#hiramekarei

[everychojuro]

[phlebaswrites]

Suigetsu Sees Sai (Really Sees Him)

Summary:

Suigetsu knows what he's supposed to be doing.

(But water slips through even the smallest of cracks.)

Takes place between 1908 and 1919.

Rating: Mature Fandom: Naruto Relationship: Hōzuki Suigetsu/Sai, background Haruno Sakura/Yamanaka Ino and Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto Word Count: approximately 9000 (Complete and posts one chapter daily)

For @hidendumbassvillage who first gave me the idea that these two could be paired together.

Sai smiles awkwardly, letting the old obaachan pat his shoulder.

This inn is almost too humble to be called a ryokan, but it's the only place in this village where travellers can stay and it thrives on the business brought by several trade routes. The family that owns it has been a good source of gossip about local events and he's sorry to leave them behind, but the offer to marry into their family is definitely a sign that he's stayed too long.

The daughter of the house grimaces as her mother makes one last attempt to push her on him, and Sai knows exactly how she feels. She's perfectly capable of managing the place on her own, but her civilian parents don't seem to understand that and Sai knows it isn't his place to try and change their minds.

Instead, he makes an excuse that any good parent would accept.

"Ah, but what kind of life would she have as the wife of a poor starving artist?" He does his best to look hungry even though they fed him well this morning. "What a hardship that would be! No, no, I will not marry until I'm famous! Only then will I be able to keep a wife properly!"

"Well, if you are sure!" Her father sighs but laughs good-naturedly. "Art is your first love after all, and who can deny the callings of the heart?"

"Exactly! My art is my mistress and I must go where she bids, but she's not so harsh as some might imagine." Sai presses a scroll into their hands and beams as they unroll it. The ink portrait is as detailed as he could make it - their whole family, right down to their little white cat - and they exclaim over it. He's carefully imbued the animal with a hint of chakra, just enough to watch the people around it and report back, but their eyes don't seem to see it.

Exactly the way he intended.

Read the rest on AO3.

[sassykinzonline]

yes, yes!! suigetsu and chojuro has so much potential but I have never seen anyone else mention it ever. please elaborate on why you ship this rarepair

(this is tsunades left bicep btw, can't send asks from a side blog)

its because not everyone can be visionaries like we are

legendary swordsmen of the mist - completely untapped lore that literally comes back in Boruto but we have 0 idea how and its never followed through...why? instead of writing billions of bad heterosexual romance they shouldve done worldbuilding. i myself am currently in pursuit of 2 of the swords-- but thats a story for another day. suigetsu and chojuro are literally the only two people mentioned to be in the newest gen...except bee i guess since he also got samehada from kisame

opposites attract - malewife chojuro + woman-antagonizer suigetsu = potential for growth from both.

we never really get to see mist people be tender, given their history it would be nice to see that transition

loyalty and respect - both characters embody these characteristics in seemingly different but identical ways. imagine them having these feelings for each other........

imagine the synergistic potential between the hiramekarei and suigetsu's kekkai genkai in battle, then with the executioner's blade

they look good together aesthetically

[nightingaleflow]

Incendiary

Fandom: Naruto Rating: T Relationships: Chojuro x Natsumi Kaioh (OC) Other Characters: Mei Terumi Word Count: 7,481 Warnings: Canon-typical violence, themes of classism.

A/N: If y'all forgot I had an OC that I pair with Chojuro...that's completely fair lol. I don't get to talk about her that much. But I really wanted to write how she and Chojuro first met.

Setting wise, this is during the time skip (post Chunin Exams). Chojuro would be 17, and Natsumi just turned 18.

I hope you enjoy. <3

~

The view from the shores of Kirigakure was always spectacular. From the early morning, when the rising sun bathed the water in rich oranges and reds to noon when the bright sunlight turned the ocean into thousands of sapphires, the water was what gave Kirigakure its identity. Those who lived there said they were the luckiest in the Five Great Nations - after all, no one else had the protection of the ocean itself as a shield against invasion, not to mention the bounty of fish, seaweed, pearls, and minerals they harvested from its depths.

Chojuro was inclined to agree – to an extent. He’d be the first to admit he loved his village and the ocean both. The village was his home – it was where he’d learned to use a sword and where he’d found a purpose as a shinobi and as one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. The ocean gave him comfort on his darkest days, and he often sought out the sound of the waves against the hot sand as reassurance that things would be okay.

But he also knew that in their beauty and comfort, each had a dark side. Dangers hid throughout the depths of the ocean, from strong currents to deadly creatures, all of which would not hesitate a second before taking the life of an unsuspecting swimmer. Kirigakure was much the same, its boastful elitism unable to completely hide the harsh divide between its citizens and its willingness to shed their blood that had given it its old name of the Blood Mist Village. Even now that they had left that name behind, the rich North Side and the poor South Side remained divided, kept apart both by their bank accounts and the flowing canal that split the village in two.

Chojuro had been unlucky enough to have been born on the South Side. His earliest memories were of life in a run-down orphanage, the scornful caretakers reminding him several times a day that he was so worthless, his own parents hadn’t wanted him. Chojuro had been inclined to believe them for many years, his self-worth run so far into the ground he didn’t know if he’d ever had it. Their words had haunted him even years after he escaped, even after he was scouted to become a Swordsman and Lady Mizukage’s bodyguard.

Even now, sitting on the beach with Hiramekarei strapped to his back, he could still hear their cold words in the back of his mind, telling him he was an impostor.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, the salty air filling his lungs. Then back out. Again.

It was night, the moonlight dimly illuminating the beach and turning the ocean into diamonds. He’d seen a few others still on the beach when he’d arrived, swimming and cleaning fish. But the darkness and chilly air had finally chased them away, leaving him alone, just as he preferred.

He relaxed as he heard the next wave crashing onto the sand, the foam reaching just below his feet and soaking the earth. A little crab popped out of the sand, looking curiously at Chojuro before scuttling away. A genuine smile formed on his face as he watched the crab disappear into the night. Then he stood, brushing the sand off his cow print pants. He adjusted Hiramekarei on his back, then turned back toward the village.

Further down the sand, just over a rocky outcrop, something bright and orange flashed. He froze, watching as the light faded as quickly as it appeared. Then it appeared again, brighter this time. His eyes narrowing, he grabbed the handle of his sword before taking off down the beach.

When he arrived at the edge of the rocks, he squinted through the dark, unable to make out anything other than the jagged stones bathed in silvery light. Then, all around him, he felt the air boil. He leaped back into the cooler air just as a massive fireball formed. It shot out across the water, turning night into day for a few seconds before it sank into the water with a loud hiss.

Chojuro watched the light fade, then jumped back onto the rocks, readying himself for whoever was there. This time, as he looked down, he could see a small hidden beach surrounded by the rocks. In the middle of the curved sand, just above where the water reached, he could make out a dark figure. They didn’t notice his approach, instead adjusting their posture before taking a deep breath.

Chojuro stayed where he was, gritting his teeth as the air around him caught fire. Another massive fireball lit up the night, sailing through the air before joining its ancestor in the watery depths. This time, however, Chojuro was able to see the figure more clearly. It was a woman, one he didn’t recognize. She had dark hair that cascaded over her shoulders in waves, mixing in the darkness with the black halter blouse she wore. Her skin was nearly white in the moonlight, a perfect contrast to her otherwise dark appearance. Importantly, around her waist, he spotted the glimmering headband of Kiri, indicating she was a shinobi.

He sighed, silently scolding himself for getting so worked up. She was just training.

As Chojuro watched her prepare for another, a pebble flew out from under his shoe. The sound echoed as the pebble bounced down to the ground. The woman’s head snapped in his direction, and he could already feel the air boiling around him. He scrambled back, leaping free of the rocks, but not before a jet of flame lashed out at him. He hissed as it wrapped around his sleeve, instantly destroying the fabric and burning the skin underneath.

