What is your interpretation of Kuroji's relationship with Tsubakura and Saragimaru, if you don't mind me asking?
I don't mind~ Ask away!
(Content warning for attempted murder in Saragimaru's part)
Kuroji with Tsubakura
Kuroji cares deeply for Tsubakura. Openly, too, when they first met.
Here was this talented rookie, ready to make their mark on the world. Kuroji was impressed by their junior researcher, but soon Tsubakura had their curiosity as they quickly climbed the ranks.
Kuroji had taken Tsubakura under their wing, only to be quickly outpassed them. Of course, their was some envy, but for the most part Kuroji was proud.
But affection was a weakness in this rotten army. Affection was a weapon people can use against you. And that's exactly what Kuroji's superiors did.
So Kuroji turned icy whenever around Tsubakura from then on. At first it was out of love, for a way to protect them. But the resentment inside them grew and grew. Why do they get all the love from their superiors, all the praise? They're the one with more seniority!
Even after arriving in Mugenri, that chilly reception still remained. The jealousy Kuroji harbours for Tsubakura runs deep, like roots of a great oak tree wormed into their grey matter. There's a light inside them that still cares for Tsubakura, but its flame is weak.
Perhaps that's what that rotten army wanted all along.
Kuroji with Saragimaru
Saragimaru talks about Yaorochi a lot.
They way they wax poetic about their dear eldest sibling, as if Yaorochi was simply misguided at the moment and will return to their senses any day now.
In many ways, Saragimaru reminds Kuroji of what they used to be like. Young and eager, always following their seniors around like a puppy. Their superiors always knows what's best.
Fucking pathetic.
Isn't Saragimaru supposed to be a youkai? Then why do they act so weak, like a sniffling, snot-ridden child who's lost their way home?! They've lived for so long, they should know better than to mindlessly follow their superiors!
For the most part, Kuroji tries to channel this energy into something more productive; if Saragimaru wants to act like a slave, then fine. They can be their slave. But sometimes their anger gets the better of them, manifesting in different ways. They grow colder towards they Orochi, they lash out and say cruel things to them. One night Saragimaru found them on top of them, knife in hand. They learned they couldn't overpower the youkai.
Other times...other times they reach out, as if they're going to pat Saragimaru on the head. Then the hand snaps back, and their disgusted at their own softness.
