let's do the time warp again [semi-open?]

[nayotake]

WHO: Kaguya, Yukimura, and anyone Yukimura recruits to drag back on a trip to the past with him?
WHAT: Going back to Ueda Castle to fix a screw-up.
WHERE: Main camp, to start, then back in time to Ueda.
WARNING(S): nothing yet!



[The main camp is starting to get more full, although there were still plenty of faces missing - but every new arrival is good for morale, even the ones nobody likes, really, because they at least represent a unity of cause that can bring even the most bitter of enemies together, and - maybe Kaguya is just being sentimental, but she at least finds the idea of Shu and Wei, Eastern and Western armies, Dong Zhuo and anybody being able to find common cause to be somewhat inspiring.

Every new arrival also means leads to a few more, as everyone wants to know what they can do to find missing comrades or save dead ones, and so she's been busy - but there's no time to rest, and with everyone else doing everything they can, it's not as though she can do any less.

She's been back from her last trip for a little while now, though, and she's savoring the few moments of downtime before the next inevitable mission.]

Comments

[ex_onslaught851]

You're left-handed.

[An observation, but also a slight prodding to continue.]

[iaijutsu]

Yes. There are few who are willing to accept that - until I came to Shieikan and met the other future members of the Shinsengumi, none ever had, and none would acknowledge my skill. They considered it a heresy, and I have been thrown out of more dojos than I care to count, told that I had no talent or that I was cheating.

[He shakes his head.]

It is not only in technique that samurai are assumed to be right-handed. The etiquette of how to carry one's sword, where to place it when sitting in someone's home...all of that has formed around the assumption that a sword is wielded in such a manner. When I attempt to follow the same reasoning, everything looks backwards, and I am assumed to be rude and ill-mannered, even if setting my sword at my right rather than my left would be infinitely ruder.

[Because unlike everyone else, he can pick it up and draw quickly with his good hand, if he puts it on the right.]

Shieikan was the only place where I was accepted without reservation, and where my talent was recognized for what it was.

[ex_onslaught851]

[Yukimura listens to every word intently, though at first all he can manage is a small, sad smile.]

To think that, even after all this time, men such as yourselves have such trouble finding a place in the world… It is disappointing to hear of such things. I would have thought that, with Tokugawa Ieyasu claiming power, perhaps such quarrels would be put to rest.

I cannot even imagine how difficult it must have been. And yet you persisted despite that, and did not give in to pressure to change. That is rather admirable of you, Hajime-dono. I am glad that you found people who could accept you as you were, as well.

[iaijutsu]

[Sanada Yukimura has just said his behavior is admirable. His heart feels like it's going to burst out of his chest.

...breathe.]

Thank you, Yukimura-dono.

[Though that's only half of the story.]

The Shinsengumi has since been the one place I know I am accepted without reservation, but as an organization, we have not been well-liked in Kyoto, even by many of those on our own side. Many do not come from samurai families, our leaders included, and the first leader of the organization engaged in somewhat...questionable practices, before his death and Kondou-san's rise to sole command. There are few who consider us to be anything more than common thugs who simply had the fortune to have our actions sanctioned by the shogunate.

So, to be compared to someone like you, whose reputation for honor and admirable conduct has never been questioned...

[It's almost too much.]

[ex_onslaught851]

After hearing your story, I think that the comparison is even more fitting than before.

[And he can't help but admire Saitou even more after listening to everything he had to say.]

[iaijutsu]

[yukimura pls. He can't handle all this flattery!]

[ex_onslaught851]

[He'd prefer to call it a compliment!!]

I apologise... have I overstepped again, Hajime-dono?

[iaijutsu]

No, I...I am glad to hear it.

[ex_onslaught851]

[Is that a smile?! Victory!!!]

I am glad. I realise that I am being rather forward... I would not wish to upset you in any way.

[For about a million reasons.]

[iaijutsu]

I can think of little you could do to upset me, Yukimura-dono.

[ex_onslaught851]

You have a lot of faith in me, Hajime-dono...

[And his heart totally just skipped a beat. There was little he could think of, huh.]

[iaijutsu]

I do not think that faith is misplaced.

[ex_onslaught851]

I will do my best to continue to be worthy of it.

[iaijutsu]

[Oh Yukimura. Your best is more than enough, don't you know?]

[ex_onslaught851]

[This is a man who has never known his own value, and only listened to Shingen when he started crying.]

I-In any case, I should let you get some rest.

[iaijutsu]

I should be saying the same to you, should I not?

[But he nods. They could both use it; it's been a long day.

...longer for some than others, admittedly.]

[ex_onslaught851]

[It's only now that Yukimura realises how tired he actually is, and he absentmindedly rubs at his eyes.]

Ensuring your safety was worth any exhaustion.

[... not that he'd say no to sleep now.]

[iaijutsu]

[He's never going to stop blushing, is he.

At least going to sleep will let him go hide it.]

You have succeeded in that much. Please, rest.

[ex_onslaught851]

I won't protest, but at least allow me to escort you to your tent.

[He's... got to make sure he gets there safely. Yep.]

[iaijutsu]

If it will give you some peace of mind, I can hardly argue with that.

[ex_onslaught851]

[That makes him laugh.]

I am likely worrying too much, but thank you for humoring me.

[iaijutsu]

I am tempted to agree that you are worrying too much, but given the circumstances, that would seem a bit insensitive.

[ex_onslaught851]

It's quite all right. I'm often told that I worry too much.

[iaijutsu]

It is not a bad trait.

[He finally gets to his feet; he doesn't doubt that the two of them could unintentionally put it off all night, between thanks and apologies and commentary on them both, but they really do both need the rest, by now.]

[ex_onslaught851]

In some situations, perhaps not. In others I imagine it becomes rather frustrating.

[Still, he can't help but smile. And considering he's already gotten carried away with this, he decides it might be best to call it a night before he really forgets his place.

It's not a far walk, though for some reason Yukimura finds himself disappointed...]