The woman landed on top of the rocks as he dunked his arm into the salty water, glaring down at him with eyes that glowed like embers. He groaned, forcing himself to stand as he prayed this wouldn’t lead to a fight.

“Who are you?” she growled, her voice low. “And what the hell do you want?”

“Chojuro,” he said, fighting to keep the pain out of his voice. “And I just wanted to find out what was going on.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Well, congratulations, you found me,” she said. “Now leave me alone.”

He intended to do just that, but as he turned to go, his arm brushed up against his sweater. He groaned as the burn throbbed, fresh waves of pain shooting through him.

The woman’s anger softened. She landed on the sand next to him and took his arm. Chojuro yelped, but she ignored him as she examined it. “Do you have aloe vera?”

“A…what?”

“Aloe vera. It’s a plant. Almost looks like a green flower with long, spiky tendrils.”

Chojuro shook his head, his face burning along with his arm.

“Pity. It’s the best thing for burns.” She released his arm, then turned towards the village. “Run it under cool – not cold – water and clean it gently.”

A million questions exploded in Chojuro’s mind, but she disappeared into the village before he had the chance to ask. He stood there for a long moment, trying to understand any of what had just transpired. Then the throbbing in his arm forced him to head home.

He threw his ruined sweater off as soon as he walked in the door, then ran to the bathroom. Not knowing any better, he stuck his arm in the sink, letting cool water wash over it. The heat in his burn instantly began to leach out, the throbbing pain decreasing to a dull ache. He tried pulling his arm back out, but instantly regretted it as the heat rebounded. He gritted his teeth as he dried it off, wondering what he was going to do now. This injury would affect his swordsmanship, and in turn, his ability to protect the Mizukage.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Bewildered, he went back to the front, wondering who was calling on him this late at night. When he opened the door, no one was there. He looked all around, but saw nothing except his dark yard. His shoe brushed against something. He looked down to see a small potted plant on his welcome mat. Its tendrils were long and green, with small spikes lining the edges. A note was attached to the pot, simply stating: “Break off a tendril and apply the gel within to your burn.”

He looked around again but could detect nothing in the dim moonlight. Frowning, he brought the pot inside, setting it on his kitchen table. It had to be from the woman - this perfectly matched her description of aloe vera, and he was sure they’d been alone on the beach. But could he trust her enough to follow her instructions?

His burn throbbed on his arm, and he snapped off the smallest tendril.

To his surprise, as soon as he spread the clear gel on his skin, the heat evaporated. He nearly moaned with relief, smearing more up and down his arm until the burning completely vanished. His body relaxed, and he stifled a yawn, suddenly realizing how tired he was. He patted the plant, then gave it a little water before heading to bed.

~

The Mizukage’s office was one of the most luxurious buildings in Kirigakure. Chojuro had been there many times, even before he was officially given the position of Mei’s bodyguard, but he’d never quite been able to feel at home surrounded by the plush carpets, manicured plants, and shining gold that accented the mahogany furniture. But Mei always welcomed him with a warm smile and treated him with respect, so he was more than happy to stand at attention, watching over her as she poured over budget reports and mission logs.

She set her pen down, lightly rubbing her temple. “Oh, Chojuro,” she said. “Do you have plans tomorrow night?”

She meant it innocently, but Chojuro still blushed as he replied, “Um, not at the moment, My Lady.”

“Good,” Mei said, turning and resting her chin on her folded hands. “Tomorrow is the birthday of one of my former students, and I’m taking her out to dinner to celebrate. Would you care to join us?”

“Um, sure,” Chojuro said, adjusting his glasses. “But do you really need a guard for a birthday dinner?”

Mei chuckled. “No, Chojuro, I’d like for you to come as a guest.”

“Oh,” Chojuro said.

“She’s very dear to me, but as of right now it’s just us, and I’m sure she’d like to have someone closer to her own age to talk to,” Mei explained. “So, what do you think?”

“Sure, I’d be happy to join you.”

“Wonderful,” Mei said, picking her pen back up. “We’re meeting at the Pearl & Coral tomorrow at 7. It’s black tie attire.”

“Understood, I’ll be there,” Chojuro promised. Then he frowned. “Have I ever met her?”

“She’s been in here a few times for missions, but I never formally introduced you,” Mei replied. “Her name is Natsumi. She was my student many years ago, long before anyone ever thought of me becoming Mizukage.”

“I see,” Chojuro said. “I can’t wait to meet her then.”

Mei beamed at him, then signed her name on the final scroll. “Finally,” she sighed. “That’s quite enough for today.” She nodded at Chojuro. “Go have some fun. I’m taking the day off tomorrow, so I’ll see you there.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Chojuro said with a salute.

He followed Mei out, a bubble of excitement building in his chest. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone out just for something fun, usually devoting his free time to training or chores. He practically hummed as he returned home. Then, right as he touched his doorknob, he froze.

“I don’t know anything about her!” he said aloud. “What am I supposed to do for a present?”

~

Before long, Chojuro was lost among the intricate maze of clothing, jewelry, food, and decorations of the commercial district. Pearls and opals sparkled from windows. Delicious scents from candles and fudge poured from their shops' open doors. Women posed for their friends and lovers, showing off their coats and bags. Everywhere Chojuro looked, another item tried to lure him in for a closer look. But he passed them all by, unable to decide where to start.

He strained his memory. Mei had said Natsumi had been to the office for missions, but he couldn’t recall a single thing about her - face, jutsu, family name, nothing. She definitely hadn’t been in his class at the Academy, nor had she been on any missions alongside him since he’d graduated. She was like a tulpa, only existing because Mei decided she did. And thus, he was no closer to uncovering what to give her.

A glossy rainbow caught his eye as he walked by a shop called Kaioh Gems. He looked up to see an intricate display of seven necklaces arcing above matching earrings, each a different color of the rainbow. He lingered for a moment, admiring the craftsmanship of each piece, then went inside.

A woman with wavy dark hair stepped out from behind the counter, the name “Kasumi” embossed on her nametag. “Good afternoon, Lord Chojuro,” she said, bowing. “How can I assist you?”

“I hope you can assist me,” Chojuro said, rubbing his arm. “I’m trying to buy a birthday gift for someone, but I’ve never met her before and I don’t know what she likes.”

“Ah, that does make it difficult,” Kasumi said, nodding sympathetically. “Well, we have some basic pieces in this cabinet. Have a look and see if one strikes your fancy.”

“Thank you,” Chojuro said. He approached the specified cabinet, carefully studying the silver and gold held within.

“Do you know anything at all about her?” Kasumi asked. “Favorite stone, favorite color?”

“Well, if her birthday is tomorrow, that makes her birthstone a diamond, I believe?” Chojuro said.

“That it does, but there’s no guarantee she’ll like diamonds. There are many out there who dislike their birthstone,” Kasumi said.

“Damn,” Chojuro said. “I wish I had more to work with, but this will be the first time I’ve ever met her,” he replied. “I just know that she’s a former student of the Mizukage, and her name is Natsumi.”

It was like a dark fog settled into the shop. Kasumi’s expression darkened, her nails scraping against the glass cabinet. “Natsumi?” she snarled.

Chojuro froze, unsure what he’d said that had set her off. “...Yes?”

Kasumi glared at him. “I have nothing for you.” She pointed towards the door. “Please leave.”

“What?” Chojuro asked. “But you just said-”

Kasumi stormed over and pushed the door open. “I said, leave. Now.”

Chojuro nodded and quickly stepped outside, wincing as the door slammed shut behind him. “What was that all about?” he wondered aloud.

He tried again at a flower shop and a baker, but his luck only improved enough to not have the shopkeepers throw him out. He still came up empty-handed, realizing without knowing Natsumi’s tastes, these types of gifts would be risky. He glanced through the windows of a few other places, but each shop only brought a looming sense of despair rather than inspiration.

