Chapter Text
“Onimaru-sama, do you think you can get that ribbon up there for me? The one stuck under the boxes?”
Thinking about it now, Kyougoku has been getting more bolder with his approaches. Nikkari’s influence, most likely, but his mentor said that confidence will always be better than self doubt.
When the tantou was first assigned to the Fifth Unit, he barely spoke one-on-one with the Tenka Goken. Sure, he’s a blade of the Masamune, but that’s still nothing compared to one of the blessed treasures belonging to Japan.
He’s comfortable now, though. At first he found Onimaru a little intimidating, due to his rough exterior; apparently, according to Namazuo, the Onimaru of Nimbus Citadel was more… gruffer than other Onimarus, more violent?
But then Kyougoku learned that’s only because he keeps getting irritated by the likes of both Tsurumaru and the Cloud Master, and receives never-ending teasing from other toudans. Hell, even the citadel employees started joining in, too! So rather than saying the Onimaru Kunitsuna belonging to Nimbus is “cruel and disrespectful”, he’s really just “tired of the bullshit”. But he’s not mean. He can be, but he’s not a big bully on purpose.
“Oh, the ribbon…? This one?” Onimaru grabs a colorful ribbon with shimmering little details on it, then passes it to the tantou. He vaguely recognizes it.
“Thank you, Onimaru-sama!” Kyougoku does a graceful curtsy in appreciation. Even though Onimaru is not captain of the Fifth Unit, he always remained attentive towards his teammates, and that’s what Kyougoku liked about him.
Still, Onimaru is surprised to see Kyougoku up this early. It’s not a secret that the Tenka does some rounds around the citadel (near the master’s resting area, too), in case of “demons” prowling about, but most tantous are usually sleeping around this time, unless they’re out on sorties or rather meticulous in their schedule. Especially since the sun hasn’t risen yet.
If anything, the only reason Kyougoku found Onimaru inside, instead of out, is because he was getting hungry and wanted to see if anything was in the grand kitchen.
“The ribbon, didn’t Midare make that?” The tachi points to the item in Kyougoku’s hand, expression neutral.
“Yes!” Kyougoku answers, elation bubbling in his chest. But it was soon replaced by shyness. “I, um, had accidentally left the ribbon behind when we did an expedition the other day, and didn’t know where it went until now. Was just coming back from the bathroom, and then I saw it up on the shelf…”
Onimaru didn’t understand why Kyougoku is being so modest now, but maybe the ribbon was really significant to him? He and Ichigo did notice that Midare has been getting closer with Kyougoku recently, and even complained to him about how “Onimaru-sama being in the same unit as Kyou-chan is so unfair!”, so if anything…
Hah. Maybe it’s love.
Onimaru doesn’t really care about who in the Awataguchi dates at Nimbus— yeah, figuring out Ichigo was exes with Tsurumaru did hurt his pride, but he’s (somewhat) over it— and most of them being tantous means they don’t really focus on things like romance, but he knew Yagen is dating Fudou and Gotou is dating Monoyoshi, so it's not a surprise to him that Midare would develop a crush on Kyougoku, considering his past comments (”There’s someone here as cute as me.“)
Who is he to police his family members around? They're all over one hundred years of age or more, so if Midare really wanted to be in a relationship with Kyougoku, Onimaru is NOT gonna stop him. Hell, Honebami and Urashima are “trying” out a relationship right now, the wakizashi even had two boyfriends in Doudanuki and Otegine once upon a time (for someone who doesn’t like physical affection he’s an experimental guy...), and somehow Namazuo pulled Nikkari; as they say, it's a lawless land at Nimbus Citadel.
He was so deep in thought, actually, that it took Onimaru a bit to realize Kyougoku is now following him like a duckling. He thought after that little exchange and explanation Kyougoku would go back to the Masamune dorms to sleep, but here he is.
Onimaru actually doesn't mind it, even to his own surprise. Maybe it's because they're squad-mates, or it could be due to how quiet Kyougoku is right now, but the Tenka Goken lets the tantou do as he pleases. The day is about to start and being around the Masamune is certainly a pleasant feeling compared to being stalked by the crane, Tsuru and his feathers be damned.
"Um, Onimaru-sama?"
Onimaru grunts, his normal way of responding to others. Kyougoku takes this as a cue to speak, "Do you think... Midare likes me?"
The tachi paused, then glances down at Kyougoku. Now he's not an expert on love— Tsurumaru is his exe after all and he can be admittedly dense— and he's probably the worst Touken Danshi to ask for love advice, but...
"If he didn't, you guys would be strangers by now."
This time, Kyougoku does not follow after him.
────•°•❀•°•────
"Love, huh..."
