Chapter Text
"This is the finest batch of gyokuro tea we have this season, dear customer. It would be an ideal gift with this piece of genuine imari ware tea set dating from the beginning of the 18th century. As you know, Japanese exports of porcelain were especially rare until…"
Kasen Kanesada nodded enthusiastically, eyes shining as he swallowed back his excitement at the clerk’s offerings. Shopping was a weekly activity given to the Saniwa's swords as a personal pastime between missions. Each of them was issued an allowance to spend as they wish (partially subsisted by the government) at approved stores located in the present timeline. Most had no problems keeping within their means or just buying inexpensive modern trinkets to pass the time, but Kasen…
Kasen was a liberal arts sword who loved to collect beautiful things, but without the mathematical acumen to budget very efficiently.
And so.
“You’re about 490,000 yen short,” the clerk said politely after helping Kasen check his balance. Seeing the uchigatana knitting his brows, she added, “If I were allowed to presume, the current monthly stipend for uchigatana with six years of service under a Saniwa means…” she hesitated, then skipped the calculations to get straight to the point. “…that you’ll be able to make up the total in about six months.”
“That’s too late!” Kasen exclaimed. There was a special tea exhibition he was planning for the citadel in three months where he was planning to use these as highlight pieces. He thought about getting an advance, but Hasebe and Hakata had outlawed that method after Jiroutachi exploited the loophole to stock up on sake last year and nearly bankrupted the Saniwa.
"...I suppose I shall just have to forgo the purchase," Kasen sighed mournfully. Perhaps Mikazuki had some wares to lend him instead.
"Might I suggest an alternative solution, sir?" the clerk piped up gently.
Kasen's eyes lit up. Perhaps a discount was in order? He'd heard of those, and "holiday sales" too—wonderful events where items could be bought for much cheaper.
"There are no sales promotions during this period," the clerk responded as if reading his mind, "But Kanesada-san is such an accomplished writer that you could try earning money off your own works. There is a thriving market for original fiction among our regular customers."
"Stories?" Kasen wondered. "But I usually write poetry…"
"Poems are acceptable as well, though they don't sell as well," the clerk nodded. "You could consult the modern sector's bookstores to see what's currently popular."
"Would they really read literary works written by a sword?" Kasen was doubtful.
The clerk gave a small cough. "I think it'd be a novel concept. Especially considering how most of the works feature…ahem, pardon me, you should just see for yourself."
Feeling confused but slightly hopeful, Kasen went to explore the bookshop on his own.
"W…what is this?!"
And thus, discovered the existence of doujinshi novels.
—
After a frenzied afternoon studying all he could at the bookstore (and buying a few best sellers as research material), Kasen bundled home and straight into his rooms to plan his next masterpiece.
"Shounen…seinen…shoujo…" he muttered under his breath while fiddling with an old pen and notebook he'd found to streamline his writing efforts. "The premise seems simple enough, but the characters, hmm…"
As the clerk had hinted, plenty of the "doujin novels" had featured him or his fellow swords. However, he didn't know all his colleagues as well as those artists and authors seemed to, and it'd be equally strange to write about those he did know well. What was needed was a happy medium: those he could confidently encapsulate without the awkwardness of a close relationship. For that reason, Izuminokami and by extension the Shinsengumi were out, along with Kotegiri and the Gous. So were Sayo and the Samonji, the other Hosokawa swords, the tantou , or those among his usual circle or kitchen staff. He would also die before he put Ookurikara in anything, which meant all the Date swords were out too. Meanwhile, the Ichimonji were still too new for him to get a handle on properly, plus the plethora of other members that had joined their ranks since.
In the end, Kasen looked at his list of candidates with a thoughtful frown:
Ichigo Hitofuri.
Mikazuki Munechika.
Yamanbagiri Kunihiro.
The first two had a natural regality and elegance that he strove to emulate, so he knew them well after studying them from afar. The last was the first sword their Saniwa had summoned to this citadel, so Kasen had worked with him often even if they rarely spent personal time together. These would be ideal "leads" for his story. Next would come the protagonist, which was equally awkward. It felt irresponsible to pair these three willy-nilly with his comrades, but simply writing himself into the tale was far too narcissistic for his tastes.