Finally, he reached the end of the shops, the street spilling onto the beach. Chojuro sighed, then walked down the sandy slope until he was near the water. The waves brought him a little comfort, but the further he walked down the beach, the more anxious he felt. He didn’t understand why Mei hadn’t told him anything about Natsumi, nor did he understand why the shopkeeper had reacted so violently. Though, he supposed that Mei had perhaps refrained from telling him on purpose. She didn’t do things arbitrarily, so if she hadn’t said more, she had a reason for it.

He shook his head. These thoughts were getting him nowhere.

He continued to mull over the options as the sun fell lower and the ocean caught fire with orange and gold light. He grew more desperate until he reached the end of the beach, ready to kick the sand in frustration. Then he looked up, recognizing the jagged rocks from the previous night. He nearly stepped back, his ears straining for any signs that the woman had returned. But only the crashing of the waves answered him.

He leaped up onto the rocks, looking down at the small beach. He could see footprints further back in the sand, but they didn’t get very far before they had been washed away. He carefully leaped down, landing a few feet away with a crunch. When he looked down, he saw that the sand had melted, turning into shards of glass. He knelt down, rolling a shard in his palm. He had felt the heat from her flames firsthand, so it didn’t surprise him that she’d left such a mark on the sand.

He turned and looked out at the waves, the sun finally dipping below the horizon. He sighed and fell back in the sand. “Damn it,” he said.

His hand brushed against something hard, something that felt harder than the glass. Frowning, he looked down to see a dark shard sticking out of the sand. He leaned closer, brushing the sand away to reveal a silvery shark’s tooth. He pulled it free and turned it over in his hands, the rough serrations along its edges rubbing against his palms.

He’d never found one before, though it wasn’t that uncommon of an occurrence. Many of the local craftspeople utilized shark teeth in their work. He’d seen quite a few people with them in artwork, weapons, and jewelry. He’d just never felt the need to purchase any - after all, if he wanted to see teeth like this, he just had to look in the mirror. He could only imagine how it would look, a shark's tooth dangling around his neck as he went about his day.

He paused. A spark of inspiration flared in his chest. He smiled, then clutched the tooth to his chest as he hurried home.

~

The Pearl & Coral made the Mizukage’s office seem like a rickety shack on the furthest stretch of beach. The sparkling blue walls that wove through the restaurant like ribbons were inlaid with thousands of tiny pearls. The tables were covered in shimmering cloths the color of sand, the plates and silverware a shining gold. At the very center of the restaurant sat an enormous aquarium that rose from floor to ceiling, filled with colorful coral and fish that happily swam past patrons as they dined.

Even in the finest suit he owned, Chojuro felt severely underdressed as he passed through the golden doors. He pulled at his cobalt blue bow tie, hoping he wouldn’t start sweating. “Um, I’m here for Lady Mizukage.”

“Ah, Chojuro, there you are,” Mei said. She swept over from the waiting area, dressed in a light blue gown that contrasted nicely with her auburn hair. “I was starting to worry that you’d changed your mind.”

“No, of course not, My Lady,” Chojuro said, inclining his head.

Still smiling, Mei gestured behind her. “Chojuro, I’d like you to meet Natsumi.”

Chojuro looked past her, his eyes landing on the woman approaching. His smile instantly vanished, his mouth falling open as he fully saw her.

She was like a shadow in the brightly lit restaurant, with black hair that cascaded down her back in waves. It matched her flowing black dress, knee-length and open at the top to show off her tanned shoulders. Her eyes, the color of glowing embers, narrowed at the sight of him.

It was her.

His breath caught in his throat, and it took several seconds for him to remember how to speak. “Hello,” he managed, his voice rising an octave.

“Good evening,” Natsumi said, the heat in her gaze making him shiver.

Mei looked back and forth between them. “Have you two met?”

“Just now,” Natsumi interjected, her tone warning Chojuro not to say anything.

Mei raised an eyebrow but didn’t push the issue. “Well then, shall we?”

The hostess led them to a private room on the other side of the aquarium. They sat at a long rectangular table, Mei at the head with Natsumi and Chojuro flanking her. Chojuro smiled nervously, wondering how he was going to get through the meal with Natsumi’s eyes burning through him.

He quickly picked up the menu, hiding behind it as he struggled to absorb a single word.

“What will you be getting, Chojuro?” Mei asked, her head tilted to the side.

“Um, I’m not sure,” he replied. “I haven’t been here before, and there’s a lot to choose from.”

“There is,” Mei agreed. “Fortunately, I’ve been here a few times, and everything has always been exquisite. So you can be assured of the quality no matter what you choose.”

Chojuro nodded, but that didn’t make him feel any better. He scanned the menu a little closer, trying to make himself actually read the words. Even through the screen of the menu’s pages, he could still feel the heat coming from Natsumi, as if she could see straight through the paper. He nervously glanced over the top, and sure enough, he looked straight into her ember eyes.

“Um, what about you, Natsumi?” he asked, hoping a conversation would soothe her. “What are you having?”

Natsumi blinked, looking surprised at being directly addressed. “The reef salad,” she said after a moment.

Chojuro scanned the pages, finding her choice near the top. “That sounds delicious,” he said. “I may have that too.”

Natsumi’s eyebrows raised. She glanced at Mei, who just smiled knowingly back at her.

The waiter appeared a moment later, taking their orders with a bow. Once he disappeared, Mei reached under the table, pulling out a small square package. “Here,” she said. “I hope you like it.”

“Thank you, My Lady,” Natsumi said, accepting the package. She neatly slid open the wrapping paper, then opened the box to reveal a garden spade. The metal blade was heavy and shone even brighter than the dining room around them, the handle inlaid with Natsumi’s name.

Chojuro thought the gift was odd until Natsumi bowed her head to Mei. “Thank you,” she said, clutching the spade to her chest.

Mei beamed at her. “I remembered you saying your old one was near death. I hope this one works in its place.”

“It does,” Natsumi assured her. “Thank you so much.”

So she liked gardening. Chojuro made a note of that for next time, then paused. Next time?

Natsumi tucked the gift into the empty chair, looking much more relaxed than she had at the start. A moment later, Chojuro remembered he’d brought something for her too. He winced as he pulled the box from his pocket, doubting she’d care about it after Mei’s perfect gift. “Um, here,” he said, holding it out to her.

Natsumi looked from the package to him and back again. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I know,” Chojuro said, his cheeks turning pink. “But all the same…I hope you like it.”

Natsumi gingerly took the package from him, her eyes watching him like a hawk. Then she carefully unfolded the crumpled paper concealing his gift.

He’d taken the shark tooth he’d found, then purchased some jewelry supplies on his way home. With a few hours' effort, he managed to turn them into a necklace, the silvery tooth dangling from the slim black cord, connected with a silver clasp. Natsumi’s eyes widened as she examined it, rubbing her thumb against the tooth, and Chojuro’s embarrassment came flooding back.

“I’m sorry,” he said, rubbing the back of his head. “I didn’t know what to get-”

He stopped as he saw Natsumi unclasp the necklace. She tilted her head to the side, exposing her long neck, then tried to clasp the necklace together. After a few tries, she sighed, then looked at him. “Would you mind…?”

“O-oh! Of course!”

He nervously moved behind her, taking the necklace as she swept her long hair out of his way. He stared down at her, noticing for the first time that her tanned skin was dotted with scars. A few slashes and cut marks as usual for shinobi, but the majority appeared to be burn scars, the skin warped and melted. But even so, none of them detracted from her quiet beauty. And, as he leaned closer, he realized she smelled sweet, like honeysuckle at sunset.

He turned red, shaking his head as he tried to concentrate. His body betrayed him, his hands shaking like leaves as he attempted to clasp the two ends together.

