Cousins

[Sengoku]

Maebashi Castle. Named after the city of Maebashi,  capitol of the Kōzuke Prefecture. The stronghold of the Ii Clan, the castle is perched in the center of Maebashi's old district, preserving the traditional style buildings that have not yet surrendered to modern architecture. Not completely, anyway. Behind the ancient stylings of these ornate buildings lie modern commodities such as television, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi for electronic devices. A blending of past and present. It is here where the family of Kōzuke's daimyō resides along with his family.

The matriarch of the Ii Clan, Ii Masako, hails from the Date Clan of the Miyagi Prefecture and thus maintains regular contact with her family there. Though she has strained relations with her elder brother and acting daimyō of Miyagi and his wife, Masako still speaks with her niece Date Naomi. In recent years, she has overheard the girl finally striking out on her own without relying on her parents. What better way to celebrate than to invite the girl to visit here in Maebashi? Moreover, this gives the girl a chance to meet the relatives she has heard of all these years yet never seen. It is here at the entrance of the castle that this long-awaited family reunion begins, starting with the Red Devil himself, Ii Naoyoshi, returning from a yōkai hunt.

The young man is adorned in vibrant, red armor, complete with golden horn ornaments and a menpō shaped like an oni's grimace. He carries a set of daishō on his hip, the combination of an uchigatana and its accompanying wakizashi. Behind him are samurai dressed in similar armor, though none with as impressive helmet ornaments as he does, all pushing a cart containing a giant centipede, cut up into pieces and laying dead.

"Welcome home, Naoyoshi-sama," greets the armored guards at the gate. The samurai nods his head once in acknowledgement of them, but is halted before he enters. "Naoyoshi-sama, I believe you have a visitor. She says she knows your mother and hails from the Date Clan." At this, Naoyoshi turns his head and looks over at the visitor...

[oichi]

Naomi was very much happier when she finally got the chance to move out of the castle for the first time and hopefully the only time that she would do that. So many wonderful things happened that she couldn't just describe it all in a single letter. Her meeting Baku-kun was some of the strangest things in her life but it always made her happy to not only have company, but to bring forth new powers that she uncovered along the way. This also contributed to her restaurant, which had the cutest and the coziest vibes in town as well as great food helped by amazing staff. She soon got a letter from her favorite aunt, Masako, now residing in the Ii clan, to come on over to Maebashi castle to visit. She was so excited to finally have the chance to come over and see what it was like for the first time, maybe even stay for a few days.

She wrote back that she was coming over as soon as she could. In the car, she drove herself and her Baku in the back seat all the way to Kosuke prefecture, where the Ii clan reside. Naomi thought that Baku-kun needed to see the sights with her as well as meet more of her family. It took hours and plenty of sights but they finally made it to the prefecture. It had a mixure of old and new in the province. "Isn't this great Baku-kun? Did you see all the lovely people on the way here?" she asked as she drived slowly in the streets. The baku was as majestic as is tranquil. "I have seen quite alot of the land already. It is interesting to view it from a motorized vehicle. I'm intrgued that we didn't catch anyone bad on the way." he said smiling at Naomi. Naomi smiled back. "Wel there's people hired on the job to keep innocent yokai and other people safe from ones that go bad. It's kinda like your job Baku-kun!" Naomi pointed out. She admired the heroes that went out and did that on a regular basis. Though she found that she can dispel weaker yokai, she didn't feel confident to actually fight toe to toe yet by herself and Baku-kun.

She went to find a place to put her car in the parking lot before getting out and getting some stuff and Baku-kun out of the car. They were here, and Baku-kun disappeared out of normal sight after she petted him. Ii clan guards greeted her and helped with some of the bags after she told them that she knows Masako. She wore a pink sweet lolita dress with a headband adorned with a huge pink rose that has a cascading ribbon hanging down. She had sparkly pink tights and white mary jane shoes with a light pink ribbon. She took out a stuffed animal from one of her bags, a light blue bunny named Keiji, to complete the look. She was a sweet little princess.