Luckily, many doujinshi featured a "faceless protagonist" that was supposed to be a stand-in for the reader. Kasen made up his own, tossed him into the drafts, and named him Botan to call it a day.
"Now for the plot…"
There was too little time to make up some on his own and to simply delve into endless fight scenes was so inelegant. Instead, Kasen had the splendid idea of adapting existing fairy tales to fit the characters for a more refined touch. And since it was far too troublesome to write up three separate stories, he dumped everyone into one and made them all support the main character. They made up his " nakama " or something, right?
Anyways, that should do it.
—
The Citadel, Three Weeks Later.
"Good morning, Kasen—oh?"
Ever the eternal gentleman, Ichigo Hitofuri tossed his hoe aside and stepped forward to support the uchigatana as he tripped mid-step. "Is something the matter? You look awfully pale today."
In response, Kasen only gave a jerk and took a step back, mouth twitching into a smile. "No, I…I was just startled this morning, yes. By a surprise."
"Has Tsurumaru been up to his usual tricks again?" Ichigo frowned slightly. "That's no good, I'll have to tell him to stop."
"No need!" Kasen quickly shook his head. "It wasn't his fault. Just a minor matter."
"If it's something that troubles you, is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, thank you," Kasen managed another weak smile. "It'll be better after we go into the fields—hngk?!" He froze in place, staring at a certain spot behind Ichigo. Naturally the tachi turned too, but he only saw Yagen and Midare walking down the hall while holding some sort of book between them.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked, but was caught off-guard when Kasen grabbed him by the wrist and ran.
"Let's go, it'll get too hot if we start late with the fieldwork!"
"But Kasen, the other hoe?"
"It's fine, just one is enough!"
The two taller swords were gone in a flash before Midare could call out to either of them. He turned to Yagen with a pout. "Aww, and I was going to show Ichi-nii!"
"He looked like he was ready to ask you about it himself."
"No way, Ichi-nii's not into this stuff."
"But someone else is," Yagen mused as he thought of Kasen's jittery expression. Interesting.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I wonder. Come on, we're going to be late for our sparring session too."
"Ah?! Just when I'm so close to the ending…"
"The sooner we finish, the faster you can read your stories," Yagen pointed out, and Midare finally shut his doujinshi and tucked it under his arm.
"Fine fine, let's get on with it then!"
—
How did that end up here?
In between breaking up the dirt like a madman, Kasen's mind was still reeling from what he'd seen in the dining hall that morning: Midare Toushirou reading his debut volume of I Descended to the Human World as a Peony Lantern in Human Form and Rescued Three Heroes from Misfortune Before We Teamed Up to Save the World.
Author: Sanju Roku. (He chose the pseudonym on the spur of the moment.)
Technically, he should be playing dumb too. Nobody knew he wrote it and he made sure no one followed him when he submitted the manuscript to the publishers. But still, there were details in that book that only he would know…that could pertain to their citadel…that might give him away as the writer!
"Kasen…"
No, this won't do. He'd have to find a chance to confiscate the book and "accidentally" burn it. It was too embarrassing otherwise.
Clank.
"Kasen!"
Warmth enveloped his fingers and Kasen gave a start when he realized that Ichigo had come up behind him at some point. He glanced down to see the tachi's hands firmly holding his on on the hoe handle, preventing him from doing anymore work.
"Y-yes?" he stuttered back, suddenly conscious of their proximity .
"I was trying to call you," Ichigo said with an apologetic smile as he released him. "You've been picking at a boulder. It'll wear down the hoe."
Only then did Kasen look further down and see that he'd been chipping at a giant rock bordering the edge of the fields. The hoe in his hands seemed to be crying softly.
"M-my apologies!" he exclaimed and dropped the hoe, who clattered to the ground with something like an indignant scream. Ichigo picked it up and set it against the boulder with a comforting pat before fixing his expression on Kasen again. Almost imperceptibly, Kasen caught a tinge of concern in those golden eyes before they were replaced with a soothing smile.
"You've accomplished a lot in a short time, Kasen. How about leaving the rest to me? I've been doing nothing but watching all morning, so I should pull my weight as well."