Natsumi held as still as she could, but her head still turned a fraction in his direction. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I’m sorry,” Chojuro said hastily. “I just haven’t done this before.” He somehow managed to hook the claw into the metal loop, then sighed with relief. “There we go.”

Natsumi let her hair fall back into place, adjusting the necklace until it sat just below her collarbone. As Chojuro sat back down, he couldn’t help but notice how it shone in the golden light, standing out against her dark dress.

When she looked up at him, there was a new softness there. Warmth filled her eyes, her earlier fire extinguished. ”Thank you,” she said, her tone light.

Chojuro blushed as he tried to think of a response. But then the arrival of their dinner cut him off, and he fell silent.

After the meal was over, Mei beamed at them. “Well, I think it’s about time to go home,” she said as she signed the bill.

“I agree,” Natsumi said. “It’s getting rather late. But thank you both for coming, and for your gifts.”

Mei nodded. “Chojuro, why don’t you escort Natsumi home?”

Chojuro let out a nervous chirp as Natsumi raised an eyebrow. “My Lady, I don’t need an escort. I know where I live.”

“I know,” Mei said. “I just thought it might be nice to have some company.” She winked at them. “Have a good evening, you two.”

And with that, she vanished into the night.

Chojuro turned red as Natsumi looked his way. “Um, I would be happy to take you home,” he said. “But if you don’t want me to-”

Natsumi jerked her head towards the door. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Are you sure?”

She just raised an eyebrow at him as she pushed open the door, leaving him scrambling to catch up.

He finally caught up with her a short distance from the restaurant. She gave him a quizzical look, and he laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. She continued on without a word, and Chojuro, not knowing where she was going, silently followed.

“How’s your arm?”

He hadn’t been prepared for her to speak first. “Huh?”

“Your arm,” Natsumi said. She folded her arms, not meeting his gaze. “Did the aloe vera help?”

“So that was you,” Chojuro said.

Natsumi nodded.

Chojuro pulled back his sleeve, showing her how the burn had faded to a light pink. “Yeah, it did the trick,” he said.

Natsumi froze when she saw the burn, her face contorted with guilt. She ducked her head, whispering, “I’m sorry.”

Even if Chojuro had wanted to stay mad, he couldn’t have, not with her looking so upset with herself. “Hey, it’s okay,” he said, rubbing the back of his head. “I startled you, right? It’s my fault.”

“No…” Natsumi said. “That’s not it…”

“Oh, um…” Chojuro’s voice faltered.

She sighed. “Forget it, it’s not important.” She subconsciously clasped the shark tooth, rubbing her thumb against the jagged tip. “Thank you again for the necklace,” she said. “Where did you get it?”

“I made it,” Chojuro replied.

She looked up at him, one of her eyebrows raised. “Really?”

Chojuro nodded.

“I didn’t take you for a craftsman.”

“Oh, I’m not,” he said.

Natsumi frowned. “Then why go through the trouble of making it?”

“Well, that wasn’t the plan,” Chojuro replied. “But I couldn’t find anything in the stores that I thought would work. Then I ended up back at the beach where we…met…and I found that in the sand. I just thought it was a sign, so I went with it..”

Natsumi glanced down, cradling the tooth in her palm. “It’s a good thing you did,” she said. “It looks beautiful.”

Chojuro beamed, his cheeks pink from the compliment. “Yeah, it matches you.”

As Natsumi’s head snapped up, Chojuro realized what he’d just said. “I-I mean, it looks beautiful!” he said, panicking. “I mean, not that you’re not beautiful! But that’s not what I meant to say! I…” he groaned. “I’m gonna stop talking now.”

Natsumi dipped her head, hiding her mouth behind her hand. But even so, Chojuro could tell she was smiling from the slight crinkle of skin near her mouth and the sparkle in her eyes. His heart beat a little faster as he realized that even if he’d made a blunder, he hadn’t been wrong. She really was beautiful.

He snapped his head forward, rubbing his cheeks to get the burning under control.

She led him down the twisting roads, the paths spiraling and undulating like the mist the village was known for. She kept glancing at him, secretly smirking every time she conjured a fresh blush on his cheeks. It didn’t take long for Chojuro to realize not only was doing it on purpose, but she seemed to revel in his reactions. He could almost hear Mei’s laugh in the distance, wondering if she’d planned this. After all, Mei had always encouraged him to have more confidence. Maybe a night with Natsumi was just the thing to bring that out.

The next time Natsumi looked at him, Chojuro forced himself to hold her gaze. “So, tell me more about yourself,” he said, his face erupting in a fresh blush.

Natsumi looked startled. “There’s really not much to tell,” she finally said. “Why?”

Chojuro winced. He was off to a great start.

“I’m sure there’s something,” he said, rubbing his arm. In a flash, he remembered the garden spade she now clutched in a box. “You like gardening, right?”

He’d hit the nail on the head. Natsumi lit up like a candle, a genuine smile crossing her lips. “I do,” she said. “Working in my garden is my favorite thing to do when I’m home.”

“What do you grow?”

“Whatever I can,” Natsumi replied. “I just put my pepper starters in the ground, and hopefully my tomatoes will follow in a few weeks.”

“That’s really cool,” Chojuro said, relaxing and giving her a genuine smile.

Her grin grew wider. “Thank you so much.” Then her smile turned devious. “So, what do you do when you’re not not calling women beautiful?”

His blush came back with a vengeance. “N-nothing too exciting,” he said, hastily looking away. “I’m either guarding Lady Mizukage, or I’m training with my sword.”

Something about the word ‘sword’ seemed to resonate with Natsumi. “I’ve been wondering since you were introduced,” she said slowly. “Are you the same Chojuro that wields Hiramekarei?”

“Yes, that would be me.”

Natsumi nodded, a new respect in her eyes. “That’s quite a feat, especially for someone so young.”

Chojuro laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Thank you, but in truth, I was just lucky,” he said. “Someone noticed I could wield a sword, and I had a good set of mentors who helped me get to this point. It wasn’t me.”

“Don’t do that,” Natsumi said sharply.

“Do…what?”

“Disparage yourself like that,” she said, coming to an abrupt halt. “Perhaps part of it was luck, but they don’t just let anyone become a Swordsman. That privilege is earned, not bought or given out on a whim. So don’t talk about yourself like it is.”

The air around them increased by several degrees as she spoke. Chojuro stood rooted to the spot, bewildered and slightly terrified by her intensity. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me,” she said. “I’m not involved here. You need to be kinder to yourself.”

It was almost word for word what Mei had said to him when he’d expressed doubts about his ability to be her bodyguard, albeit much more forceful. Even if he hadn't already known, it was clear Natsumi had been her student, and had probably been on the receiving end of that lecture at some point.

“Is that something Lady Mizukage told you as well?” he asked.

Natsumi folded her arms. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, her tone warning him not to push the subject.

Chojuro sighed. Just when they’d started to get somewhere, they’d fallen back to where they started. “I’m sorry,” he said, not knowing what else to do. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“You didn’t.”

He wasn’t convinced.

“Even if I didn’t,” he said. “I still said something that upset you. And I’d like to avoid that in the future.”

This time, Natsumi took a moment to gather her thoughts. She stared straight ahead, her expression conflicted. “It’s…complicated,” she finally said, her voice distant and sad.

Her voice broke Chojuro’s heart. Her earlier fire had vanished, flickering out like a candle, and he hated it. He made up his mind to get her to smile again before he left her for the night, embarrassment be damned. But before he could figure out how to make that happen, an excited voice called out, “Is that you, Lord Chojuro?”

He looked up, realizing they had made it to the canal splitting the village. Someone was running across the nearest bridge towards them, waving excitedly. He squinted, trying to make out who they were. They were a Kiri jonin, their headband wrapped around their head and their red hair flowing down either side of their face. They seemed vaguely familiar, but Chojuro couldn’t place them.

