Shugen’s eyes widened in surprise.
Eizen observed him. His expression looking startled. Did he think he wouldn’t help him? No. This boy needed guidance, and guidance Eizen would provide. He would help him hone his skills - hone his hatred. He could see it in him. The determination, the fire behind his eyes. If he learned to use it correctly, he would have a glorious future ahead.
Eizen gently smiled at him. Yes, he would surely stand by this boy’s side, teaching him and helping him learn to confront his hatred. He looked forward to what this child would bring. And that was exactly what he said to him.
The boy’s eyes remained wide, trained onto Eizen’s face, studying his features. Was this man serious? He would help him with his anger? His hurt? His hatred? And he would be able to use his anger when swinging his blade? He couldn’t believe him. It was too good to be true. But somewhere inside his heart, a spark of hope lit. Maybe he hoped to do all of the things Eizen said.
And so when Eizen stood up and motioned for him to follow, he did. Eizen slowly walked outside, going at a leisurely pace while admiring the scenery. Shugen’s feet padded against the floor behind him. He took a look over his shoulder and motioned for the boy to walk by his side.
“Usually the school would provide residence for its students. But because you will be learning under me, you will stay with me,” Eizen said. “It will allow for me to help with your skills even more. Would that be alright?” He peered down at the boy, a small smile resting on his lips.
“Yes that is fine,” Shugen answered. He avoided Eizen’s gaze and looked ahead, watching the scenery. He still didn’t understand what his now mentor said earlier. Confronting his hatred? What did that mean? And what did honing him mean? Staying with Eizen would allow him to learn swordsmanship quicker, making him leave the school faster. That was the only reason why he was fine with learning under him. The faster he learned, the faster he could behead his parents’ murderers. And the faster he could kill every other criminal who unfortunately crossed his path.
Their feet soon left the wooden floor, walking onto a dirt path, going further and further away from the Yamada school. Shugen looked forward, noticing that they were approaching a village. It was close to where the Shogun resided. “This village is protected by the Yamada,” Eizen suddenly said. He looked at the village and pointed at a building. “That is my home and where we’ll be staying.”
Shugen squinted his eyes - he could hardly make out the features of it. Eizen took a peek at him and noticed his scrunched up expression, causing him to lightheartedly laugh. Shugen jumped, clearly startled. “I’ve grown used to the sight of it so I can point out where it is,” Eizen commented. His curved mouth combined with his softened eyes gave him a warm look. Shugen stared at him, studying his features. His behavior changed so quickly. Where was the serious man from earlier?
Shugen continued walking by Eizen’s side, walking through the village, towards his home, and Shugen looked around, taking in the details of the town, noting a stall that had a sweet smell. It smelled like sweet buns, maybe he could drop by and try some later. His eyes soon drifted toward Eizen. The smiling man greeting villagers that called out to him as he passed by.
And as they approached the house where they would be staying, Shugen suddenly heard someone call out.
“Oi Eizen! Does she know you’re back?” a villager said.
Shugen’s head snapped towards the man that was now chuckling. Eizen sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and replied, “Ah- no I wanted it to be a surprise. Don’t tell her alright?”
He felt someone’s eyes on him and looked at Shugen, with his eyes widening in realization. “Oh. I almost forgot,” he said. His eyes crinkled, a smile tugging on his lips. “My wife will be at home with us as well.”
And just before Shugen could respond, they had arrived at Eizen’s dear home. With him walking through the entrance, calling out, “[name]?”
Soon, footsteps could be heard, rushing towards the door. The door slid open, revealing a woman, showcasing a small frown and furrowed eyebrows. She huffed. “You know I don’t like it when you wait for me to come greet you. Don’t stand outside - you’ll get cold,” she said. Ushering them in as she added, “I was busy cooking too.”
She didn’t even question his presence, Shugen noticed. He watched as Eizen placed his sword into her hands, with her leaving - most likely to put it away. He trusted her so much that he placed his blade in her care. Shugen couldn’t help but notice the little details. The way Eizen smiled at her was different compared to how he smiled at the villagers. The way his eyes softened and how his lips curved just at the sight of her.
Shugen didn’t know what to make of it - he didn’t know how to feel. He felt like an outsider, intruding on their peaceful life.
Eizen look at him as he rolled up his sleeves. “Come. How about you help me with dinner?” Shugen obediently nodded, following after him, going to kitchen. There, Eizen grabbed a knife and handed it to him. He held onto it, awkwardly standing there, not knowing what to do. He watched as Eizen grabbed a yam from a nearby pile, placing it onto a cutting board, gesturing for him to move closer.
