#koshu

[gon-iii]

瓦に積もる月日

2016年、恵林寺。

瓦に積もる銀杏の葉。

[iamsunkissed]

<3333

[gray-morality]

Uranami Onsen's nerds at the Suiren's Tanabata festival yesterday. Highlights of the evening:

R'thipra Tia adjusts the settings on his magitek earplugs. Y'know. Just in case. Keimo SorataBalmung: YAAAAAAAAS! <3)) (thank you for the gift unbrella btw ♥) S'buroh Ikato blinked slowly........ S'buroh Ikato: I'm fucking dying omg xD] Toshi KatsuBalmung: "This is beautiful." C'elah Valisthea looks as Malachai starts crying Osric Lanaven moved the bunny back down.. and then he just.. covered the poor fuzzy creature's ears. Suki Kotaro: "PERFECTION!" Kuro MiiGoblin claps but is very confused. Melodie Linea just kind of.... stares for a moment, trying not to laugh but.. claps....? C'elah Valisthea blinked "what was that?" Deormund BlackeCoeurl: "...I never thought I'd see th' day I'd prefer me mammets singin'..."

Some of the many emotions brought by Yuu singing LA HEE at the festival. From joy, to fear to denial. I love you all, those reactions are what I live for lol

[ars-clarum]

I love a wolf boy <3

[gray-morality]

Byakujutsu 2021.05.24

Caius had waited for those of KOSHU to leave before making his way back to his motorcycle, carefully removing as much soil as he could from the atractylodes they came to gather. The plants were then cut at the base, the stem and leaves discarded as the roots were shoved in a bag and into a side compartment on his bike. He then rode all the way to the Ruby Sea, paying passage across the water to the port city of Kugane. He had his contacts in the region, making his frequent travels less of a headache; a Pure-blood Garlean was never welcomed otherwise, defected or not.

He didn’t waste time once he was back at his clinic, drying the roots efficiently [thank you magiteknology] as he prepared the rest of the components. It took the remainder of the day and well into the night for the medicine to be completed, in the form of a finely grounded powder, and divided into individual doses. The first doses were sent to the Uranami Onsen to be distributed to anyone afflicted with the Haimushi yokai, while the rest were given to agents of Hagane-kai to be distributed in the city under the guise of ‘Miracle cure’ merchants.