“It’s Ichigo,” the man said, skidding to a halt in front of him. “I’m the candidate for Shibuki.”

“Oh yeah, I remember now!” Chojuro said. That’s where he’d seen this man - he’d been by the office to submit the paperwork for the qualification tests. “Sorry about that.”

“No need,” Ichigo assured him, waving his hand nonchalantly. “I’m sure you have a lot on your mind. What brings you out this way?”

“I’m escorting…” Chojuro paused. He’d almost said friend, but he wasn’t sure that was the right word, nor did he think Natsumi would allow it with the way things currently were between them. He settled for her name instead. “...Natsumi home.”

Ichigo blinked, looking past Chojuro. His face instantly darkened, his hand going to the sword he had strapped to his belt. Behind him, Chojuro felt the air heat up, and when he looked back, he saw Natsumi’s expression was absolutely murderous.

“Lord Chojuro,” Ichigo said, his voice cold. “You should stay away from this one. She’s bad news.”

“You’re one to talk, Ichigo,” she said, spitting out his name like venom.

A vein protruded from Ichigo’s forehead as he pulled the sword from its sheath. “Keep your name out of my mouth, gutter trash,” he snarled. 

Natsumi scoffed. “You’re really trying to become a Swordsman?” she asked. “Don’t count on it. If someone as cowardly and two-faced as you claims the title, that means the whole system is a joke.”

Letting out a furious growl, Ichigo swung his sword at her. She gracefully leaped away, landing further down the canal as the heat around her intensified.

Chojuro looked around, but there was nothing he could use as a makeshift sword apart from a small metal pipe. Then Ichigo closed the distance, ready to take a second swing at Natsumi. Chojuro darted forward, appearing between them. He ignored Natsumi’s horrified cry behind him as he brought the pipe up, sparks flying as metal met metal. Ichigo attempted to retreat, but as he did so, Chojuro did an easy flourish with his pipe, and Ichigo’s sword went flying into the canal.

“You’ve got some explaining to do,” Chojuro warned, his voice shaking with fury. “Why the hell did you attack her like that?”

“More like why the hell are you defending her?” Ichigo spat. “Worthless gutter trash like her needs to be killed or thrown out.”

“That’s enough insults,” Chojuro said. “You need to apologize and be on your way.”

“Hell no!” Ichigo brandished his sword at Chojuro. “All that time with the Mizukage has made you soft. Now get out of my way!”

Chojuro opened his mouth to retort, but he was stopped by Natsumi’s hand gripping his shoulder. “Don’t, Chojuro,” she said, gently pulling him back. “He won’t apologize. Just let it go.”

Ichigo let out a harsh laugh. “Impressive,” he said. “I think that’s the only smart thing you’ve ever-”

He paused, his face contorting strangely. A foul scent, like burning rubber, filled the air. He looked down, the color draining from his face. He screeched, flopping to the ground and flailing madly at his shoes, which had been consumed by flames. When he failed to get them off before the fire spread to his pants, he jumped down into the canal, gurgling as he splashed into the water below.

Natsumi watched him flail in the water for a few moments, then turned and silently crossed the bridge without a word, ignoring Ichigo as he surfaced and continued to hurl insults at her.

As Chojuro followed her, he could feel the heat rolling off of her in waves, the air and ground sizzling with every step. Beads of sweat rolled down his neck as he drew alongside her. “Natsumi-!”

She quickened her pace, refusing to look at him.

“Natsumi, wait!” Chojuro pleaded.

“Why?” Natsumi murmured, the heat around her becoming almost unbearable. “So you can tell me he was right? That I’m worthless gutter trash that needs to be gotten rid of?”

Wiping the beads of sweat from his brow, Chojuro raced ahead, planting himself in front of her. She finally looked up at him, and he was stunned to see tears beading at the corners of her eyes.

“Natsumi, I have no idea what he was talking about,” Chojuro said. “But I also don’t care. He’s wrong about you.”

Natsumi laughed bitterly. “You only say that because you don’t know anything about me.”

“Then tell me. What’s so ‘wrong’ with you that would make me side with him?”

She looked away, but he could still see the tear silently trickling down her face, the indecision and fear that made her body tremble. Chojuro took her hand, silently holding it in both of his as he waited for her answer.

Finally, after an eternity she finally said, “There are three big reasons. One, I can’t use Water Release at all. Two, I can’t do even basic kenjutsu. Three, I was born on the South Side.”

Chojuro stood rooted to the spot, eyes wide as everything clicked into place. As far as he had known, every shinobi in Kiri could use Water Release, even if it wasn’t their affinity or even very strong. For Natsumi to not have it at all was extremely rare, and in the elitist society they lived in, that valued status and conformity above all else, that was basically screaming to the world that she didn’t belong there. To compound that with a lack of swordsmanship, and to have been born in the poor district…Natsumi was everything that the upper crust of Kirigakure hated.

He couldn’t imagine the hell she’d had to endure during her life here, especially if people were openly treating her this way.

He didn’t have to wonder long before she continued, “No one wanted to have anything to do with me. Teachers, fellow students and shinobi, not even my parents. At best, they said I was a disgrace to the village. At worst, they said I should be banished or killed.” Her eyes trailed back to the canal. “Ichigo was my teammate for a mission. He tried to leave me for dead in the Land of Earth, then blamed me when I reported him and he got demoted. To this day, he still wants my head.”

“That’s why you reacted so violently last night,” Chojuro said with quiet realization. “You thought I was going to kill you.”

Natsumi nodded.

Fury and sadness expanded rapidly in his chest, threatening to choke him. He took a shaking breath as he squeezed her hand. “I’m so, so sorry that happened to you.”

Natsumi didn’t move. Tears still formed in her eyes, but beyond them, there was a spark of hope.

“They were wrong about you,” Chojuro said. “Ichigo was wrong.”

“Were they?” Natsumi asked. “I failed at the three things this village prides itself in. What good does that make me?”

“Don’t,” Chojuro said.

“Don’t what?”

“You remember what you said to me?” Chojuro asked. “About not talking down about yourself?”

“Yes…” Natsumi said reluctantly.

“Well, the same goes for you,” he said. “So what if you can’t use Water or wield a sword? You have your own gifts. That fire - that was you, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Natsumi said slowly.

“And I constantly feel the air getting hot around you - that’s also your doing, isn’t it?”

She nodded again. “Fire has always been my best weapon. I don’t even need hand signs for it.”

“You’re kidding.”

Natsumi shook her head. She glanced to the side, nodding at a piece of trash. She stilled, focusing on it, and Chojuro could feel the air around them heat up like a furnace. A moment later, the trash exploded into flames. He stared at it in awe for a moment, then quickly summoned a small plume of water to extinguish it.

“I call it Incineration,” Natsumi said simply.

“That’s incredible,” Chojuro said, giving her an awed smile. “You’re incredible, Natsumi.”

She stared at him silently, a soft blush dusting her cheeks. She turned her head, nervously playing with a lock of her hair. “You’re sweet.”

Chojuro blushed too, scratching the back of his head. “Don’t ever let people like that get to you.” Lowering his voice, he added, “I know it’s hard. I was born on the South Side too. I heard a lot of similar commentary when I was younger.”

Natsumi’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re from the South Side?”

“Born and raised, if you can even call what happened to me ‘raising’.”

“Sounds like we had similar upbringings,” she said. Then she stifled a yawn, looking embarrassed as she pressed her hand against her mouth. “I’m sorry, I promise I’m listening…”

Chojuro shook his head. “It’s fine,” he said. “That story can wait for another day. For now, let’s get you home.”

They arrived at her house a few minutes later. It was a small place, tucked away at the end of a street three blocks from the canal. Only one story tall, the stone walls a natural sandy color under the dark roof. A stone wall separated the yard and house from the street, parted by a metal gate. A single outdoor light illuminated the garden, little green sprouts popping out of the dark soil in raised beds.