Ba-thump. Kasen felt his heart skip a beat. As expected, even in times like these Ichigo had the foresight to take everything into consideration. He'd not only avoided stepping on any of the furrows Kasen had already plowed when walking towards him, but also took care of the fallen hoe and given him an excuse to back out without getting too intrusive into his affairs. The natural tact mixed with innate persuasion cultivated by a sword once in possession of the imperial clan was on impeccable display. He'd tried to depict Ichigo as much in his own story, but it was both gratifying and mortifying to see the reality play out so true to fiction.
"Kasen?"
A shadow fell across Kasen before Ichigo's hand touched him again—on his forehead this time, while those gentle eyes fluttered only a few inches away. The uchigatana gaped back while privately musing that it'd be better if they'd touched foreheads instead— wait, no! I've been reading too many shoujo series…
"You're not burning up," Ichigo said after a while with a sheepish little smile. "But how about sitting in the shade for a while? I won't take long to finish the rest."
And so it was that Kasen ended up sitting on the same boulder he'd been attacking while watching Ichigo Hitofuri gracefully dig up the rest of the field.
To think he'd look so elegant even while doing fieldwork. No, but it oddly suits him? Kasen's eyes narrowed as he studied the rhythmic movements of the hoe digging in and out. I see. Ichigo Hitofuri is that rare class of royal that looks at ease whether on a throne or at a farm. It was a good idea to adapt him as a "Cinderella type" after all.
In traditional fairy tales, a charming prince would descend upon the damsel-in-distress and whisk them away to a happy ending. Kasen found this all too predictable and unwieldy besides—how was his protagonist supposed to find all three of his companions if he just stayed at home cleaning all day? So he reversed the roles and made Botan the incarnation of a divine Peony Lantern who descended onto Earth in human form. He went on an adventure to learn about the mortal realm and in the process rescued three men: the abandoned son of the emperor made to work as a common servant, Ichigo Hitofuri; the amnesiac and powerful moon god now turned into an alluring geisha, Mikazuki Munechika; the noble warrior expelled from his kingdom to wander the wastelands, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro. After saving them from their predicament, Botan would journey with all three in the final chapter and save the world!
Sweat gleamed off Ichigo's forehead as he worked in the early morning sun, but it only made him appear more radiant. His turquoise hair and gold-hued eyes were already akin to the color of rare jewels, but looked especially luminous in the soft lighting. Kasen had expounded on those descriptions amply in his book, so he couldn't help but notice their finer details now.
If I were to write a sequel, then…no! No more of that.
Once publication of all chapters went live, he'd get enough to buy his tea set and tea leaves and retire from the business. The first time had been grueling enough, even if inspiration had spurred him to write for two nights straight without rest at one point. He'd been thoroughly trounced in sparring the next day and dead asleep on his horse during an expedition, enough that Yagen had asked if he had stayed up categorizing his collection of art objects again.
As if the hobby he loved could be anywhere this exhausting!
In any case, the rest of the fieldwork went off without a hitch and Kasen parted with Ichigo shortly after that. His plan was to wash up and then track down Midare, but he'd hardly gotten out of the baths when—
Knock, knock.
Still drying his hair, Kasen was focused on his reflection as he called towards the door. "Come in."
The wooden entrance slid open before a swath of blue and orange filled his peripheral vision—Yamanbagiri Kunihiro (version kiwame ) striding in with quiet confidence.
"Kasen, I need you to join Team 1 for our mission this afternoon. Are you free?"
Sensing the seriousness in his tone, Kasen stopped brushing his hair to look up. "Of course, if you need me. Did something happen?"
Yamanbagiri's face went through a mix of subtle expressions before settling on resigned. "Ookanehira challenged Juzumaru to an impromptu spar this morning and…lost. Badly."
"The repair rooms won't make it in time?" Kasen guessed.
"They can, but I've asked them to take it slow. I don't want him in an actual sortie before he learns to calm down, since Juzumaru's coming with us too," Yamanbagiri added. I've asked Uguisumaru to look after him in the meantime."
"If that's the case, wouldn't you be better off getting another tachi to replace him?" Kasen wondered out loud.
"I thought about it, but it's an advanced mission and I need a teammate who can work well with me on short notice," Yamanbagiri explained. "You're my first choice. If it's inconvenient, I'll find someone else."