And as he moved to his side, Eizen gently place his hands on his shoulders and put him in front of the yam. “A samurai is proficient with any blade. Even his kitchen knife,” he said. Shugen was left in awe, what a oddly wise statement. It somehow encouraged him. He watched as Eizen took another knife, showing him how to position the hand on the knife and showing him the way the yams were to be cut. Then he was left to his own devices, left with the task of cutting the rest of the yams as Eizen was busy preparing other dishes.
The sizzling of meat in a pan behind him was blocked out from Shugen’s ears. His mind was just concentrated on the knife in his hand and the yams next to the board. He pictured the way Eizen held the knife and moved his fingers in a copied position. He was filled with determination, for mastering this blade would bring him closer to mastering a sword.
And so, he started, cutting away at the yams. The sound of the knife continuously making impact with the cutting board was like music to his ears. Everything around him was background noise - for it was just him and the knife.
“Oh? You’re helping too?” a voice suddenly asked.
He almost jumped. Looking over his shoulder, he recognized the woman standing behind him, the one looking at him. [name], Eizen’s wife. He nodded, causing her to her lips to tug into a warm smile. She walked closer to him, making him hurriedly turn back around, looking at the knife in his hands, averting eye contact. She stopped at his side, peeking at the pile of cut yams. “You’re good at this,” she commented.
Shugen felt his ears warm. How long has it been since someone has complimented his skills? He couldn’t bring himself to face her. Even though he has just met her, he felt if he were to turn, he would be met with her grinning face. No, he couldn’t do that. Her expression would be too much. Her praise had already caused his face to warm. He mumbled a small thank you and went back to cutting the yams. He was almost done.
And as he felt her presence leave, he breathed a sigh of relief. His entire body was tense - was he nervous? He couldn’t tell, all he knew was that the feeling of her by his side distracted him.
He cut the last piece of yam, placing it on the pile he had made. He turned around, watching as Eizen conversed with his wife. He was cutting something as well and she was by his side, talking with him. Shugen watched as he said something, making her face scrunch up as she laughed.
She turned, seeing Shugen standing there. “Ah! You’re done?” she asked. He nodded. He felt so awkward, this type of environment was so unfamiliar to him, so unlike what he was expecting when he decided to go to the Yamada school. “Would you like to go sit?” He nodded once again.
She went near him, grabbing bowls and chopsticks stacked in a corner. “Can you do the rest?” she called over her shoulder, receiving a hum of affirmation from her husband. She gestured for him to follow her and went out of the kitchen, walking into the next room. In it was a small table, with cushions under it, one on each side.
She first took a seat and he followed, giving her a small thanks as she handed him his bowl and utensils, then resting in silence at the table. But the silence did not last long enough for him to become uncomfortable, for Eizen soon emerged from the kitchen, bringing the dishes to the table and taking a seat. The couple grabbed their chopsticks, putting rice in their bowls and picking food from the plates.
[name] turned toward him, curiously gazing at the boy’s face, watching him as he eyed the food. “Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked. She picked up small pieces of yam and placed it in his bowl. “Here,” she said, “You need to eat vegetables to stay healthy.”
He nodded, quietly thanking her. Warmth spread through his body, a little red appearing on his cheeks. Eizen watching him from the corner of his eye as he ate, softly chuckling when he saw the boy’s reaction. Shugen lifted his chopsticks, for picking up the yam and eating it. It- it was good. It reminded him of home, when his parents would lovingly make and eat meals together.
Tears pricked his eyes. He reached for more, becoming more eager to eat, with him not noticing [name] and Eizen’s amused chuckles at his behavior. Oh how long has it been since he has eaten with those other than himself? How long has it been since he has eaten at a dinner table in a home?
Soon he was almost stuffing his cheeks, tasting all the dishes the couple had made. He felt the gazes of the two other occupants at the table and looked up, chopsticks putting another piece of yam into his mouth, his eyes meeting [name]’s, his expression so innocent and childlike.
She couldn’t help it anymore, he was too adorable and bursted out cackling, Eizen’s smile widening at the sound. Shugen watched as her laughter rang out, filling the room. Tears pricked her eyes from how joyous she felt.
And as her laughter died out, she wiped her eyes with her sleeve and took a piece of cloth from the table, reaching over and wiping the small amounts of rice off his face. His face warmed in response, with him still gazing at her, watching as she continued to grin at him. Shugen turned toward his mentor and found him displaying a soft smile as well, heartwarming at the scene in front of him.
Would it always be like this? Shugen wondered. He hoped for it and craved to feel more, more of this warmth he gained in the couple’s presence, internally wishing for everyday of his stay to be filled with moments like this.
I imagine kid Shugen as someone who needed love