Natsumi hovered by the gate, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. “Thank you,” she finally said.

“For what?” Chojuro asked.

“For…everything.” She hid a yawn behind her hand. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s all right,” he assured her. “You get some rest.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

Chojuro nearly panicked, thinking he’d somehow messed things up again, but those fears were put to rest when he saw the corners of her mouth twitching and the corners of her eyes crinkle with mirth.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said.

Her smile came back. A genuine, bright smile that lit up the night and warmed him right down to his core. “You learn fast,” she said, her tone teasing.

He smiled back. “Oh, and tomorrow, I’ll be speaking to Lady Mizukage about Ichigo,” he said. “You’re right, someone like that has no business becoming a Swordsman.”

“I bet he’ll love that.” Natsumi laughed. “You’ll have to come by and tell me all about it.”

Chojuro blinked. Was she actually inviting him to visit her?

As if sensing his confusion, she casually added, “Of course, that’s if you want to spend more time with a not not beautiful woman.”

Chojuro groaned. “I’m never going to hear the end of that, am I?”

She grinned at him. “No, you are not.”

Her smile was infectious, so he couldn’t help grinning back even as he rubbed his burning face. “I guess I’ll have to get used to it then, if we’re friends.”

Natsumi’s face lit up. “Are we?”

“I’d like to be,” Chojuro replied. “If you’ll allow it.”

He offered her his hand. After a moment, Natsumi took it, squeezing his fingers. “I’d like that too.”

~

Tag List: @justmyownreality @therantingfangirl @mrsbakashi @anchy-bananchy @allyallygator @nnandmm-archived-hard @therozpoz @undersero @headcanonsmadepublic

[bh-52]

[yamanaka-shin]

🔥 (if your still dropping the tea! xD. Idk for a topic, anything I guess, shout it out!)

Last night me and Jess were talking and I subjected her to a little Mangetsu and Suigetsu rant. So, since it's the birthday of the older brother and a few days from the birthday of the younger brother, it's time I brought some words out today. Not good ones. Keep in mind, Mangetsu is damn near tied for my #1 favorite in the entire franchise. So I don't say this out of malice.

There is no point to him existing. Both as a character and as a sibling. Because we got absolutely nothing worthwhile from his existence. Sure there was the whole "oh he can use all the swords and is basically a prodigy" but we didn't even get to see any of that, now did we? Didn't even see him with his own primary weapon (Hiramekarei) in canon, had to see it in Sharingan Legend for a couple panels and I believe one of the games too. How fucking disrespectful is that?

There's at least one other Hiramekarei wielder that's not Chojuuro that we've seen too. So we can just replace Mangetsu as the strongest user of it for the Edo Tensei and miss absolutely nothing. Suigetsu doesn't even need "oh my brother died and that explains some of why my life sucks so bad" since we genuinely don't know what role Mangetsu (and his death) played there! I can assume all I want but without shit to base it on, it's all worthless. There's easily ways you can give Suigetsu a hard time that gets him caught by Orochimaru to explain everything. The story continues as normal.

And the sibling comment, well. There's plenty of characters who aren't an only child. Both by blood and otherwise. Kabuto and Sai come to mind immediately. But you also got the Sand Siblings, the Senju quartet, Madara was one of 5 for fucks sake, Naruto and Hinata have 3, Hinata herself has a sister in Hanabi. And while Madara is an interesting case cuz only 1 of his 4 other siblings is shown, at least we get valuable input from Izuna being around. Everyone else? You can make a good case for the existence of their siblings.

Take for example Urushi, Kabuto's adoptive older brother. He didn't have a big part to play but I still am moved by his presence in Kabuto's life. We didn't need to see his whole deal either. The two were together in the orphanage for a couple years and clearly bonded based on the SCENE FROM THE WAR ARC LATER WHERE NOW ADULT URUSHI SAYS HE HOPES HIS BROTHER WILL FINALLY COME HOME. and then guess what? They're back together in Boruto! Not a great fate for Kabuto, looking like Orochimaru after All That, but at fucking least he has someone important to him left.

And then no one needs me to go off about Shin in any capacity cuz by now it's clear what my feelings are. That being said, for all my bitching about the lack of info, we got a decent amount to go off of. We know their place in Sai's life and how it shaped Sai into the person we got to know in Shippuden. That is enough to justify their role as a sibling. I'm content with it.

Mangetsu? Had an opportunity to be reunited with Suigetsu in the war. I know it could have fucking been done. But no, no, nothing came of it. Because even SP didn't want to put in the effort. WE DID NOT EVEN SEE MANGETSU GET SEALED LIKE ALL THE OTHERS. HOW FUCKING DISRESPECTFUL! Legit at this point he should have just been removed from the entire narrative. You could do that and lose NOTHING.

Happy birthday beloved wet beast, you got done so goddamn dirty by canon in every way. I wish I had the ability to correct the wrongs done.

here have a couple pieces done by Brentonsart (Twitter) who is very dear to me as compensation. I've been holding onto these a while.

[haku-of-the-hidden-mist]

Haku's strength with the seven ninja swords

Hiramekarei: easy

She can wield it perfectly but it isnt really her style, she has enough chakra to store chakra in it, she has no problem with lifting it as one sword or two or making other weapons out of it but it doesn't fit her

Kabutowari: hard

Her body is to small to properly wield it, the axe and hammer are much too big, she has no problem lifting both of them or how to wield them but her body is much to small and she is to light weight to properly use it

Kiba: kinda easy

She can use lighting but it also weakens her, she also has no problem wielding the twin swords and is a natural at it but it mostly requies her to use lighting which she can but lighting takes a lot of her chakra and her hōzuki body can't take it

Kubikiribocho: super easy *surprisingly*

She can wield it quite easily, her size is a bit of a disadvantage but her strength with it makes up for it, if there's ever a situation where it gets snapped or badly damaged her hōzuki blood has iron like normal blood so she can easily regenerate it, her lighting style also works well with it too

Nuibari: needs work

She can control the wire and needle but her way of stiching need work, her lighting style allows her to send waves of lighting through it but she doesn't have completely control over the thread when using it

Samehada: kinda hard

She doesn't mind that its a sentient sword and doesn't really have much of a disadvantage when it comes to wielding it, exept for her size but still no problem, she feeds it enough chakra to make it grow fond of her due to her massive chakra and and aura

Shibuki: never even tried

She has severe anxiety of bombs and firearms (fire being one of her weaknesses), she never even tried to wield it in fear the explosions would hurt her in someway and still refuses to use it

[kyugens]

headcanon dump – chojuro.

After the Fourth War, Chojuro became the Keeper of the Scroll of the Ninja Swords – he currently possesses all of the Ninja Swords except for Samehada that chose B as it’s wielderer. He turned down the opportunity to become the next Mizukage, choosing instead to maintain his rank as a Jounin and Swordsman in Kiri and keep working alongside Mei – though that didn’t stop her from throwing more responsibilities his way. lmao

Around the same time, he grows out his hair, and he wears a different hairstyle every now and then just for the fun of it. It kind of looks like this.

Still on the subject of his look, I portray him a little taller than the show. He’s 1,70cm (5'5) and more muscular around the torso area. And he often switches between his goggles and plain-looking glasses.

He still struggles with his lack of confidence in himself, although it’s not as bad as it used to. And as it turns out, he doesn’t have a lot of patience to spare. He’s not quick to anger or impulsively start a fight, but he’ll make his thoughts clear and won’t back down if things escalate. Character development, guys.