It’s only when his part was done that the doctor allowed himself some rest, but not before receiving the visit of the syndicate’s wakagashira. As the door of the clinic opened to let in a lone Hyur in black garb, Caius simply motioned to the empty chair in front of his desk. “I only have black tea to offer and it’s getting cold.” The doctor stated, pointing at the nearly empty teapot resting beside a few open books. “Black tea at this hour?” The visitor - Katsuro - mused as he took the offered seat. His crimson gaze rested on the man before him. “Sleep would be a far better option. But then again… I know you. You won’t rest until you know everything is in motion.” The Garlean snorted as he lowered his cup to rest on the desk. “And I dare hope that’s why you’re here. I did my part but the distribution is in other's hands.” Sitting back, he leaned into his chair while a hand rose to massage the bridge of his nose. “I’m getting too old for this. Or to deal with your… friends? For lack of a better word, really. I know you don’t consider them friends per say. You don’t let people ‘in’ that easily.” The sharp blue-gray gaze of the doctor shifted to Katsuro as his hand fell down into his lap. Katsuro had to smirk at that. “Our agents are already moving out to distribute the medicine so you can sleep easy tonight. And you know why I’m dealing with them. We’ve forged a good alliance, a reliable link between the east and the west. I will not be the cause of such a partnership breaking.” “It’s more than that, however.” Caius replied. His tone of voice betrayed how tired he was but his gaze was as sharp as ever. “They’ve removed themselves from the yakuza but you still treat them as such. The only difference is that there’s no one ‘above’ you within KOSHU anymore, not in a yakuza sense. Yet you watch over them, as a father over his children. Otherwise, I have no clue why you’d even tolerate them.” An amused smile appeared on his lips. He was right of course, and Katsuro shook his head in defeat. “If you’re too old then I can at least tell you, you never lost your sense of observation, Thanos. I think… I’ve been through enough shit alongside them to at least feel a sense of kinship. When they were still linked to the yakuza, Dusk-sama asked me to watch over them and that’s a sense of duty I am unable to shake off. They are, of course, annoying, childish, scatterbrained, inexperienced, poorly trained, bothersome and irritating but… I’ll watch over them regardless.” Thanos couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. “You said ‘annoying’ three times. And though I share in the sentiment, at least they managed to get the job done. Their hearts are at the right place, their brains well… let’s not go into that.” He added, clearly jesting. “Do know, however, that if this second ‘job’ becomes too much, we can place another liaison in your stead within KOSHU. Yuu is already quite invested with them, even if he’s only a kyodai. Tamashi could also take on that mantle, despite being Hagane’s favorite agent.” Katsuro shook his head again. “Iie, I’ll be fine. I’ve worked my way up their hierarchic ladder and it’s a trust I won’t betray. Besides, I don’t spend that much time at the onsen. I have my own work here. As long as Lord Hagane can ‘save’ me when I’m asked to sell fucking kites and other nonsenses, all will be as it should be in the damn universe.” The doctor stifled a laugh. “I’ll also keep that in mind. I’m his senior adviser after all. Well then, not to be rude but I find keeping my eyes open to be more difficult by the minute. Not even an entire pot of tea could stir wakefulness in me at this point.” That being said, Thanos pushed himself up, stretching some to at least relieve some of the soreness of so many hours of work. He grabbed his coat from the back of his chair and put it on. It was rare to see the doctor with a tie undone and his sleeves unbuttoned and rolled up. But here he was, exactly like that, even his impeccable hair seemed a bit ruffled. Thus Katsuro quickly pushed himself up as well, ready to leave the clinic. “Get

some rest, my friend. And thank you.” Katsuro replied, his tone more gentle. “I’ll make sure your hard work bears fruits. Give me a sun and I’ll get back to you with a full report on the distribution and efficacy of the medicine in the city.” “A sun I’ll spend sleeping, I recon.” Caius chuckled as Katsuro left his office. The doctor followed suit, flipping the lights off and locking the door behind him, leaving the clinic in silence, aside from the low humming of some magitek devices set on standby mode.

[gray-morality]

Introspection 2021.01.23

“[Katsuro, where are you, my boy?]” The man blinked at the mention of his name. He still held his chopsticks, though they lay idle in his bowl of rice. Across the table sat an older man with a gentle smile on his lips. He looked mildly amused as he set his chopsticks on top of his bowl, signaling he was done eating. “[The very few times I’ve caught you in such a state were when your head couldn’t come to terms with your heart. Willing to share what is weighting on you?]” The older man - Sun Hyeon - continued as he refilled both their cups with their favorite beverage, tea. Katsuro finished the last bit of rice in his bowl before trading the chopsticks for a cup. His gaze remained unfocused, staring at nothing in particular; at least not in the present. It was aimed at the not so distant past, a few days at most. The words he wanted to share with his adoptive father were burning his lips, yet they were in scramble. If only he could align them into a proper sentence. Sun Hyeon watched him in silence for a moment, calmly drinking his tea. “[Would I be far off if I guessed… that it’s a person that inhabits your thoughts right now?]” Hyeon eventually ventured. He knew his son quite well and a little push was oftentimes necessary. As expected, Katsuro let out a sharp exhale and turned a faint smile towards the older man. “[As perceptive as ever. I… met someone, a moon or so ago? I don't even remember with clarity. It's as if I've always known her. And that's actually what is scaring me. I'm at ease with her, generally speaking. At least far more than I usually am with strangers and acquaintances alike. She… she's beautiful, breathtaking even; I actually feel that attraction pulling at me now. And I know what it means. I just… am not ready to make the jump.]"