Hanjin had no idea about love, in the grander scheme of things. He and Oochidori are Sanada swords, so love wasn’t his strong point. From what Hanjin noted, it seems like Kyougoku has been curious about everyone's view towards love. The two were currently sitting together on the stones steps, Kyougoku next to his squad leader in a comfortable silence.
"If it's love, then this warrior of love is at your service!"
Goke Kanemitsu pops up from behind them with a wave, before taking a seat on Kyougoku's right.
"Ohh, it’s you.” Hanjin’s tone is passive, brows raised at the new arrival. “Is this about how your former masters had undying love for the Uesugi Clan, Gocchin...?"
"Of course, of course! Naoe-sama's helmet even had love on it, so isn't it natural for me, Gocchin, to be knowledgeable about love? Otsuu, that is, Himetsuru Ichimonji, believes so!" (Whether said Ichimonji was being serious or humoring Goke, who knows.)
For Kyougoku, seeing the redhead always made him feel like something is off. Not in a weird way, the Osafune did not make the tantou uncomfortable, no— it's just, Kyougoku has to keep reminding himself that Goke is a uchigatana. His deep voice and manly appearance, compared to fellow Osafune Chougi, is more befitting of a tachi. Then again, Yagen is a tantou like him and his voice is deep, too, so appearances aren’t everything. Speaking of which, Hanjin doesn't seem fazed by the sight of Goke, on the other hand, even having a lopsided smile on.
“Maybe that’s why you have red hair, Goke-san.” Hanjin murmurs, loud enough for Kyougoku and Goke to hear, “And you have red eyes, Kyougoku. Red represents love, doesn’t it?”
“Pink is associated with love, don’t forget!” Goke wags a finger at the wakizashi, playful. “But you wear lots of red, Han-san, so the combination of red and pink has to mean something. Like, your love for dust and Sanada-sama?”
“Ahh... I guess that is not a coincidence. Don’t forget Chidori, I also love Oochidori...”
The Masamune remembers their saniwa mentioning that Hanjin and Goke have more synchronized energy, compared to when Hanjin would do a double attack with either Murakumo Gou or Hizen Tadahiro, only to fail in rapport. Not the first time swords with no connecting history got along; Kyougoku thinks about the unlikely friendship between Ookurikara and Izuminokami, or Nihongou with Akashi. The fact Hanjin can even call Goke by a nickname is also astounding.
Truly, having the opportunity to be a sword warrior is a blessing to Kyougoku Masamune. He's made many different friends ever since joining the Nimbus Citadel; from the likes of Sayo and Kenshin to even Fukushima, all of whom he never encountered in the past, to Midare...
Midare was...
"Does Kyougoku-chan have someone he loves?"
Kyougoku blinks, before responding. "There's many people I love..." He loves Nikkari-san for always looking out for him, he loves Hyuuga, he loves the Cloud Master, and the pretty Nimbus staff ladies who help him with his outfits and the townsfolk at the bottom of the mountain giving him sweets as thanks for protection against the HRA...
"Someone special?" Goke has a kind smile now, "Anyone that sticks in your head?"
Sticking? Does Goke mean someone that's always on his mind?
Then... that means Midare, right?
"I-I guess Midare-chan. But, I'm not sure how to approach it. If it’s right to do so.”
"Well," Hanjin wipes some dust off his clothes, then pulls one knee up to hug, "Are you ready for romance, Kyougoku?"
Romance... when he thinks about romance, he thinks of it like it's a rose. Beautiful and lovely. But if he, Kyougoku Masamune, still hasn't properly blossomed yet, then how could he possibly get together with Midare Toushirou, a tantou with more years and charms to him?
"You know, you can still declare your love for someone even if you're not ready to commit." Goke hums, his eyes holding a considerate gaze. "You don't have to do romance now, especially since we're fighters by nature. You can always wait, Kyougoku-chan. Sometimes, you don't even have to do romance at all. It could be platonic dependency, or the love you feel could change. We don't know what the future entails! As you grow, so does your mindset!”
“Mmhm. I’d have to agree.” Hanjin lightly bumps shoulders with the tantou, as a sign of encouragement. “Part of being a sword warrior- or rather, having a human body- is accepting change. The world doesn’t stop for us; it’s constantly moving, just like how specks of dust will grow into mountains... so if your love changes for Midare, there’s nothing wrong with it. It just mean you went through growth.”
“Like a rose.” Goke adds.
They both made good points. If anything, as a Masamune blade and treasured tantou of the Kyougoku Clan, then that means... he must commit himself to blooming like a rose first, before he can commit to someone as precious as Midare. He's sure Midare will understand the same sentiment too; maybe he'll ask Yagen how he works it out with Fudou or how Aizen and Sadachan balance between fighting and loving another day...