He’s into some random (weird) shit. And since I have no doubts that Kiri is a haunted place, ghost/fossil hunting is one of his hobbies. He doesn’t do it that often, but when he does, he likes to get himself a few trinkets and whatnot. He likes to scare his non-kirigakurian friends with horror stories and tales about Kiri, and it is incredibly amusing to him how people can’t handle hearing a couple of gorey folktales. adlçakjsflkasj

He has Water, Lightning, and Yin release. The Water and Lightning releases work well with Hiramekarei and his close-range / melee fighting style. Chojuro will use the Lightning to sharpen the sword, whereas the Water and Yin chakra go to mold the sword to whatever shape / weapon he desires and general jutsus.

He doesn’t like red meat – or meat in general. He eats fish and seafood, but if he can help it, he’ll go for anything else that’s on the table. Will elaborate further in the future.

[fumoy]

[everychojuro]

[authorsoundlesssleep-blog]

This is a reference mostly to the standard sizes of swords vs the more exotic legendary seven swords. Ume because of her size uses a wakizashi, her wakizashi in particular has a thinner blade and handle than average because it was made specifically so she could wield it one handed with her very small hands. It’s made in the same fashion as a katana as well as forged of chakra steel so it’s much stronger than a tanto even though it’s fairly small in size.

Chojuro’s sword is a standard Kirigakure katana, in fact his blade is actually a loaner from the supply office since he himself didn’t get to keep the blade he borrowed during the chunin exames. Unlike Ume’s or Suigetsu’s it has a cross guard and a very traditional length and width. Even though it’s not chakra steel, it’s a folded steel battle ready katana and strong enough to serve as both sword and shield.

Suigetsu’s sword was like Ume’s custom made for his exclusive use. It’s chakra steel as well but Suigetsu’s chakra nature means he can’t use the same way Ume uses hers. A water natured swordsman could use chakra steel to make water weapons that cut but cannot be blocked, however since Suigetsu can do so without it the sword is less valuable in his hands.

For a country that loves it’s katana the legendary swords are fairly strange in shape. This may be because they are modeled after a tanto, which is the more standard of ninja blades, but all the legendary swords are more straight blades than anything else. Kiba are both straight swords and though it’s know as some of the sharpest swords ever made the bards show that Kiba is both an offensive and defensive design allowing or easy blocks and crossguards. It’s also the shortest of the seven swords because of the fact that it’s to be used together in tandem.

While it looks more like a shield than a sword (and it can be a sheild) the design of Hiramekarei makes perfect sense when you remember that while ninja bend physics the average ninja doesn’t usually outright break the laws of conservation. In this case, the extra mass allows it to draw material to change form. It’s a tricky blade to use, and not something you can use without a good bit of chakra to back up the transformations.

Nuibari is known as the long sword, and by katana standards it is quite long. Though by seven swords length it’s still beaten by Kubikiribocho. It’s length isn’t the impressive part, it’s said that while Kiba has the sharpest blade, it has the sharpest point. A proper wielder can pierce through armor, flesh, bone, steel and stone with little trouble. It’s said it’s because it’s point is so thin it goes to the spaces between.

Kubikiribocho is a massive sword and one of the hardest to wield because of how long it is. Considering how fast Zabuza can move with it should tell you just how skilled a swordsman he is. 

[goldenfirefox]

[howie1307]

Is it me or did the 7 ninja swords get a lot smaller?

[nightingaleflow]

An Affliction of Mist

This is for the Hidden Shinobi Hideout Holiday exchange! My gift was for @yamanaka-shin. Merry Christmas to you and Tasogare, and I hope you have a wonderful and creative new year!

Summary: The first time Tasogare enters Kirigakure, it doesn't treat him so well. Luckily, Mangetsu is there to take care of him.

~Mangetsu x Tasogare (OC) ~Other characters: Suigetsu ~Rating: T ~Sickness/feeling unwell, brief themes of exclusion, mentions of violence ~Word Count: 1813

Tasogare’s eyes grew huge as he passed through the gates of Kirigakure. Hoshigakure, the village where he’d grown up, was a secluded village hidden away in the Land of Bears. It was a beautiful village, surrounded by thick forests and vast mountains, but it was barely large enough to contain its growing population. Kirigakure was a whole different beast. Even through the thick mists that gave the village its name, Tasogare could make out the outlines of towering buildings in every direction, with streets winding and twisting in between. Everything was awash in shades of blue and grey, as if he was stepping into the ocean itself and not into one of the biggest villages in the world.

Mangetsu drew alongside Tasogare, smiling. “Welcome to Kirigakure,” he said. “What do you think?”

Tasogare cleared his throat. “Not bad.”

Mangetsu laughed. “That’s it?”

Tasogare shrugged. “I’ve seen better.”

“Where?” Mangetsu asked, leaning over. “Do tell, I’m dying to know.”

Tasogare cleared his throat again as he tried to think of an answer. A minute later, he just shrugged and kept walking.

“I knew you were pulling my leg.” Mangetsu shook his head. “Come on. My place is this way.” His voice grew quieter. “And stay close to me.”

Tasogare nodded as he shifted closer.

Mangetsu led him down the winding streets, heading for the other side of the village. Along the way, several villagers bowed their heads to Mangetsu and offered warm greetings, though their eyes always shifted in suspicion to Tasogare immediately after. Tasogare itched to demand what they were looking at, but Mangetsu always looked back and shook his head, so Tasogare held his tongue.

They finally arrived at a sprawling estate on the opposite side of the village. Tall, white and blue walls stood three meters high, a circular gate inscribed with the Hozuki name the only way in. Just past the gate was a massive courtyard decorated with fountains and ponds. The buildings inside were all round, ranging from one to two stories high, and white as pearls with blue stone roofs.

Mangetsu led Tasogare into the central building. “I’m home!” he called as they walked through the door.

“It’s about time you got back.” A young boy with white hair stuck his head into the hallway, his head barely taller than the doorknob. As soon as he saw Tasogare, his expression became hostile. “Who’s this?”

“This is Tasogare,” Mangetsu replied. “Tasogare, this is my little brother, Suigetsu.”

Suigetsu glared at him. “Why are you bringing a stranger into our house?” he hissed. “He could be here to steal the Swords!”

Tasogare laughed. “You aren’t entirely wrong, kid.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Mangetsu put a hand up to interject. “I met Tasogare because he tried to steal Hiramekarei from me.”

Suigetsu turned scarlet with rage. “You what?”

“It was a cool sword and I wanted it,” Tasogare replied with a shrug. “You can’t blame me for that.”

Mangetsu laughed. “No, I suppose I can’t. There’s a reason I chose it in the first place.”

Suigetsu shook his head. “You’re being way too casual with someone who tried to steal one of our Swords,” he said. “Are you under a genjutsu? Is that it?”

“No, no genjutsu,” Mangetsu replied. “Tasogare happened to come along right before a band of Konoha-nin jumped me. I probably would have lost had he not been there. So after we won, I offered him a place to stay for a bit.”

Suigetsu tutted. “You’re too soft, brother.”

“And you’re too rigid,” Mangetsu countered. “Come on, Tasogare, let me show you the guest room.” Tasogare started to follow, then Mangetsu added, “And put that stone back.”

Tasogare rolled his eyes, but pulled the shiny blue stone out of his pocket and put it back on the table.

The guest room had the same white and blue color scheme as the rest of the house. White walls, blue lamps, white sheets on the bed with blue pillows. Tasogare sat his bag down on the dresser and stretched. “Thanks again for this,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I got to sleep in an actual bed.”

“Don’t mention it.” Mangetsu leaned against the doorframe. “Feel free to rest for a bit. I’ll get started on dinner. Are you allergic to anything?”

Tasogare shook his head. “Before you go.”

“Hm?”

“What was with all those people out in the village?”

Mangetsu sighed. “People here are very…” He looked out the window, past the swirling mist into the heart of the village. “Set in their ways, I suppose. They’re very proud of their Kiri heritage and traditions, and anyone or anything different isn’t welcome.”

“So, me.”

Mangetsu nodded. “That’s why I told you to stick close. Since I’m one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, even the most spiteful old crones give me respect. And, since you were with me, the most they could do is glare, then grumble about you in private.”