Both men took a sip from their respective cups. It was Hyeon, however, that broke the silence.

"[Not ready or feeling guilty?]" The old man stared at his son but he continued without waiting for an answer. "[You've lost her still somewhat recently and, knowing you like I do, your loyalty to her would have remained unwavering. And I know the vows you exchanged, I was there. I know - and understand - the weight they carried but… she is at peace now, returned to the planet, while you go on living. Some believe that love is regulated by Fate, while others think it’s merely a chance encounter. Whatever you believe, Katsuro, both applies to this scenario, don’t you think? Maybe you were fated to meet her at this very moment, or maybe had the chaos of the universe been shifting differently, you’d have met her before you met Veicette, and she’d be the one alongside you at the altar. What matters now is how you shall live the remainder of your days on this earth.]” Hyeon smiled gently at his son, taking another sip of his tea. And Katsuro listened, he always did. The old man was a source of wisdom he often needed, offering another perspective to his many problems; Most of them on matters of the heart. Yet, for all those words, Katsuro wasn’t sure what to do and it was likely painted on his visage. “[Don’t fight it.]” Hyeon stated. “[That’s the most ‘to the point’ advice I can give you. Your past can never be erased, nor forgotten. And it shouldn’t. It’s your foundation. Your love for her will always be true. The moments you shared will remain good memories. And your son will grow and keep that part of her within him. But to go forward, I know you need someone by your side and that person is right there, waiting.]” “[How about you?]” Katsuro suddenly asked. It seemed to change the subject to something else entirely but Hyeon knew better. “[When your wife died so young, you never remarried. Was there never anyone else?]” The old man smiled as his gaze shifted towards the window. “[When Akemi died, I was devastated. This is why I began to travel the world, as you well know. In a way, I was trying to get lost or maybe to find some other truth to life. And I might have found it when I met with some traveling monks. Their way of seeing life, the connection between all living beings, their will to do good and help others… that was my truth. Thus I devoted my life to this wisdom and, in turn, to others. I’m well aware this way of life is not suited for everyone. But for me it felt right. So while I made many meaningful connections and relationships in my life, I never found nor felt the need to have that singular ‘special someone’ walking by my side. But you, my boy, you need that person. And there’s nothing wrong with that. You were deprived of love as you grew up, you’re yearning for it now. There’s so much love a father and a son can give you after all.]” Hyeon smirked at that last remark. Katsuro exhaled sharply; not quite a chuckle.  “[As usual, you gave me much to ponder about… ]” He drained his cup of tea and pushed himself up, stretching a bit. “[I better get going. Yuu doesn’t tolerate lateness, even for an old friend like me. I’ll be back in a few hours. He told me this would only be one sitting.]” “[Quite alright, my boy.]” Hyeon nodded, still sipping his tea without any hurry. ‘[It might still be a bit before Takeo wakes from his afternoon nap so I’ll just enjoy this moment of quiet. We’ll see you for dinner then?]” Katsuro nodded and made his way to the entrance to put on his boots. “[Aye! And I’ll go by the market to buy some catch of the day before I head back home.]” He grabbed the belt with the two sheathed daggers from its hook and strapped it on before looking back at the old man sitting at the table. “[I’ll see you later, father. And… thank you.]” 

And off he went, the front door closing gently behind him. 