Whatever it is, Kyougoku has a good feeling that he'll always love Midare's presence, no matter what.
────•°•❀•°•────
"Goke Kanemitsu... he's respectful towards Tsurumaru since he's friends with Mitsutada..."
Mutsunokami pokes his head in, seeing his saniwa writing at their desk. "Rearranging the units, Master?"
"Mucchan," the Cloud Master greets him with a nod, "Actually, I'm finalizing most of it."
"You feeling good about the setup this time?" The starter sword takes a seat across from them, whistling. "Heard from Izuminokami that you replaced Koryuu with Mukotsu in the Fourth Unit?"
"Mm." Their eyes are focused on their notes, mouth in a straight line. "Mukotsu has showed some impressive growth despite his very short time here, and although I feel bad for Koryuu lagging in his training since I wasn't here, Mukotsu seems to have a good attitude towards Tomoegata and the other members. Since Izuminokami has experience, he can help Mukotsu get used to a team environment. Unless he wants to change out of the unit like how Hizen did with the Fifth, for now Mukotsu is an official member of the Fourth Unit. Plus, I wanted to have a team comprised of different sword types for once...”
"Good for him. And yer right, that Mukotsu is extremely powerful despite bein' a newbie." Despite his accent slipping out, Mutsunokami knew the master didn't mind. "You don't have a fancy ceremony set up for him?"
"No." The Cloud Master admits, a little sheepish. "The welcoming party is enough for Mukotsu, and I'm still kind of tired. As for the Fifth Unit, I've decided Tonbokiri and Goke will be the new additions. What do you think?"
Mutsunokami grinned, the prospect already making him excited. With the Cloud Master's observations, he knew Goke was the likeliest candidate to be inserted into the squad; the saniwa had some preferences for the Osafune school, because even though Jikkyuu and Fukushima were somewhat new recruits, they've been given lots of opportunities to join sorties. It was the same for Koryuu and Daihannya when they were summoned, and the Tosa sword can already tell Unshou is going to be put to hell and back at the frontlines. Since he's a cloud, the master can't help it. (And even if he's not directly related with the Osafunes, Unshou still counts as one in the saniwa's eyes.)
Yet again, that's just how it is, at Nimbus Citadel. If a Touken Danshi is one of the favorites, you're gonna be training before you can learn how to make rice with a fancy rice cooker. Probably.
Moving along, he’s not shocked at Tonbokiri, either. Tonbokiri has always been an example of strength, and his gentle heart was a much needed morale booster for the odd mix of swords in the Fifth Unit. He's the perfect edition, and Nihongou once joked that Tonbokiri is an honorary member of the Cloud Master's "harem", and his good looks and chest skyrocketed his position with the squad. When the bigger swords like Onimaru and Tsurumaru struggle, Tonbokiri can help ease their burdens. Since Tsurumaru and Tonbokiri were both senior swords with years of insight under their belt, it'll be good practice for the other four to adapt.
"You put a lot of care into the units, cloudy-chan! Just like you always do." Mutsunokami squeezes their wrist in appreciation, "I just know they'll all succeed. They will, because they're Nimbus swords."
"Oh, you..." The Cloud Master stifles a yawn, but Mutsunokami is aware they are grateful for the sincere words coming from their starter. Their bond had always been a special one. "Your optimism... how I love it so..."
"Haha, 'cause yer always so glum, cloudy-chan."
That's just how it is, at Nimbus.
“If the government allows us to put a Sixth Unit on file,” the saniwa leans back in their chair, rubbing one eye, “Then Sayo is gonna be the leader of that squad.”
“Seriously?” Now Mutsunokami is impressed. “You weren’t kidding about making all squadrons having a captain of each sword type... though I shouldn’t be surprised with Sayo, he’s one of your best tantous that isn’t a Toushirou, orrrrr Aizen and Sadakun.”
“Indeed he is... the only reason he didn’t become the captain of the Fifth Unit is because he hasn’t asked me for a journey yet, and Hanjin already showcased his aptitude, so...” His master goes quiet for a second, pondering about their sword warriors. “For other possible members... think I’ll put Jiroutachi there... who else... Koryuu, if he catches up again?”
“Ay, you need to relax. You just came back, what, not even two weeks ago?” Mutsunokami puts his elbow on the desk, “Don’t force yourself, kumo, really.”
Before the saniwa can say anything else, Mutsunokami throws his jacket over them. “Now go sleep!”
“But- I should redo the cloud omamoris...”
“Nope! Do that later! I’ll get Hasebe to nag at you if you even consider doing it now!”
“Ugh... whatever, I’ll go sleep...”
Once more, this is how it is at Nimbus Citadel. It can be mundane, but the days will pass.