[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

[leafwhistle]

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.

[lyingstars]

[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.

[leafwhistle]

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.]

[lyingstars]

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.

[leafwhistle]

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.

[lyingstars]

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.

[leafwhistle]

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.

[lyingstars]

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.

[leafwhistle]

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.

[lyingstars]

[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.