==========================================

Yuu had been working diligently on Katsuro’s tattoo for a bell or so, the tebori digging into the skin with the steadiness of a master’s hand. It was a design he’d drawn himself, as usual, and thus had committed to memory. For every single of his clients, especially if they required a big piece, communication was important. He had to ‘know’ them, understand what they wanted, the meaning behind it. It was, more often than not, a spiritual journey for them. Images etched onto the skin had meanings and their significance could be quite private to the wearer. Thus building that level of trust required a few meetings. With Katsuro, however, that trust had been earned more than a decade ago. While their relationship was now of deep friendship, it had once been far more intimate. Had Yuu been able to predict the future at that time, he never would have ended their moment together to pursue a new love interest… which resulted, many years later, into a divorce. He could only blame himself now. As the needles of his tebori slowly but surely brought to life what Katsuro had envisioned for his new irezumi, Yuu’s gaze sometimes found itself wandering over the rest of Katsuro’s bared back, to a set of claw marks long healed. Yet they remained as scars, a memento of sorts. He recalled when the both of them had been living by the foot of the massive wall protecting Ul'dah from the beasts outside. Katsuro had offered to work for Yuu and protect him as they braved the wilderness to gather whatever ingredients he’d need to make his ink and needles; To start a business and stop living like beggars. “[What are you thinking about?]” Came Katsuro’s deep, almost lazy voice. If the needles brought him any pain, he was very good at hiding it. “[How can you even- erf nevermind. You have eyes on your back sometimes, I swear.]” Yuu replied, his tone slightly amused. “[I was merely recalling the reason for those scars on your back. Namely, yours truly. I’m… actually surprised you never turned your back on me, after the pain I caused you.]” “[Mmm I have my back turned on you now.]” “[Ahaha, very funny mister smartass.]” Yet Yuu did chuckle at that. Lying on his stomach with his head resting upon his crossed arms, one could spy a smirk on Katsuro’s lips. “[I guess I could have. But I needed you, just as you needed me.]” He replied more seriously. “[Besides, it’s in the past now. And you’ve always stood by me, regardless. Those scars are merely a reminder of how inexperienced I was back then. At least I got them to protect you.]”

Yuu hummed softly and smiled. “[You’ve changed a lot since then. Only yourself mattered, and a handful of others. Now… you’re trying to protect all three of your families. Kamikaze… ]” As the piece of fabric came up to remove the excess of ink and a few beads of blood, his hand lingered over the tattoo that was taking shape. Katsuro had chosen the Divine Wind as the center symbolic, alongside the concepts of harmony and balance. And the meaning behind the tattoo’s placement had not gone unnoticed by Yuu either; The base of the neck, the spiritual gateway. He dipped his tebori into the ink again, ready to resume the work. Just as the ink-coated needles pierced the skin, one could notice the faint blue hue of aetheric energy that was quick to dissipate. With each stab, the link between the wearer and the aether-infused ink was made, under the guidance of one skilled in such an art. Though the tattoo’s latent powers could only be awakened by those of higher authority within Koshu-kai, Yuu’s work was important nonetheless. Not that many in his trade knew how to weave aether into tattoos, as it required knowledge beyond the mere understanding of irezumi, paired with the necessary skill to control aether and shape it into arcane forms. He could thank his training as a martial artist for that, especially since the aether-infused water he had been given from Master Hattori was quite potent. It resulted in purified sumi-inks that nearly left him in awe. Truly, Katsuro had made powerful allies. But powerful allies could mean powerful enemies… The tattoo would be flawless, to grant him the strength he’d need to be worthy of the Divine Wind’s blessings.

[gray-morality]

Tadaima 2020.11.15

 It was the dead of night when the shinobi pushed open the front door of his home.  The cuts on both his right arm and left flank were caked in dried blood, his leather armor in need of replacement. He sat heavily on the lower steps of the stairs leading to the living room. He was drained; The fight against those Voidsent had taken its toll. But at least the portal had been closed and those marked with the curse for the past moon had been freed at last. Which is why Katsuro had declined any offer for healing and made his way home. Besides, his father would be there, watching over Takeo.

