jikan_network | [video] un: matsukaze

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[video] un: matsukaze

[Not everyone is a natural at public speaking— the samurai in the video makes it clear he's counted among the many that struggle with this with the way he shifts after he turns the video on, almost pulling his leg up into a more casual sit, before resettling into seiza. He smiles but it's hesitant, guarded.]

Hello. Some of you may be seeing me for the first time— I'm Kaedehara Kazuha.

I wanted to make an announcement and an offer. I recently acquired a license to conduct blade-making business here in Nippon. As the last successor of the Isshin Art, it's my duty to my ancestors to restore our traditional smithing practices.

[He doesn't have this all as well planned out as he hoped, as he pauses after, his eyes lowering thoughtfully, somewhat hesitant.]

Some of the techniques cannot be replicated with the materials usually available in Nippon and I am admittedly inexperienced, though I hope to prove myself through skill. I plan to experiment utilizing the local magics and hopefully, eventually kizuna.

...I do not take commissions currently. However, I am offering free restorations, reforging, and other services on existing weapons, in exchange for being given time to study your weaponry.

Thank you.

[He smiles at the camera, bows a little in gratitude, then shuts it off.]

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[Kunikuzushi leans against the wall, waiting patiently for Kazuha to finish making his announcement before offering up his own comment.]

If you have a license you should at least ask them to pay.

[Should make them pay even without one.]

[He knew he was there pretty much the entire time, which probably didn't help him being a bit nervous. He looks over his shoulder once finished, his expression mild.]

Right now there's no point in picking me over another smith. It's... what do the portrait painters call it? [He cups a hand under his chin.] Building a portfolio?

And what's to stop them from taking advantage of that?

[He shakes his head.]

You're too nice, Moron.

There will be some that will. I have considered that.

[He turns around fully, but doesn't stand up, still seated on the floor cushion.]

However, if I acquire even one or two loyal customers, they should pay for those who don't.

[He sighs, moving over to sit down next to Kazuha.]

So you're betting that the people who continue to return to you will be generous enough to make up for those that take advantage of your kindness.

So far no one has asked for any work, only offered to let me study their weapons.

[Kazuha shifts how he's sitting, raising one knee up as he usually does and sets his hand on it. From his tone, he's a bit disappointed.]

This is a bit more difficult than I imagined it would be. I wonder what my father would have done...

[He brings his hand to his lips in thought, thumb curled under his chin. His father and grandfather hadn't taught him much about this, probably because they likely thought all along that Kazuha wouldn't shoulder the burden of the clan long.]

That is something you wanted.

[Kunikuzushi leans over, running a hand through the samurai's hair. Comforting people is definitely not his strong suit, but with how disappointed Kazuha sounds he feels as though he has to try.]

You expected starting a business to be easy? I can check if know anyone looking for a bladesmith, if not my swords could always do with some work. I pay very well.

It was... A bird that never stretches its wings will never learn to fly. The practice would have been good.

[He leans into the touch, but the offer makes the samurai give him a bit of a wry smile.]

My father really never intended for me to try. In any case, you can't float my business by yourself, Kuni. You've already been quite generous.

You have other means of practice.

[He shakes his head.]

I'm hardly generous, but can't I? I live here, should I not help cover the costs.

Ah... [Has Kunikuzushi seen him lack confidence like this before? Kazuha's face flushes lightly pink.] If you mean forging a sword, I'm not certain I'm ready.

[Though Kazuha is clearly feeling uncomfortable, he drops his hand from his knee and takes the immortal's free hand between both of his own.]

Kuni, I can't keep spending your own money on you. This should be something we share. I should be able to provide for you too.

I can assist you.

[Has he made a sword before, no, but he's been around forges before he knows how to be at the very least useful for the people making them. Kunikuzushi smiles softly as the samurai takes his hand, shifting himself to move slightly into the man's lap.]

Why not? I'm not using it for anything, nor do I need it. You don't need to provide anything but yourself.

Hm...

[If he gives Kunikuzushi any room to end up in his lap at home, he usually does eventually, so he adjusts his arms easily around the other man. The offer sends him deeply in thought again, his face turning but his eyes focusing on nothing in front of him.

He's nervous, definitely. Kazuha had been resolved to restore the Kaedehara clan's traditions, though still forging something of his own design seemed far off.]

I could show you how to hammer the ore.

[As a child he'd watched the Amenoma clan master wordlessly work with his apprentice, knowing just how hard to strike his hammer from the sound of his master's tapping. It feels very strange to imagine himself in the role.]

But crafting an Isshin blade... I'm not certain that's within my current capabilities.

[As Kazuha adjusts, he settles himself properly into his lap, getting comfortable in his preferred place when the two of them are home and not doing anything in particular.]