"No, I'll come." Kasen decided. If it was serious enough for Yamanbagiri to find him proactively, it probably was dangerous. Moreover, he remembered that the other starter swords were either busy on missions of their own or recovering from recent sojourns abroad. Since the citadel missions were still first priority, it was sensible to set aside his doujinshi destroying mission for the moment.
Yamanbagiri was visibly relieved by the reply, though he only showed it by relaxing his shoulders slightly. "All right. We'll set out an hour after lunch." He turned to leave but was called back by Kasen's voice.
"Yamanbagiri!" Kasen's expression was amused. "You're welcome."
The blond uchigatana paused and turned back, face slightly red. "Yes, I mean—thanks." He bowed, quick but deep. "Sorry."
"I was only teasing," Kasen waved his hands in a hurry. "I know what you mean even without you saying it, after all."
"That's because you've known me for a while," Yamanbagiri muttered. "I shouldn't forget for the other swords. I might be too blunt…"
His hand made an abortive move at his hair and for a moment Kasen saw the shadow of the hesitant duplicate who used to hide beneath his cloak, weighed down by all his insecurities. But the next second Yamanbagiri got ahold of himself and met his gaze with clear green eyes.
"Please continue to remind me when I slip."
"Naturally," Kasen smiled back. "But you needn't worry too much, Yamanbagiri. Because you're so honest, your sincerity always shines through."
"I—" Yamanbagiri found himself at a loss for words, so he simply ducked his head behind a bow again. "Thank you. I'll see you in the afternoon."
He departed unusually quickly while Kasen was left to ponder over the contrast. The Yamanbagiri after kiwame was more self-assured, but often had moments like this where he was caught off-guard. It was rather endearing to watch. The more sentimental doujinshi writers had called this…what was it again?
Ah right. He's showing "gap moe"!
—
Lunchtime.
"Midare."
The tantou almost dropped his chopsticks before looking up into the smiling face of his brother. "What is it, Ichi-nii?"
"What was that book you were reading this morning?" Ichigo asked pleasantly.
"Oh!" Midare's eyes brightened as he looked around for Yagen, but the other tantou was nowhere in sight. He's right, Ichi-nii really did come find me first. "It's something I bought recently! I've been meaning to show you because it has Ichi-nii in it!"
"A volume with me?" Ichigo's eyebrows raised. "You mean like a historical record?" He couldn't think of any reason why he'd end up in a book unless it was a treatise about one of his masters. But Midare didn't seem the type to pick up a history book when he could be reading fashion magazines instead.
"Not those boring things!" As expected, his brother scoffed at him. "It's much more interesting—oh, where did I put it? Did I leave it in the dojo after sparring?"
After a frenzied summary and a trip to the dojo, both Awataguchi brothers searched the premises to find the book…gone from the room.
"It's fine, Midare, I can always buy you another copy," Ichigo consoled him. By now he was curious enough to read the thing himself.
"No way, I want to track it down first," Midare frowned. "It was super expensive!"
Honestly, he'd only bought it over the others because the shopkeeper had been hyping it up so much. He even saw a few Time Government employees snapping up copies of their own—a rare sight for such a serious organization—so instincts told him it had to be special. But besides a fluffy story featuring his brother, he couldn't see what was so unique about it! Anyways, the point was he'd already spent his money and now he wanted what he got!
"I'll keep looking so don't worry about it, Ichi-nii!" Midare waved before running off. "Besides, Mikazuki invited you for tea this afternoon, right?"
—
By the time Ichigo was hurrying off to change for his meeting with Mikazuki, Kasen had already checked his weapon and was meeting Yamanbagiri at the transportation point. His eyes wandered over the other members of Team 1: Juzumaru, Hotarumaru, Hizamaru, and Higekiri.
"Where are we going?" he asked after finishing his greetings.
"Edo in the Enkyou era, 1747." Yamanbagiri nodded back.
Kasen instantly understood. That was the place where Hosokawa Munetaka had been cut down and Date Munemura came to defend the clan in his place. The first time they'd cleared the maps, he'd been on a team with Sayo and the Date swords, which was nearly a disaster in itself. Fortunately, things had ended well and he'd gotten more familiar with the time period in subsequent missions.