“Got it,” Tasogare said. “I guess a sunset stroll through the village is out of the question.”

Mangetsu grinned. “If you really want to see the village, I can take you out in a bit. The sunsets are beautiful this time of year.”

“Ok, it’s a date.” Tasogare flopped onto the bed. “But later.”

“Sure,” Mangetsu said as he closed the door. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

~

When Tasogare opened his eyes the next morning, his first thought was how beautiful the sunrise was. Shimmering over the ocean, the rising sun bathed the village in shimmering yellow and pink, contrasting beautifully with the blue ocean. It was like watching a painting come to life before his eyes.

His next thought was how much his throat hurt.

He tried to clear his throat, but that only made it worse. He shut his eyes and tried to swallow, groaning as pain shot through his neck into the rest of his body. As he pulled back the covers and climbed out of bed, he became aware of how much he was sweating, his skin feeling like it was on fire.

Downstairs, he could already smell someone cooking breakfast, so he trudged down the stairs trying not to whimper. 

“Good morning,” Mangetsu’s friendly voice floated up from the kitchen. He stuck his head into the hall. “Tasogare? Are you all right?”

“I dunno,” Tasogare replied. “I feel terrible.”

Mangetsu frowned, then brushed back Tasogare’s hair before pressing his hand against his forehead. “You’re burning up,” he said.

“I can tell,” Tasogare said, slumping forward and landing in Mangetsu’s arms. “You’re comfy.”

Mangetsu sighed, then scooped Tasogare into his arms and carried him into the living room. He laid Tasogare on the couch, adjusting one of the pillows under his head, then covered him with a blanket. Tasogare smiled bitterly. “Thanks, but you were comfier than the sofa.”

Mangetsu snorted. “I’ll keep that in mind. For now, you just stay there. I’ll make you some soup.”

Tasogare sighed. “I just don’t get it. I never get sick.” His eyes darted to the hall. “Maybe your brother did something to me.”

Mangetsu shook his head. “No. Suigetsu may not like you, but he prefers to settle things with swords. I think you’re just having trouble adjusting to Kiri’s climate. It’s pretty different from the Land of Bears.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

Mangetsu disappeared into the kitchen, and the sounds of clanging pots and stirring ladles began again. Tasogare laid back, rolling onto his stomach, then onto his back when that proved to be uncomfortable. He coughed intermittently, wishing he’d thought to ask for some water. He then felt someone watching him. He turned his head to see Suigetsu peeking at him from the hallway with a scowl on his face. 

“Morning, kid,” Tasogare said, giving him a mocking salute.

“You’re still here,” Suigetsu said.

“Yep, sure am.” Tasogare paused to clear his throat. “Your brother was so nice I thought I’d crash here a bit longer. Get some more use out of that fancy shower upstairs.”

“I don’t know what you did to my brother,” Suigetsu cut in. “But I don’t like it.” He pointed at Tasogare. “Tell me why I shouldn’t cut you down right now.”

“Besides the fact that it would stain the couch?”

Suigetsu glared at him.

“Because your brother is right behind you, and I don’t think he’d be too thrilled about you doing that.”

Suigetsu let out a startled noise and jumped. But when he turned around, no one was there. Tasogare snickered as Suigetsu let out an annoyed sound. “That wasn’t funny!”

“Yeah, it was,” Tasogare said.

“Suigetsu, are you bothering our guest?” Mangetsu called from the kitchen.

“No!” Suigetsu said.

“Funny, because it sure sounds like it.” Mangetsu appeared, brandishing a spoon. “You should get going anyway. You’ll be late for the Academy.”

Suigetsu let out a noise of protest, but Mangetsu ignored him, gently guiding him out of the house. Then he reappeared in the living room. “Sorry about that,” he said. “Just a few more minutes on the soup. Did you need anything else?”

“A million ryo?” Tasogare suggested.

“I’m afraid I don’t have that,” Mangetsu said, an amused glint in his eyes.

“Well, damn,” Tasogare replied. “I guess some water then.”

“That, I do have.”

A few minutes later, Mangetsu set a glass of water on the table next to Tasogare. Tasogare sipped at the water, sighing with relief as it soothed his aching throat. “Appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it,” Mangetsu said.

Tasogare smirked as he picked up his soup. “Don’t tell me what to do.”

Fine. Then mention it.”

Tasogare stuck his tongue out at him as Magentsu returned to the kitchen.

Fifteen minutes later, he reappeared with a bowl of soup. Tasogare sniffed it cautiously, then took a sip. Strong salty and fishy flavors cut through his fog, causing him to gulp down more water. “What kind of soup is this?”

“It’s a basic fish stew,” Mangetsu replied. “It’s the best thing for colds and fevers.”

Tasogare nodded, then swallowed the rest as fast as he could, trying not to gag. “Thanks,” he said, gulping down more water.

“Not a fan?” Mangetsu asked.

“Let’s just say I’m gonna try really hard not to get sick again.” He grinned at Mangetsu. “I appreciate you making it for me.”

“It’s the least I can do after you saved my neck out there.” Mangetsu leaned back in his chair. “How long are you planning on staying in Kiri?”

“Eh, who knows?” Tasogare replied. “At least long enough to get over this.” He gestured to his face. “And then probably a few days after that.”

“All right,” Mangetsu said. “And you’re welcome to stay with me as long as you’re in the village.”

Tasogare lifted his cup in a toast. “I might just have to take you up on that.”

[bredfaith]

thinking about mangetsu's time in the swordsmen

[yamanaka-shin]

what are Hozukis? we just don't know. but I'd sure like to know. especially when it comes to the history of the clan and the abilities of each individual. Gengetsu seemed like such an exceptional individual, so I have to wonder if that was JUST a him thing or maybe his direct family or what's going on. it's easy to point at Suigetsu and assume he's the family standard, but the more I think on it the less inclined to believe that I am. he's also just a freak among the ranks, mainly in attitude and behavior. and yeah canon sure didn't do shit with Mangetsu but I still have my claws in him. I'm curious, I NEED answers. still find it wild that he and Suigetsu weren't just twins honestly. but I'm the same vein, what sorts of ability differences exist between them? both before and during Boruto. because by now Suigetsu has outlived the lifespan of his brother so of course he has had more time to hone his skills than Mangetsu ever had. but back when the two would have been nearly the same age since Suigetsu would have caught up to his brother who died years back, what was the difference in skills? aside from the obvious Prodigy Of The Seven thing that deserves its own 5 episode arc. and for that matter, I am inclined to think that even though Mangetsu could decently use each of the Blades, it was Suigetsu who was better with Kubikiribocho. though how he would fair with the other six, I do not know. I'd like to know very much. especially Hiramekarei since it's half confirmed that that was the primary weapon Mangetsu was using. for that matter, regarding Hiramekarei, I'm still waiting for canon to tell me how it went from the hands of Mangetsu to Chojuuro. there has to be some sort of good story there. and I want it. badly. another issue that drives me on is the matter of the caste system placement of the Hozuki clan, and if it had lowered or stayed the same over time. did Gengetsu screw them all over somehow? is it because he died penis fencing with Muu? I have nothing but respect for the man no matter what because he's both sexy and charming. also he's trans. I don't take discourse on the subject, I'm just right. Hozukis in general really tend to lean into the genderfluid thing, being binary is simply not appealing or accurate for them. and if you point out the irony in it all, they're aware of it. but truly...what IS a Hozuki? at the end of the day? they seem to take clothing as a suggestion at best and I still don't think they have any body hair to speak of. they definitely have a Kekkei Genkai no matter how it's labeled, and they made it through the Bloody Mist genocide of Kekkei Genkai havers somehow. I have my theories. I have my thoughts. and I love these weird wet freaks very much. if only canon gave a shit about them in any tangible way huh?