox! You remind me of someone. ( Konnosuke squirms in his hands, trying to get free. ("Tsurumaru-san, please, let me go! I'm a pipe fox spirit, not a common fox!" The new spirit laughs,). ) And you really talk! What a surprise!

( And he looks up to see you, who's arrived to crash his fun, )

Yo~ ( He'd salute in greeting but his hands are a little full, ) Are you surprised to see someone like me?

( SET KONNOSUKE FREE )

Gold

( Some time has passed since Tsurumaru Kuninaga arrived at the citadel and most people are used to his character by now. It's a cool fall day and you're out in the garden for whatever reason. Most of the trees are losing their leaves and can be found in collected piles here and there. There's one particularly large pile and when you walk past it... )

Waah!

( Tsurumaru jumps up, throwing the leaves in the air and at you. Standing straight, hands on his hips and still covered in ginkgo leaves, )

Ahahaha! Are you surprised?

( He's so proud. )

Red

( Returning from a mission, Tsurumaru laughs casually as the Konnosukes scurry towards the squad. The last mission had some unexpected turns and what was supposed to be an easy scouting mission turned into an unexpected battle. Even if they were able to handle themselves, they'd still come back with injuries.

As they run their scan on the returning touken danshi, Tsurumaru holds out his arms, revealing sleeves speckled with red. )

What do you think?

( He shows them off to someone nearby-- either a squad mate or a concerned passerby or some other sword that was sent to check on them. And he gives a little turn to show the rest of him, revealing more blood on the back and hood. Konnosuke chides him to stay still because he's disrupting the scan. )

It's too bad.

( The battle had been too short and easy. It wasn't enough to achieve his #aesthetic. )

A little more and I would really look like a crane.

( "Stay still!" Konnosuke snaps again. )

Comments

Gold

[tsukijiji]

[Occasionally - very occasionally - someone actually manages to make Mikazuki Munechika do chores.

It's hard because he has this tendency to just disappear if you take your eyes off him for any length of time, and it's gotten even worse with the cold. Why would you make an old man work outside in the cold when he could be inside by the kotatsu drinking hot tea, after all?

This time, he was instructed - bullied into - helping gather the smaller piles of leaves into a bigger one so it can be burnt later. And for once he was doing what he was told!

Until! Something comes out of said big pile and hits him in the arm and he just drops everything he was holding onto whatever - whoever - that was.]

.... Oya.

[cranelike]

( He can never get things right when it comes to Mikazuki. It must be all of those extra years he has on him! It's in the middle of his surprise appearance that he bumps right into Mikazuki's arms and ends up caught in a flurry of leaves that aren't his own.

If Mikazuki had looked surprised, he missed it because of his own. He closes his eyes instinctively and holds his head. )

Aaah... ( He's disappointed. And he's even more disappointed when he looks up to see who foiled his master plan! ) Mikazuki.

( Of course it would be him. )

... Well?

( Was he surprised? )

[tsukijiji]

[Mikazuki sort of goes through life at Citadel at his own pace, and that pace somehow never seems to match anyone else's.

But well, the leaves are on pile at least? That's good enough, right? No one will actually expect him to undo the mess Tsurumaru just made? Of course not. He didn't do it, after all.]

..... Well?

[Blink, blink, smile.]

[cranelike]

( He doesn't even pretend to hide his disappointment anymore. Puffing his cheeks, his mouth fixed into a pout, )

... You weren't. ( Bummer. He'll have to find another way to get one up on Mikazuki. Until then, he begins to climp out of the pile, sending leaves spill over in front of him.. ) You could pretend a little.

( He's just going to try to shake all of these leaves off him-- they're in his hair, his sleeves, the back of his collar, and even the hood of his coat (it's chilly!!!) is stuffed with them. )

Well, I'll surprise you some day.

gold!!

[bootea]

[ Uguisumaru stares in dumbfounded shock at first, before letting loose a soft chuckle. ]

That was a good one. But I was wondering where all the fallen leaves around the Citadel went.

[cranelike]

( He lets out a laugh, loud and proud, )

Hahaha, good, good!

( He's a simple spirit. He's satisfied. )

It was a lot of work moving all of these piles together.