"I see why you picked me now," Kasen said with satisfaction. Despite being neither tachi nor kiwame himself, his knowledge of the place would definitely come in handy.
"You're in good form," Yamanbagiri observed the sakura petals floating around his teammate.
"Of course. Since you requested me, I couldn't let you down," Kasen said. The extra facial after the bath helped too.
"Right." For some reason, Yamanbagiri was turning red again. "Then Team 1, move out."
They disappeared in a flash of light as the portal activated.
—
Sanjou Quarters.
"Good afternoon, Mikazuki—hm?" Ichigo stopped midway through taking off his shoes to stare at his companion. Mikazuki Munechika was sitting in perfect posture as always, his robes arrayed in harmonious lines around him and the tea things resting on the table before him—except a space had been cleared on the wood surface to make room for a book.
That definitely wasn't part of the tea ceremony requirements.
"You've come just in time, Ichigo Hitofuri," Mikazuki glanced at him merrily before lifting the book to reveal its cover. "Look what I found this morning."
Ichigo looked and saw himself, Mikazuki, and Yamanbagiri Kunihiro gracing the front of the book in a glorious semicircle. Except…he was dressed in a black and white outfit reminiscent of Daihannya's suit, Mikazuki had an elaborate kimono on and ornaments in his hair, and Yamanbagiri was covered up even more tightly than his pre-kiwame days, with a facemask obscuring half of his face. All of them stood around, of all things, a glowing paper lantern in the form of a soft pink peony.
"Wait, is this Midare's book?" Ichigo exclaimed after scanning the extremely long title blazoned over the characters' modelesque poses.
"Midare?" Mikazuki looked puzzled. "Perhaps. I found it lying by the floor of the dojo this morning and thought to ask after its owner. But its contents were so amusing that I've been reading it myself. Alas, it seems this 'first volume' is only about you, Ichigo. Yamanbagiri Kunihiro and I have yet to appear in the story, but the 'author's notes' stated that it would be a three-part series."
"My brother was talking about this story," Ichigo said with a puzzled expression. "I confess I've been curious to see it for myself."
"By all means. I'll prepare the tea in the meantime," Mikazuki conceded easily. "Whoever wrote it seems to admire you very much."
"Is that so?" Ichigo muttered distractedly as he opened up to a random page.
…against the rising sun, the young man stood alone in his neat and prim butler’s uniform, the golden rays forming a halo around his head. He was speaking, but his words were too soft for Botan to make them out. The young peony lantern spirit shielded his eyes from the sun and tried to read the human's lips.
But by then, all he saw was a gentle smile.
'Still, I think I understand,' Botan mused. For the expression was tender, yet undeniably firm. It radiated the carefree cheer of the children in the village surrounding the manor, yet encompassed all the compassionate cares of the parents who looked after them. It reflected the state of Ichigo himself, so young and yet left to take the mantle of rulership in the wake of his siblings.
He had thought for a second that the human might ask him to stay. But Ichigo merely raised his hand and waved him farewell without a single change in expression.
This time he spoke loud and clear.
"Botan, let's meet again after I've settled affairs in my kingdom."
Botan's eyebrows raised, but he nodded back. "If it's you, I know that day will come soon enough."
And so the two parted, one to greet the morning of a new day, one to chase after the last vestiges of night and illuminate it with his own warm light.
—
"Have you already reached the ending?" Mikazuki's question stirred Ichigo out of his reverie. He looked down and realized he had turned to the last page of the book.
"Ah no, I was merely skimming the pages…" Ichigo trailed off. "Mikazuki, have you finished this story? What could have prompted anyone to write it?"
"I thought it rather akin to the folktales that humans made up in the past," Mikazuki said cheerfully while pouring them both tea. "Most likely, the writer crafted the tale to entertain readers. And then teach them a lesson or two in the end—patience and perseverance seemed to take the stage in this one."
"I didn't think many humans still believed in folktales in this day and age."
"But they believe in us well enough," Mikazuki remarked. "Perhaps we take the place of olden tales to bring them to life once more. The style of this writing is rather more archaic, however. Modern prose tends to be brief and to the point, but the author favors allusions and a flowery style."
"An older writer?" Ichigo wondered.