Leaving his boots by the entrance, he pushed himself back up with a grunt and made his way to the door at the back of the dining room. It led to a corridor connecting a few rooms, the first being the one of his son. He wanted to see him… A hand rose to rest on the wooden door, yet he didn’t pushed it open. With a sigh, his hand fell to his side and he walked away, heading for the bathroom. It took him way too long to undress, his body feeling weak and heavy, not to mention the pain at his flank flaring up as he painstakingly removed his leather armor. When finally all was removed but his undershirt, he had to frown as it was soaked in blood and stuck to his skin where the metal whip had struck. This would require some warm water, and patience. He’d just taken a seat on the low wooden stool in the shower when the door to the bathroom opened, allowing inside an old man wearing a loose shirt and mid-calf pants – visibly his sleeping attire. As soon as he saw Katsuro, he smiled. “[You really have amazing hearing, father.]” Katsuro remarked in Hingan, in lieu of greetings. The old man chuckled as he made his way to his son, grabbing a wooden bucket on the way. “[I’m merely a light sleeper. Besides… I could have heard your grunting even in my sleep.” Hyeon visibly jested, filling the bucket with warm water. “[Ah yes, well… it’s been a night.]” The slightly embarrassed Katsuro replied. “[I can see that…]” By then, Hyeon had gathered a pile of fresh gauze and, rolling up his pants above his knees, he sat seiza by Katsuro. “[I’ll tend to your wounds but first, I need to clean it up and see what I have to work with.]” He used the pile of gauze as he would a washcloth, dipping it in water and dabbing at Katsuro’s injury to remove the dry blood. Slowly but surely, the undershirt was freed from the wound and the shinobi lifted the soiled garment over his head, discarding it on the floor. “[I don’t care if a scar remains. At least for that one. But the cut on my arm, well… ]” Sun Hyeon smiled up at his adoptive son. “[Don’t you think you have enough scars as it is? I’m confident I can heal both without leaving any traces of injury. They’re not that deep and, most importantly, are very fresh. Now then, you know the drill. Deep breath. I’ll work as fast as I can.]”  Even healing of the magickal kind wasn’t painless; Katsuro knew that all too well. Thus he inhaled deeply and relaxed his body. It first came as a tingling sensation that soon escaladed to the same burning feeling of steel cutting flesh. Under the soft blue glow emanating from Hyeon’s hand, the skin was coming back together, from the deeper tissue to the upper layer, until nothing was visible, not even the ghost of a scar. Katsuro exhaled just as the pain left his body. The process was repeated on his right arm and, to his relief, the full-sleeve tattoo that was his pride was also restored.  His healing done, Hyeon patted his son on the shoulder and pushed himself up. “[I’ll let you bathe in peace and you can tell me everything in the morning, over breakfast.]” 

Katsuro smiled at the old man. “[Thank you… for everything.]” To which Hyeon smiled back, before returning to bed.

***

When Katsuro left the bathroom, it was with another kind of fatigue. It was the ‘good kind’, the one you get after a day of workout and a well-deserved hot bath, as your muscles unwind and your mind is at peace. He’d don a fresh yukata, loosely tied at the waist, before making his way back to the door leading to his son’s bedroom. Only this time, he gently pushed it open. The boy was asleep but the disarray in which the sheets were and his visibly damp pajama made it clear the boy’s dreams were full of nightmares. Katsuro sat by the side of the bed, a hand coming to rest on his son’s head, fingers combing the dark hair away from his little face. Soon his voice rose, deep and calm amidst the dark of night, into a song he’d sung to his son since the day he was born. A song to keep monsters at bay, and a promise… that his father would always be there for him. You won't need me forever But I'll still be here For we all have our nightmares Even me, my dear From now on, if you need me You can sing this song There's a light in the hallway Burning all night long So you know I'm here… [Pentatonix – Light in the Hallway] [Commissioned art by Kibbitzer]

[gray-morality]