( To make one big pile. He doesn't like doing dirty work like this! He gets dirty so easily, it's a huge pain. But it was worth it this time. )

[bootea]

It paid off admirably. [ Tsurumaru gets a suspiciously approving nod from Uguisumaru as the latter surveys the mess around them. Yes… ]

In fact…I could learn a lot from you. Stealth is very important, after all.

Red

[tsukijiji]

[Mikazuki doesn't say anything as Tsurumaru gets scanned. His face doesn't even move as he gets scolded and even whacked at one point because he's moving around too much.

When the light disappears and Konnosuke shoos Tsurumaru away for the next one to take his place, only then does he come closer, and hold out his hand to touch Tsurumaru's cheek. So white. It should feel cold under his fingers but it doesn't.

There's a red spot on that cheek, a small drop of blood that got away from the white coat that absorbed the rest of it. Mikazuki's fingers smear it, leaving a reddish mark behind, staining his own hand with it.]

How much more would be enough for you, Tsurumaru Kuninaga?

[cranelike]

( He stays still as Mikazuki touches him, allowing it. He's used to being handled whether it's being taken by force or handled carefully. But Mikazuki's touch isn't like either of those. He can feel MIkazuki touch something vaguely wet on his face and he knows what it must be. And now it's on him too. That wouldn't do. Red doesn't suit Mikazuki the same way it does him and he reaches to brush away his hand, taking it in his own and using the edge of his other sleeve to wipe at his finger, )

More. ( He's amused by the own vagueness of his own answer, ) Why?

( Is he worried? He gives a small laugh, dismissing it, )

Don't worry, don't worry~ Too much and I wouldn't look like a crane at all.

[tsukijiji]

[It's interesting, the way most people react whenever there's blood on Mikazuki. It's like they forget that he, too is a blade, that he's been used in many a bloody battle in the past, so many that it feels like the rusty taste of blood never quite leaves his mouth when he stops and thinks about it.

Well, a good cup of tea can make it pass for a while.

But here is Tsurumaru, not only wiping off the blood, but also taking it back. As if he doesn't want to share it.

It does look good on him.

Is he worried? Mikazuki isn't sure, mostly because he's not quite clear on what 'worried' is, exactly. Maybe 'concerned' would be a better term.]

Too much and you would break.

[Because there is only one reason why there is blood on his clothing and they both know it.]

You should not be giving out secretary such trouble.

[Yamanbagiri has enough on his place as it is.]

Red

[dragoncarving]

[If anyone asks, he just happens to be walking by.

In any case, he notice the Konnosukes scurrying about. A familiar sight that signify a squad's return. Ookurikara walks over to check it out, and see it's Tsurumaru's squad.

When Tsurumaru called out to him and he looked over, he blinks and raise a brow.]

It's not enough for you?

[He's used to Tsurumaru's desire for that #aesthetic. So it doesn't bother him as much. He's not the one that's going to wash his clothes, anyway.]

Just stand still.

[Let the poor Konnosuke do his job.]

[cranelike]

( Of course, everyone knows Ookurikara has impeccable timing, especially when it comes to his friends. Tsurumaru is touched. )

Yo, Kara-bou! ( He salutes him and the Konnosuke (forever losing his patience more and more) yells at him to stay still FOR THE LAST TIME. ) No way.

( Holding out his arms again, )

This is nothing.

( Which is some weird way of saying he's fine.

But he's still moving around when he's showing off like this and unable to take it anymore, the Konnosuke snaps and whacks a practice sword right at him. )

-- Where did that come from?!

[dragoncarving]

[He will forever deny caring about his friends, no matter how obvious it is to anyone.

He frowns as he watches. While Tsurumaru is showing off, he get to see how much more blood there is. Just more than enough to make him feel a little, somewhat, maybe concerned.]

They've been carrying it for a while.

[What is the passage of time to old swords like them? But it did seems like after a while the Konnosukes start to carry bokken with them. He wonders if it's Tsurumaru's fault.]

Just stand still, Tsurumaru. He'd just whack you again.

[Normally, he wouldn't mind leaving Tsurumaru to his Konnosuke-inflicting fate. But that's only if Tsurumaru is "fine". So, he's staying for a little while.]

