[video] un: matsukaze

[leafwhistle]

[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.]

Comments

[sultanofsquat]

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?

[leafwhistle]

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.

[sultanofsquat]

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.