The Next Day.
The air was crisp as Daisuke and Makoto made their way towards Tōsō's house. The early morning sun casted a warm glow over the tranquil outskirts of the village. As they approached, the sound of wooden swords clashing echoed through the air, drawing their attention to the sight of Tōsō engaged in training with Sakutarō; as Genji sat, watching.
A smile lit up Sakutarō's face as he caught sight of Daisuke and Makoto, his excitement palpable. "Daisuke-san, Makoto-san!" he exclaimed, his voice brewing with enthusiasm.
However, Daisuke's expression remained solemn as he gently rebuffed Sakutarō's excitement. "Not today, Sakutarō," he said softly, his tone filled with regret. "We're not going into the village today. Go rest inside, alright? Take your brother with you."
Disappointment flickered across Sakutarō's features, but he nodded obediently and made his way indoors with Genji, leaving Daisuke, Makoto and Tōsō alone in the training yard.
Taking a deep breath, Daisuke turned to Tōsō, his gaze steady. "Can we talk, Tōsō?" he asked quietly, his voice laced with vulnerability.
Tōsō nodded, a flicker of concern in his eyes as he followed Daisuke's lead. "Of course, Daisuke," he replied, his tone gentle yet apprehensive.
"Don't worry, I'll stay with the children." Makoto stated.
As Daisuke and Tōsō strolled through the quiet streets of the village, Daisuke found himself struggling to voice the thoughts that had plagued him for so long. Finally, summoning the courage, he spoke, his words heavy with emotion. "I've never been able to let go of what happened in the past," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I blamed you for her death, Tōsō. I blamed you for everything."
Tōsō's expression softened with understanding as he listened to Daisuke's confession, his heart heavy with remorse. "I know, brother," he murmured, his voice tinged with sorrow. "And I've carried that burden with me every day."
Daisuke continued, "seeing Sakutarō and Genji all this time... it made me think about what could have been. The possibility of having children of my own. Knowing that I can't, but you did. Even though your wife died, you still had them. I was left with no one."
Daisuke's shoulders sagged with the weight of his confession, his eyes searching Tōsō's for forgiveness. "I want to move past it, Tōsō," he said earnestly, his voice trembling with emotion. "I want us to be brothers again."
A flicker of hope sparked in Tōsō's eyes as he reached out, resting a hand on Daisuke's shoulder. "I've always wanted that too, brother," he admitted, his voice choked with emotion. "More than anything."
With a tentative smile, Daisuke took a deep breath, his heart swelling with newfound resolve. "Will you be my sparring partner again, Tōsō?" he asked softly, his gaze unwavering.
Tōsō's smile widened as he clasped Daisuke's shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "I'd be honored, Daisuke" he replied, his voice filled with warmth. "It feels good to finally have you back."
"Maybe fighting with you again will help me get the emotions out that I've built up for so long." Daisuke suggested.
"Daisuke... is this because of your Tokihanatsu?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm grateful that you want to mend things again... but is it sincere? Or is it so you can finally get a Tokihanatsu summon?"
"If I'm going to be honest, I'm not entirely sure, Tōsō. Something is holding me back and... I have a feeling it's us. Maybe it's a sign that we need to leave the past in the past and move on."
As they made their way back to Tōsō's house, a sense of peace settled over them—a long-awaited reconciliation between two brothers, not bound by blood but forged through adversity. And as they stepped into the training yard once more, the sound of wooden swords clashing sent shivers through the air—a testament to the enduring bond between Daisuke and Tōsō, stronger now than ever before.
Makoto, with a blindfold on, was sparring Sakutarō and Genji. Daisuke and Tōsō stood watching, laughing between themselves.
"Come on Sakutarō. Can't you beat a blind man?" Makoto taunted.
"Sakutarō get him!" Urged Genji.
"Help him, Genji!" Tōsō jokingly shouted.
Genji and Sakutarō threw their wooden swords to the floor and ran at Makoto. When within reached, they both attempted to jump on him. Makoto, focused on hearing their whereabouts, stretched out his arms and caught them both mid-air. Having grasped their collars, he started to spin around in circles, speeding up with every revolution. Daisuke and Tōsō couldn't contain their laughter. Makoto then let go, sending them both flying in opposite directions.
"Well that's one way to learn how to fly." Daisuke remarked.
"I never took you as a bully, Makoto" Tōsō said.
"Ah come on, I'm just having fun." Makoto replied.
Having got up, Sakutarō and Genji brushed themselves off.
"I suck." Sakutarō said bluntly.
"What are you talking about?" Asked Daisuke.
"He couldn't even see, and he still beat me."
"Makoto is an elite warrior, Sakutarō. He may not engage in fighting as much as he used to, but he used to be one of the Deadly Seven."
"Yeah but... he's old now." Sakutarō whispered. Makoto burst out into a hysterical laugh.
"I may be old, young Sakutarō, but still young enough to be the leader of this village."
"No, you're old." Genji said.
"Daisuke, Tōsō," Makoto said, "how about you two show us what highly talented Samurai can do?"
Daisuke and Tōsō turned to each other.
"Wooden or metal?" Tōsō asked.
"Either. Or you can use both. Whatever you need to have a chance." Daisuke responded, winking.
Sakutarō held out his wooden katana, offering it to his father.
"No that's fine, son. Bring me by Katana."
"Rusty?" Daisuke asked in a patronising manner.
"So, how long until you need your little wolf to help you?"
Daisuke stared at Tōsō blankly, clearing his mind. He wasn't sure if Tōsō's confidence was a bluff. Sakutarō ran back outside, handing Tōsō his katana.
"You ready?"