White-!

[youwillbeunequaled]

[Perhaps, every sword has this feeling when they hear a new one has been summoned-- Is it someone I know?

So, naturally curious, Tonbokiri passes near where a newcomer might make greetings to Aruji, but is distracted by the sounds of a Konnosuke in distress!

Hurrying around the corner, he is surprised by what he finds.
So when the elegant-looking white sword turns to him and asks that question, of course he has to answer,]

Yes, I am. Tsurumaru-dono. [He'd heard Konnosuke call out that name. And speaking of-]

Forgive me for a moment, but may I have Konnosuke, please?

[Save the friend first, introductions after?]

[cranelike]

( He's used to people coming to see him. He is, after all, a beautiful sword. The person who comes to see him this time doesn't seem familiar and yet, he knows his name. That's already one advantage Tonbokiri has over him. Well, he doesn't seem too bothered by this and he gives the stranger a friendly enough smile, )

Hm? ( He looks down at the Konnosuke that calls out for Tonbokiri-saaaaan. ) I suppose so, Tonbokiri.

( Thank you for telling him his name, Konnosuke. And like that, he lets the pipe fox go! And he watches as the spirit scurries over to Tonbokiri's side. )

One of the three great spears, right?

( He's an old sword! An imperial treasure! He knows his fair share of famous swords whether it be in person or through stories. )

[youwillbeunequaled]

[Tonbokiri nods his head in thanks, and takes a moment to crouch down and rub his thumb down Konnosuke's head, petting him gently. He'll be all right.

And just as he's about to introduce himself-- Surprised again.]

Ah. You are correct.
[Facing the other sword squarely, he bows his head.] I am called Tonbokiri, one of the Three Great Spears of Japan. It is a pleasure to meet you. [He pauses for a beat. He feels like he should know this name. He just needs a moment-]

Pardon me for asking, but is that your full name, Tsurumaru-dono?

white

[crou]

[How did this citadel get bird dad before Tsurumaru? Well, whatever the answer to this mystery for the ages, he still has to do his fatherly duties and greet the new wayward child that's come home.

At least he's easy to find, with Konnosuke's distressed calling out, so when Kogarasumaru peeks into the room, it's with a warm smile already prepared.]

Tsurumaru! Come now, would you not prefer to spoil your father instead?

[And there he is a moment later, scooping the poor little fox out of Tsuru's lap to... take his place. And also hold Konnosuke in his lap, though at least he just scratches him gently behind the ears.]

How are you, our little crane?

[cranelike]

(How indeed!!! The surprise should really be all his and he smiles delightfully at Kogarasumaru. He'll surrender Konnosuke willingly, letting the crow sword take his place instead. For all of the trouble he likes to make, he's actually a good sword, especially when it comes to his elders and he naturally, places his hands on his shoulders, giving them a rub,)

Now, this is a surprise.

I'm well. (As well as one can be after suddenly becoming human,) Who would have thought we would meet like this!

How long have you been here, Kogarasumaru?

[crou]

[Tsurumaru is a troublesome child, but a good child, and... okay, Kogarasumaru would say that about quite a few of his children, but he'd still throw down for them any day.

Perched neatly on Tsurumaru's lap, with his hands on his shoulders, he can feel how thin he was, yes, but also the strength in him. Good. They had a job to do, and it wouldn't do if any of them were frail little things.]

Oh? Have I really surprised you? [Ha! Good! Someone had to.]

How long indeed... you know time passes differently for this father... it feels like just yesterday...

[So he could have been here for only a few hours or for over a year. How does time work and why does it matter, etc. etc.]

red

[thriceunified]

[Not everyone can get away from a surprise fight with only light damage, Tsurumaru. It might have been short and easy once it got underway, but someone had to take a hit for it to start in the first place, and, apparently, that someone had been a one Souza Samonji.

(The kiwame reflexes to shield someone nearby from damage probably had a lot to do with that.)

Regardless, he has no trouble standing still for the scan, thank you very much, though he does linger around and wait for the dumb crane to be done, too, before heading off for repairs, much to the distress of the nearest little fox. You're in red damage! You're still bleeding! Go to repairs!