Koshu-kai kyodai written exam 2020.12.05

The room was rather bare - a wooden table and chair, a plant in a corner as the only attempt at interior design, and a single window. One had to wonder if it wasn’t a repurposed broom closet. On the table sat a few sheets of paper, an ink bottle and both a brush and a quill pen; probably a ‘choose what suits you best’ situation. Katsuro thus took a seat on the only chair and picked up the first sheet. It was in Hingan, though the other side had the same questions in the common tongue; How very thoughtful. The title itself made a thin smile appear on his lips. “Koshu-kai kyodai written exam”... kyodai. How far from a ‘Big brother’ he was in Hagane-kai. But the word made him remember those days, twenty-four years ago. He was seventeen. ~ ~ ~

The song of the cicadas was dying as dusk melted into night. The cloudless sky turned a bright red over the roofs of Kugane, as if setting it ablaze for a last show of power before it was overtaken by darkness. That is when the young man escaped his familial home, jumping over the wall surrounding his father’s dojo, and made his way towards a very specific location; The Feng Yuang Ying syndicate’s headquarters. Katsuro had always been a bit of a rebel, mainly because he was fighting against his father’s authority and the control he had over his life. The young man had no desire to take over the dojo and, quite frankly, he despised his father so thoroughly that he often wished he had the guts to set it all on fire. The presence of his mother was the only obstacle to such a plan. Thus he spent a good amount of his youth trying to flee his home, even if just for a few hours of respite from his father’s draconian training. And this time was spent, more often than not, with the wrong kind of crowd. People his age avoided him, for he was Wakahisa Yuuto’s son. Everyone knew how the man was a master with the blade, often helping the Sekiseigumi around the port city. He won many tournaments and his students, if they could endure his training, were highly sought after. Alas, his love for discipline and training eclipsed any love he could have for his son. Katsuro was to become the best, there was no alternative. Well, there was… but it would bring shame to the Wakahisa household. So, really, there was - technically - no alternative. With each passing year, however, Katsuro became more capable, more cunning. He knew how to avoid his father’s gaze long enough, how to win a moment of fleeting freedom and, more importantly, he learned which door he had to knock at if he wanted to break his father’ shackles. And here he was - again - at the door of the Feng Yuang Ying syndicate. They had refused him once, stating he was still too young. “If you still live under your father’s roof, then you are too young to make such a decision with your own life. Joining my family means turning your back on yours. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, especially by someone who can’t be considered a man yet.” Hagane Ujitoshi’s words had been like a dagger to his heart. He was right though. But Katsuro had been 16 and very full of himself. Thus he tried other doors, did a bit of work for them - forgery, deliveries, cleaning toilets - and, while many were happy to give the boy menial tasks, some took advantage of his naivety. At the turn of the next year, Katsuro had been damaged beyond repair. Maybe Hagane saw that when he looked into the boy’s crimson eyes. Maybe he felt some guilt, for turning him away and pushing him into the maw of the beast. Katsuro was only 17 yet, in his gaze, was the darkness of one who’d been through too much. His body was a collection of cuts and bruises, his mind was… like the hundred shards of a shattered cup. Thus Hagane did the only thing he could do. 

“From now on, you’re part of my family, Katsuro.”

~ ~ ~

The brush was finally set down. Every question answered without even a hint of hesitation and, it should be added, in record time. Hingan laws and general syndicate rules were far from new to him. And, thanks to his position within Hagane-kai, he had to travel a lot and make business deals in Hagane’s name. Ul’dah especially, but Limsa Lominsa was also a place he’d travel to often. He knew his way around those city-states and how to navigate their laws to avoid being caught. Good thing Koshu-kai didn’t have a foot in cold Coerthas… Both the cold and their laws were things he’d rather not have to deal with. The ink had dried as he mused over the past and what the future might bring as a kyodai within Koshu-kai. Would he really stop there? He had to smirk at that. It wasn’t his decision to make after all, but his master’s. Katsuro rose and left the sheets on the table, as previously ordered, before leaving the small room. The easy part was out of the way. What did Akutagawa-sama have in store for the ‘practical’ part of this exam? The thought made him grin.