I can do that.

[Not a job he expected to be tasked with, but how difficult could hammering be? He intends to help Kazuha out however he needs, help him to become the swordsmith he desires to be.]

You're talented Kazuha. With how often you're making things I doubt it will take you that long to figure out - You have study material.

Hello! If I might ask, is studying the weaponry your main reason for this offer?

[Xie Lian appeared on the screen smiling and curious.]

If it's study you want, I can offer mine for inspection?

Yes, it's the main reason. In my homeland, swords are typically made of jade steel. This material isn't widely available here, so I wish to get more familiar with the metals and techniques used in the forging of local and refugee weaponry.

[He smiles back, lifting a hand.]

Thank you. Do you wish to request any work?

No work needed. But if it's looking, I'd be happy to show off. My sword is an old one.

I could come by any time and let you examine Fang Xin.

I would be indebted to you. Please allow me to share some wine with you, or if you are not inclined to drink, perhaps I could cook you a meal.

That's a beautiful name— I'm eager to see the sword it belongs to. I make my home and forge in the bakeneko village of Shingu in Wakayama. For those unable to teleport, it is some distance though... I understand if you'd hesitate for such a visit. I could always come to you.

What might be my new friend's name?

Tea would be fine, if you have any?

The distance isn't a problem, if you don't mind the wait? I'd be happy to come to you.

[And in doing so explore a little and see this village as well as this man's forge.]

Ah, I apologise. Where are my manners? My name is Xie Lian.

[Of course his manners had gone out of the window in favour of talking about his sword!]

I would honored to have you for tea then, and I hardly mind the wait. As I chose to live far from the cities, it's only expected.

[He's a man most suited to nature and poetry, rather than the walls and busy sounds of the city.]

No need to apologize. Since introductions have been had, if you should choose to spend the night, I would be happy to offer it to you. It's not very lavish accommodations, however it should be comfortable.

[Xie Lian has a feeling they will get along well. His own home in Little Edo was away from most, keeping his distance was as much for their safety as his own.

He smiled, kind and gentle and with understanding and acceptance.]

As long as there is a roof over my head I count that as lavish enough.

[As someone who had frequently slept rough, even in caves when he could find them or abandoned homes, Xie Lian was entirely not fussy when it came to places to sleep.]

So I thank you for your generosity. I will make my way to you shortly.

[And isn't it a shame he couldn't use the distance shortening array to get there. He would have to walk, or run. Running may cut down the time a great deal.]

Haha, we're of like minds then. I'm looking forward to speaking with you over tea. Might you have any interest in poetry?

[Not too many people really shared Kazuha's specific interests— He's someone who is quite at home within the elements and living the wanderer's life, taking inspiration from the breeze, the rustle of the trees, the bubbling of a river. He can spend hours meditating alone in nature, deep in contemplation.

His smile is maybe a bit more open.]

I'll prepare my guest room. I don't often have company.

It's been a while but yes, I enjoy listening to poetry.

[How interesting, most of Xie Lian's life had been living within nature and meditation to further his Cultivation.

With a bright smile, Xie Lian gave a little bow, awkward as it may seem while on camera.]

Thank you. I'll be with you soon!

[ There is a lot Ayaka doesn't know about Kazuha, and it's understandable that it's that way since Kazuha has been away from Inazuma for so long. There haven't been a lot of chances to meet.

For him to take on the Isshin Art, though... That's something very significant. Perhaps she's misunderstood his intentions all this time.]

My sword at this time does not need any work done to it, but... you shall be the first person I think of should I need any assistance with it.

Lady Ayaka.

[Of course he lights up seeing her. For him, the Irodori festival wasn't too long ago now, and the memories of her help and concern are still fresh in his mind.]

I would be honored to be chosen to perform any work on your sword. Any opportunity to see my dear friends is welcome as well. Perhaps if you find yourself in Wakayama, I might give you a tour of the forge.

I have actually never been there! [ So she's rather excited to go, if this is an invitation! ] Would it be okay if I went to visit you?

[ And at this time, this would be her only reason to go. ]

Of course, I would love to have you as my guest.

[He doesn't get guests really, and some part of him is both nervous as he is excited.]

Humans are uncommon in Wakayama. The older members of the village have gotten used to me, but the kittens are likely to take great interest in you.

Kittens?

[ So... She's read about Nippon and its various cities, but perhaps she may have skipped reading about Wakayama. . . ]

Oh— I think I understand. Is Wakayama more of a yokai settlement, then?

Haha, yes. It's south of Osaka and west of Nara, in the Western kingdom. To the north territories are mostly kitsune villages, though my village in Shingu is populated by bakeneko.