"Yet the subject matter suggests it's one who's young at heart," Mikazuki shook his head. "The author's name is Sanju Roku, or ‘thirty-six’… Perhaps it's a group of them."
"One writer for each story?" Ichigo suggested as he was swept up in the mystery. "Though you mentioned it was a three-part series. Dividing them up…twelve authors for each tale seems excessive as well."
"Is it important to find out who wrote it?" Mikazuki pointed out.
Ichigo smiled sheepishly and shook his head. "No but…I admit, I am curious. The writer seems like a kind soul."
Mikazuki tilted his head, pupils shining. "Then I shall look into it."
"Hm?"
"Ah, there's a modern bookstore that sells volumes like these in the shopping district," Mikazuki said while tapping the cover. "Since the next release is coming out tomorrow, I thought I'd purchase it for myself." After all, it was supposed to be the "Mikazuki" story arc.
"That's not a bad idea…" Ichigo agreed.
"For now, we should enjoy the tea before it gets cold."
"Ah, yes!"
The rest of their afternoon passed peacefully.
—
Citadel Gates, Evening.
Team 1 returned to the citadel covered in blood and filth but in unusually high spirits. The mission had gone well and the usual suspects slaughtered, though everything went quicker than expected with Kasen's prior knowledge and Yamanbagiri's battle experience. The two were leaning on each other now, having gone a little too hard against a surprise ambush of kebiishi before overpowering the boss.
It was remarkable, Kasen mused, that the map that had once given their Saniwa so much trouble was now simply another training ground for their tachi to play in. Though they still lost troops every time and he suffered extra damage thanks to being a pre-kiwame uchigatana, there was a singular thrill to fighting for his life on the frontlines.
“Kasen, how are you doing?” A low voice murmured by his side. Kasen turned to see Yamanbagiri gripping his waist while frowning at him with a dirt-smeared face.
Even like this, his green-blue eyes shone like crystals in mud. He bit back the compliment on the tip of his tongue and laughed instead. “Well enough, since you’re the one holding me up.” But the chortle made his face sting until he grimaced slightly. “Though I wish I could stop nicking my nose on our enemies’ blades.” That seemed to happen every time he was injured. Was it a curse from his previous master or something?
“Don’t worry, it still suits you,” Yamanbagiri murmured back.
“Really?” Kasen arched his brows in amusement as he joked.
Yamanbagiri only nodded, face serious. “It’s a different side of Kasen, but it’s still beautiful.”
Kasen’s thoughts came to a screeching thought as his face flushed. Since when had Yamanbagiri learned to be so lethal with his choice of words?
The blond uchi noticed his flustered look and added calmly, “You’re always praising my looks, but you're good-looking too.”
“I—well, my thanks,” Kasen sputtered and nearly tripped mid-step. Yamanbagiri held him fast, giving Kasen a clear impression of his strong arms and firm chest.
“Be careful,” his teammate muttered.
“Yes—thank you again.”
Oya, oya. The human body is a remarkable thing. Kasen didn’t think Yamanbagiri used to be this well-built. Or was it the newfound confidence bolstering him up? I wonder if my descriptions for his scenes were a bit off…ah. His face reddened again as he drew his mantle around himself to shuffle forward. Foolish, thinking of such things at a time like this! I still need to track down my book!
Behind them, the other members of Team 1 trailed after them.
“Are Kunihiro-san and Kanesada-san close companions?” Juzumaru asked Hotarumaru, who had been here the longest between them in the team.
“I don’t know about their masters, but they’ve both been here with the Saniwa since the start,” Hotarumaru replied airily. “That’s why they work well together in fights!”
“Bonds on the battlefield are similar to bonds of brotherhood,” Higekiri chimed in, “That is, if both parties are still fighting on the same side.”
“ Anija, that kind of stuff’s all in the past,” Hizamaru muttered. “You don’t need to worry about choosing sides now.”
“Ah? But it sounds like my cute little brother is worried about it more?”
“I’m not! Anija just tends to…say surprising things.”
“Hahaha, then I’ll stop! It’s no good making you fret, Hikamazu.”
“It’s Hizamaru! HIZA-maru!”
