the general - day zero.

[foxhounds]

THE GENERAL day zero Ivan has told you what you're meant to do in the coming days, and she's also told you that there's an hour before other souls will start washing up on the shores. She has to leave to prepare, but you're all together in the lobby of the mansion. Take it as a chance to meet each other and get to know the people you'll be working with.

Comments

[hijiwanwan]

Hijikata Toshizou. [ Simply put. At least this one has some manners. ] So you're implying you have no owner right now?

[ He shakes his head. ] I put my heart into every swing of my blade because I fight for the Shinsengumi, and I still plan to do that even now. Besides, it would be disrespectful to my own blade, wouldn't it?

[ He takes his own steps forward to Tsurumaru, just to get a close look. He has to sort of look up to get a better look at this guy's face. Dang, tall. ] Do you understand?

[gravesite]

Nope, none at all! Why, has my blade caught your eye? Do you wish to own me and bring yourself an early death? [ His tone is somewhere between the border of excited and sarcastic; it's both, and neither. ]

[ Shinsengumi... Along with the man's name, the phrase rings a faint bell, and it takes Tsurumaru a few seconds to pinpoint everything. ] Ah, hey— that's where Kanesada and Horikawa are from! So, you're just as young as them— [ But when Hijikata continues, his smile fades quickly, and he glances down. ]

...No, I don't understand. If I've learned anything from the masters that I've had, then it's that masters who respect their blades... don't exist.

[hijiwanwan]

Hohh? You know of them, yes you're correct. [ Thank you for calling him young. He's so tired of hearing about how age from A Certain Souji. The nerve of that man! ]

Ah, is that so... They should be ashamed then. A real man should know how to properly respect and thus wield a blade. [ Hijikata nods. There's no way he could carelessly take care of Horikawa and Kanesada. If they broke... Well, that'd be awful. ] Oi, what's with that expression?

[ Hijikata places a hand on Tsurumaru's shoulder. ] Listen up, I would give my life for the Shinsengumi, so the threats of death don't scare me. I'll just cut my way through. Perhaps we can change that outlook you carry right now? Just be warned, I don't pamper my dogs.

[gravesite]

But isn't that the nature of humans? Being wielded was fine, but a blade is a coveted treasure— I've been dug up from graves, stolen, given away, sold, you name it! [ Still, Hijikata's words linger on Tsurumaru's mind; they're unfamiliar, but not entirely uncomfortable. ]

[ Oh, gosh, Hijkata... You don't hold back on the do-s, do you? But the way that he states everything is so oddly defiant that Tsurumaru positions his sleeve over his mouth, hiding the amusement that returns to the corners of his lips. ] Saying that you could cut through fate so easily... you're an interesting person.

I mean, I don't know very much about the Shinsengumi, but if you're willing to change that outlook with me, then... [ His words fade out here, but the implications are clear; his tone lifts. ] Are you going to call me a dog everyday? Wah, I'm so excited!