[Kazuha sticks out like a sore thumb in the village, though it bothers him very little now. Leave it to him to choose a home as remote and rural as possible.]

They're a people not common outside this area. I'm a bit of a giant among them... and one of only three humans in this village.

It sounds like you like it there.

[ He wouldn't get a house there, otherwise! But apart from that, it sounds like Kazuha is at peace where he's staying. ]

Does your home have a low ceiling, then?

[ Or is his home towering over all the other homes in that village? ]

Mm, if I must stay in one spot for a while, it's good to be close to nature.

[It's far, far more rural than Kyoto, which for a guy like Kazuha who likes to spend much of his time indulging in the outdoors, it's perfect.]

From the outside it seems a rather small home for some. The doorways are comfortable for me, though... Ah, I started apprenticing under a lesser god a several months ago and used what I learned to change the space in the home.

[He cups his hand under his chin and choses his eyes thoughtfully.]

Similar to a domain or an adeptus abode, but I can't claim to have made anything quite that fantastic.

Ah, like Aether's teapot, then? [ That's how she understands what Kazuha just said! ] It is bigger on the inside than how it looks from the outside?

Ahaha— how magical!

[ And truly fascinating. She should love to see it! ]

Yes, I would say it's similar to that. Nowhere near as fascinating as his teapot, though my home should be comfortable for taller humans in terms of size.

[Kazuha wouldn't have had much issue with his home unchanged, though he's been pretty conscious that many people are much taller than he is, especially here in Nippon. He couldn't have his friends smacking their heads on his ceilings!]

I live my days rather leisurely, doing as I please. I know your schedule is likely much more busy than mine, so please just tell me when you've like to come and I'll meet you at the train station.

I shall check my schedule and let you know right away.

[ How exciting!! It does not show much with her tone, or how she looks on video, but she does seem very eager to travel to where Kazuha lives! ]

I have started working at a pre-school, you see. I have been teaching children etiquette, the arts, and drama.

[For a moment, he looks briefly surprised, but then his expression changes to something more certain and he nods.]

That suits you quite well, Lady Ayaka. Your gentle nature would appeal to children. I trust you enjoy your work?

It makes me nervous at times!

[ Because she would like to be perfect all the time. No mistakes. And also because she's not quite used to this kind of work just yet. ]

But it has been a learning experience for me, as well. I like what I am doing, even though it is different from what I am used to.

Ah, but with your visit in the future, isn't it good to have the practice? It's not often that the kittens meet outsiders, let alone one so elegant and lovely as my lady.

[Despite the flattery, he is lightly teasing her. He'll help her wrangle the kittens.]

I'm glad for you. You sound happy.

Hehe, I suppose!

[ Practice, huh? Alright then, Kazuha. As for that part about being happy, though... ]

Do you recall when we first crossed paths here? It was the happiest I have ever seen you, even though we have only had a few instances of meeting in Inazuma.

[ He is still a dear friend, despite the minimal contact. ]

Being here in this realm has taught me so many new things, and has given me so many new experiences. I am happy, yes, especially as I have been given the opportunity to befriend so many people.

[ This man wears yet another hat... It's been quite some time since he last ran into the samurai at the Kamisato's housewarming. And his idea for a business intrigues him. Cloud, having developed a habit for sitting seiza when he was at the dinner table, was perusing the network after a meal when Kaedehara's post went online. ]

Been a while, Kazuha. [ Since you beat that ass—Iiii mean since you dueled him. ] The two swords I've got are in good shape, but if you're looking for study material...

[Oh! A familiar face. Kazuha smiles brightly at Cloud, though the offer takes him a bit by surprise.]

Thank you. I would be in your debt, Cloud.

[But he's not inclined to decline said offer. Still, such generosity is worth some small talk. After all, it's been a bit of time since the housewarming.]

It has been some time. It looks like you've settled in quite well.

[ Honestly? While he has his own fighting style, and what he undertakes now is under a different art entirely, the young samurai was never far away in his thoughts when thinking of what helped spark this path. A friendly yet informative duel had done a lot to settle in the blond's mind. His own expression softens, not quite as bright as Kazuha as he settles into the small talk right back. ]

Surprisingly... [ He shrugs. ] Life in Nippon is nowhere near what I'm used to back home. Finally saved enough to move out to my own place.

[Let's be real, Kazuha would be happy to kick his ass again, maybe show him a thing or two about hitting people with a sword art made for breaking swords. It's useful information, and the samurai looks fondly back on that sparring.

He might like fun little combat duels a little too much.]

That's wonderful to hear. I hadn't begun living indoors until I had lived in Nippon for several months, though I understand most are eager to settle into a home. Have you chosen a place in the western or eastern kingdom?