"Bonds are a resilient thing," Juzumaru remarked as they kept walking. "No matter who or what makes them, they tie us together like karmic strings of fate…" Whatever he said next was lost in the hubbub as Ookanehira stomped out (Uguisumaru in pursuit) to make him promise a rematch and Hotarumaru jumped in to say he wanted to join, too.
It was another lively evening.
—
"Kasen, your wounds!"
"They've healed enough," the purple-haired uchigatana called back as he pulled on his robes. "There's something I need to do before the end of the day."
It'd been hours since he'd seen Midare with the book, so who knows where it was by now? Still sporting bandages across his chest and a plaster on his nose, Kasen made his way to the Awataguchi quarters to track the tantou down. But—
"Midare-kun? He left on an expedition after dinner. He won't be back until tomorrow."
"Huh, Midare's book? I don't know which one you mean, but he keeps all his magazines in his room."
"Well, he did go to the bookstore yesterday but I wasn't with him, Gokotai was."
"U-um, I don't remember seeing what he bought either. I was too busy browsing toys for my tigers."
"Back already?" Yagen raised a brow when Kasen knocked on the doors to the infirmary with a defeated look. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
"I should've just asked you first," Kasen sighed and went to explain in as vague terms as possible the specific book he wanted.
"Come to think of it, I don't recall Midare with the book after our morning spar," Yagen pointed out. "It might still be in the dojo."
—
"It was not in the dojo," Kasen confirmed eight minutes later.
"Then we can ask my other brothers—"
"No, no need. I did that once already."
“I could help you order another copy—”
“One is more than enough," Kasen reassured him quickly. “Who else used the dojo today?"
“Ookanehira and Juzumaru, but they were before Midare and me. Then there was Mikazuki and Kogarasamaru—”
“Yes, I’m here.”
Kasen and Yagen looked up to see Mikazuki strolling amiably down the hall, a familiar book in his hands. When Kasen began to sputter, he merely smiled harmlessly. “Hahaha, I was looking for Ichigo Hitofuri to return this to his brother. It seems he forgot to take it with him after our afternoon tea.”
"Ichi-nii would be seeing the other tantou to bed by now," Yagen cocked his head with amusement.
"Then let me give this to—"
"Please wait!" Kasen blurted out. The cover art was already embarrassing enough (he had no part in that, but still), yet to know that now two out of the three male leads in his story had probably looked at the doujinshi and likely read its contents was already killing him inside.
Yagen's sharp, bespectacled gaze flickered between the book, Mikazuki, and Kasen. He seemed to understand something and took a step back. "Actually, I have some things to clean up in the infirmary first. Would you mind waiting a bit, Mikazuki?"
And then he smiled politely before sliding the door shut in their faces, conveniently leaving the two alone outside.
"I see. Would you like to read it as well, Kasen?" Mikazuki merrily held up the cover, showing off the three handsome men with such clarity that Kasen might as well have been blinded.
"Mikazuki," Kasen swallowed. "…actually, I…" His face turned red as he trailed off.
"I know," Mikazuki nodded kindly. "I had my suspicions, but it wasn't until I heard you speak that I was certain."
Kasen stared at him, half with anticipation, half with dread.
"The pen name rather gave it away," Mikazuki went on. "But Kasen, since when did you decide to be an author?"
"...can we discuss this somewhere else?"
"Certainly. Will my quarters suffice?"
"Yes."
Yagen waited for both sets of footsteps to fade away before sliding open his door again. It seemed like his instincts had been right: Kasen had been caught off-guard that morning after seeing his own book on citadel grounds. Satisfied with his correct guess, he prepared to check on his last patient when the door to Repairs Room #2 opened on its own.
"I see you're all healed up, Yamanbagiri." Yagen cheerfully greeted the man who emerged. Post-kiwame, the blond was much more cooperative when it came to treating his injuries. Unlike a certain uchigatana who was still running around with bandages on, Yamanbagiri had stayed put until his recovery timer ran out.
But the sword wasn't paying him any attention, his eyes directed towards the direction where Kasen and Mikazuki had walked off. Finally, he turned to Yagen with a questioning book.
"Kasen wrote a book?" he asked.
"Oh." Yagen paused. Well, it seemed only fair to tell him since he was one of its main characters, right?