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Itto knew Kuki wasn’t having a good day. It started out normal, like any other regular week. The gang all woke up, at breakfast, then started out their “training”- which was basically them running around town to find someone to battle onikabuto with them. For whatever reason, something had been off. Kuki hadn’t participated in any activities with the gang. She’d usually attempt to humor them a little, finding a purposefully small beetle so she’d be out in the first round. However, she didn’t even go with them into town. The gang didn’t notice much, but Itto definitely did. He may have seemed senseless, but when it came to his gang, he knew them better than the back of his hand.
Kuki had retreated to her secret hideout; a small spot in the forest she’d stumbled across years ago. No one in the gang, besides her and Itto, knew where it was located. Kuki had shown the oni the location after he had been wrongfully accused, hoping to hide him while she resolved the issue. She sat by a small creek, staring at the water as a few leaves danced through current. She sighed softly. Kuki had a lot on her mind as of recent, several dilemmas and worries on her back. She could usually handle stress well, but everyone has their breaking point. Including the deputy of the Arataki gang- the only one of them who seemed invincible.
From an outsider's point of view, it may seem that way. She put up with a lot of stuff to keep the gang in one piece. Busting them out of jail, cooking for them, handling incidents (whether it was the gang’s fault or not), keeping them out of trouble, and helping them with quick jobs they had decided to pick up to earn some food or supplies. On top of that, she had a few personal issues she needed to work on. She kicked the stream in irritation. Thinking about it all gave her a headache. Kuki laid back on the rock she had perched herself on and sighed, exhausted. She closed her eyes, allowing the sounds of nature to lull her to sleep.
Itto was beyond worried. Kuki had been away for hours now. He couldn’t keep track of how many, but he had decided it was way too long. He sent the gang off for some free time so he had time to search for Kuki himself. As much as he could have used the help, he knew the guys needed some free time themselves. He’d hate to have to announce a sudden expedition to find their missing deputy. They would help in a heartbeat, but he had also considered that Kuki just needed time to herself. If that were the case, he’d be right back with the guys while Kuki does whatever she pleases. Itto couldn’t help but worry about her, though. He always managed to find a way to worry when she left.
The oni had searched every place he could think of. At the camp, at her favorite shops and restaurants, even going as far as asking random civilians whether or not they’d seen her. No luck. He sighed, sitting down on a curb while he ran his fingers through his tangled hair. He focused on breaking apart the knots with his fingers as he thought about what to do next. He had no idea. Suddenly, it clicked. He stood up, laughing at himself loudly. “Of course!” He said to himself as he headed in the direction of the hideout. The last place he could think of. He ignored the heads turning as he basically dashed toward the location.
When he got to the woods, he got a little lost. It was a big place, after all. He’d only been to the outskirts to look for his beloved onikabuto. Despite being clueless to the path, he strived forward deeper into the forest. He searched for an hour before deciding to give up. He groaned loudly, huffing as he turned around and headed toward the way he came from. Itto trampled through the forest, this time taking in the scenery around him. He felt a sense of disappointment bubble up inside of him. He had an urge to punch the closest tree just to get his anger out but decided against it. He saw a creek ahead, deciding to trample through it for a moment. He took some water and splashed it on his face in an attempt to cool himself off. When he looked up, he noticed a pair of legs that were hidden by a rock. He stood slowly, carefully stepping toward the figure.
There laid his beloved deputy, Kuki Shinobu. She was fast asleep, her eyes closed, and her mask placed beside her face. This was the only time Itto saw her at peace. She always looked so stern, so…strict. It was rare for her to ever have her guard down, even around the oni. He couldn’t help but admire her for a moment, noting the strands of hair laying against her face, disturbed only by the wind and her own breath. The oni crouched beside her, carefully brushing the hair out of her eyes. She shifted a little but didn’t wake up. This caused Itto to smile softly. He was glad she was getting the rest she deserved. He nudged her a bit, attempting to wake her up just a little.
She opened her eyes, immediately reaching for her sword. Kuki only paused when she recognized who was above her. She sighed, grabbing her mask with half-assed precision. “What do you want, Itto?” She asked, putting her mask back over her face. Itto just shook his head, giving a small chuckle. “I was worried about you, ya know!” He said, never losing his smile. “The boys are out having some bonding time in town. Just head back to sleep, I’ll carry you back to camp.” Shinobu’s eyes narrowed, then she yawned. “And why would I let you do that?” She said, sitting up fully now. Itto raised an eyebrow. “Because you trust me and I’m amazing?” He said, as if it were the most obvious thing.
Kuki hesitated. “Absolutely not. I can walk back.” She said as she stood. Itto had other plans. Without another word, he swept her over his shoulder. “Nu uh! Nope! I told you I’d carry you back!” He huffed. “Don't worry about it, Kuki! You’re safe with me!” He teased the girl, laughing at his own remark. The deputy sighed. Itto was too stubborn for his own good sometimes. However, Kuki didn’t say a word, even as the oni headed back to their camp. She managed to shift down so that Itto would hold her up. She rested her head on his shoulder. She didn’t fall asleep, but for once, she felt safe enough to relax. She closed her eyes.
When they got to the camp, it was abandoned. As Itto promised, the rest of the gang was still out and about, doing whatever they decided to do. She just hoped they wouldn’t get into any kind of trouble. The oni laid her onto one of the makeshift beds and tucked her in, though they both knew Kuki was more than capable of getting herself ready for bed. The oni sat beside her, leaning against one of the walls in their little shelter. Kuki watched him for a bit, then wordlessly laid her head on his thigh, scooting over enough to get comfortable. He didn’t say a word. After what felt like hours, a large hand rested on Kuki’s head, gently petting her hair. She closed her eyes. She would never admit to liking the feeling. Slowly, she fell back asleep. The last thing she remembers thinking was about how safe she felt; finally, with someone she could trust…somewhere that felt like home.