Yes, that second one was the point, thanks.]

Here...

[Just going to take a very, very blood covered hand off his side and clean it off on Tsurumaru's hood. At least someone here will indulge your #aesthetic. He'll even do it again if there's time to before they're in repairs.]

Or would... you prefer your own...?

[...He knows the real answer, but also is that a threat?]

[cranelike]

(He isn't surprised to see Souza lingering around while the others are checked on. Really, it would be a surprise to see Souza heading to the repairs room at all. Being fixed isn't what he wants, after all. He would have preferred to break all together, isn't that right?

Tsurumaru comes easily enough, curious to see what it is Souza wants from him. But instead, he has something to give and Tsurumaru stays still, letting Souza paint him red. There's a small shiver-- a thrill from being indulged so easily-- but he know Souza isn't spoiling him to be kind.

He's being put in his place, reminded to settle down and not get too excited when others are hurt. It isn't the same if it's someone else's blood. It has to be his own. )

Thank you. (He won't be ungrateful and he makes a point to smile proudly at his new marking,) But it doesn't suit you.

(Others don't look nearly as beautiful when they're hurt, not even Souza Samonji.)

Shall we both get cleaned up?

(He can hear the Konnosuke's nagging at them to hurry and go get repaired.)

[thriceunified]

[Sayo and Kousetsu have their own duties to attend to, and can't drag him off for repairs. That's all there is to it - because if Souza was left to his own devices, he wouldn't go. He'd leave the space for someone else, someone who needed it more, someone who wanted the repairs, someone who deserved the Saniwa's time and effort and material.

If only he could be indulged as easily as Tsurumaru.]

No... I suppose it doesn't...

[After all, he'd been so rarely coated in it when he was just a blade, that that must be true. The fact that it's mostly his own, now, only calls back to how often he saw repairs.]

Perhaps... I should begin wearing white...

[With the heavy implication that he could be bloodstained more often if it fit the aesthetic. As if that was the only reason not to.

Regardless, he will drift in the general direction of repairs, to appease the Konnosukes, but not before pushing some of Tsurumaru's bangs out of his face. There. A streak of red in the white, a cap of blood for the crane.]

White

[droppedasdew]

[Ichigo have heard the news, and honestly? The scraps of information he heard is enough to make him curious. A fellow imperial sword? He wonders which one of them is it. There are a number of them in the collection.

He's free at the moment, allowing him spare some time to look. And overhear the distressed sounds of a fox. Following the sounds, he blinks when he arrives.

White, from the imperial collection. He could think of only one particular sword.]

Tsurumaru-dono?

[With a pleasantly surprised expression, Ichigo smiles and walks over towards them. He reaches out to take Konnosuke from Tsurumaru's hands.]

Of course it's a surprise! But please be nice to Konnosuke, he helps us a lot around the citadel.

[cranelike]

( He's genuinely pleased to see Ichigo. So, their new master was able to get their hands even on him?Was there any limit to his new master's power? He'll let Ichigo take Konnosuke away from him this time but he makes sure to give that fox a cunning smile of his own.

This isn't over, Konnosuke. )

I am! ( Being nice to Konnosuke. ) Maybe our little friend can bring an old one too.

( "For the last time, Tsurumaru-san, that isn't how it works..." )

But, my! Even Ichigo Hitofuri is here! ( He holds up his hands , framing the other sword with his fingers, ) Our new master is quite the collector.

[droppedasdew]

[Konnosuke gives Tsurumaru a Look! A Look! But seems to relax when Ichigo gently pet his head.

Ooh, he's suspicious and annoyed! But this is nice. Ichigo chuckles at Tsurumaru's words.]

Hahah, no. But I'm certain you will learn how it works.

[Maybe? It is amazing what the saniwa can do, and how they manage to summon certain swords among them.

Although, hearing their master being described as a "collector" give him an odd feeling. But he smiles, looking like a smiling "picture" inside Tsurumaru's finger frames.]

Our master do manage to summon a lot of us. Such as my many brothers!

[He's not joking about how many Awataguchi swords are here. It's rather surprising for him when he arrived.]