[ Unaware of the samurai's penchant for traveling far from home, Cloud's curiosity is piqued. ]

Not even back in Inazuma? [ For a family of blacksmiths, he would think that he would have a place to stay... But then, that's his ignorance asking such a question. Cloud wants to understand. Regardless of how he answers though, ]

Over west, out in Kyoto. It's just a down payment, but once I get a license for myself, I won't hafta count on so many odd jobs.

Haha. [No offense is taken at the questioning at least.] My clan used to be subservient to the Kamisatos, but the Kaedeharas have long since collapsed and my ancestral home repossessed during the war. I make my home all of the earth, with the sky as my blanket at night, and go freely wherever the wind leads me.

[A lot of words to say he's a homeless wanderer in Teyvat. He doesn't seem to mind though, smiling brightly at Cloud still.]

Kyoto as well, hm? If you find yourself to the south in Wakayama, please feel free to visit.

[ So they're knit with the Kamisato Clan too... More pressing, however, is that Kazuha so nonchalantly speaks of losing his own home during a war. The only war he can think of, that he's been made aware? ]

The Vision Hunt Decree?

[ Regardless, he's glad that it's passed over, and that the Raiden Shogun has since loosened her stance in more ways than one. Yet still, this man continues to wander. The way he describes it though...it doesn't sound sad in the slightest. If anything, there's a sense of liberty to his words. Which is why his expression doesn't falter so much upon taking it in. ]

Mm. Found a smaller house around the same neighborhood as the Kamisatos. [ So there's familiarity there! ] I will. I just passed through Wakayama while doing a job with someone from Teyvat.

[ Sure, the Traveler may have made a myriad of connections with people, but he couldn't just go and assume everyone knew Aether! ~~Assume this, Cloud. Save yourself the time and assume this. KFJLDHSA~~ ]

Mm, so you know about that.

[Though it was a dark time in his life, filled with pain, loss, fear, and suffering, it's past him now. His time since then in Nippon and away from his homeland in Liyue since the war have helped calm some of the storm it had made in his heart.

He's not surprised that Cloud knows about it though. It was hardly a secret that the Inazumans here have recently experienced civil war.]

Yes, I had to flee Inazuma as I didn't want to be arrested. I'd become a fugitive that would have been executed for treason during the war, should the Shogunate have captured me.

[A much different position than what Ayaka and Ayato were in, though he just smiles and folds his hands together, resting one of his forearms on his knee as he pulls his leg up.]

Did you? I live to the very south in Shingu, though I have been through the Northern Wilds... I do not recommend it, even for seasoned warriors. Was this companion someone I might know?

Mm. Between Ayaka and an oni named Itto, I got the gist. Getting the equivalent of your ambition taken from you... [ At least. That's how Eula described a Vision. Rather than trail on it for too long, Cloud simply shakes his head with a gentler breath. ] Glad it's over now.

[ He doesn't quite realize it, watching Kaedehara as he shifts on camera, but as he settles down and listens, Cloud's finding himself relaxing further in kind. Enough so that while he doesn't mimic the samurai, he's fallen out of his seiza posture in exchange for letting his legs set to one side, leaning against his hand. ]

You can say that again... [ Meaning that...yyyeah the Northern Wilds weren't gonna be a place he visited any time soon. ] Could say he's a fellow traveler. You know a guy named Aether?

Yes... It was a very dark time in Inazuma. Though it is in the past now, many did not live to see the end of it. I find their sacrifice inspirational. My homeland will prosper under the new peacetime.

[Perhaps stories of his time at war were best done in person rather than over the network, so Kazuha just smiles, a rather light expression for someone who just confessed to having been considered a treasonous rebel.

They have that in common though, don't they? Really, they should swap stories. He certainly wants to know more about Cloud.]

Oh! Yes, Aether and I share a deep friendship. He's someone I will easily trust with my life and inner thoughts.

Good...

[ It's only been a few months, but his connection through stories and the people of Kazuha's world has only continued to deepen with the passing days. He may have his own responsibilities and journey to undergo back home, but in a way, the time he's made here has turned these people and the land he walks a home away from home. If the Vision Hunt Decree were still in effect and he had some way of helping, Cloud would have easily passed it off as some mercenary's offer. For the right price, he'll fight for the side that needs him most.

~~Even if that payday never comes.~~ ]

He sure knows how to make an impression. [ A beat. ] Then again, I still owe you back from our duel.

[ Which meant that Cloud may be making a return trip to Wakayama sooner than later. And not just for another clash. The Kaedehara Clan shared a connection with not only the Yashiro Commission especially, but the head clan of it.

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