She walked a little bit outside the castle but within the castle walls, just taking in theview of the place. It really was a strong castle. She was so excited to meet many of her family members in person for the first time. Her cousins Naoyoshi, Naoko, her uncle Naotake, she even heard they have a cute little dog. She overheard the guards talking to someone named Naoyoshi. "That must be itoko! I wonder what he looks like?" she thought to herself in wonder. What she saw next was a very tall man, compared to her anyway, dressed in full samurai armor. He seemed a bit intimidating to her and hugged her bunny tight. It didn't really show much of his face, only those eyes. "Hi! I'm Date Naomi. Aunt Masako called me here to stay in the castle for a few days. Are you my cousin Naoyoshi? It's great to finally meet you." she said cheerfully. Despite the fear and nervousness in her heart, she still welcomes him with open arms.

[Sengoku]

The red-clad samurai stared at her for a moment, his golden irises being the only thing visible from behind the menpō shaped like the face of a roaring oni. Naoyoshi thought long at hard at the name. His mother hails from the Date Clan, so the girl's family name sounded familiar. But he was still deep in thought mulling over her given name.

"Date Naomi," he repeated, his stern voice coming out crystal clear even with his headgear obscuring his face. "You're from Sendai, then? Miyagi Prefecture?" The young man reached up to his kabuto and lifted it from his head, revealing short, ruffled hair, black as coal. Then he loosened the straps around his menpō, finally revealing his face beyond just the glaring, golden eyes.

Two long scars ran across the left side of his face while a single scar ran down his right cheek. Naoyoshi's glaring was less intense now that he removed his headgear, yet he still retained the aura of a hardened warrior. With a straightened back and broad shoulders, Naoyoshi's posture commanded authority and confidence befitting of a samurai. When he spoke, his voice was hard like iron yet he enunciated each word, never once slurring words together. He offered Naomi a deep bow, denoting great respect.

"I was uninformed that you would be visiting, Naomi-san," he said as his armor clinked lightly with each movement. "Forgive me for my rudeness." Before he could continue, a massive, red oni that towered over both of them manifested beside Naoyoshi, first appearing as a red mist that then solidified into a hulking brute carrying his own set of swords on his hip, sized up appropriately to fit his enormous physique.

"You're telling me this one shares blood with you?" laughed the oni, brandishing his jagged teeth. "She's nothing like you nor your father! Seems the peach fell far from the tree!" Naoyoshi's armored elbow shot into the oni's ribcage, though it seemed to have barely effected the giant.

"Akamaru. Behave yourself," Naoyoshi growled at the oni.

"What? You're going to punish me for speaking my mind?"

"For being rude, you overgrown oaf."

Akamaru crossed his arms and bent forward to study Naomi for moment, going as far as to even sniff her. "You human women always smell more fragrant than the men," he noted. His eyes then went wide as he gave Naomi a devilish grin. "I sense the presence of another yōkai with you. Bound to your own spiritual energy. A pact? Or are you haunted?" Before the oni could continue his taunting, Naoyoshi dispelled the brute with a swing of his uchigatana before sheathing it again, leaving behind a crimson mist that rapidly dissipated. When the young man spoke to Naomi again, there was a hint of exasperation on his face.

"I deeply apologize for my contracted yōkai's rudeness. He has yet to learn proper manners despite his hundreds of years of life."

"Hmph, killjoy..." Akamaru's disembodied voice.

"Make yourself useful and pull the wagon."

"You could ask nicer, boy."

"I refuse."

"Well, worth a shot."

Naoyoshi motioned with his arm for Naomi to proceed through the gates before him. Akamaru manifested into a physical form once again as he grabbed the wagon with the butchered centipede, with the samurai previously pulling the cart bowing before they departed. As they walked through the courtyard of Maebashi Castle, Naoyoshi and Akamaru remained silent most of the way through. The young warrior seemed averse to conversation, or at least small talk. Only when they entered the castle's interior did he finally ask, "You came to Maebashi alone?"

[oichi]

Naomi stood there for a little while watching him stare back at her. She was beginning to think in that time that maybe she got the wrong guy than her initial reaction. She was glad that it quickly dispelled when he put the pieces back together and that he wasn't aware that she was coming over. "It's alright itoko! Maybe Aunt Masako wanted it to be a surprise for you? It was definitely a surprise when she reached out to invite me over to the castle." she said happily. Her baku was watching not too far from both Naoyoshi and Naomi, He could sense the oni that lived within Naoyoshi with a bit of suspicion. He didn't want Naomi to get hurt so he kept himself invisible.

Naomi was at first startled when the red oni appeared next to Naoyoshi, and it was even bigger than he even was. What did she look like to the oni's eyes when she was that small? It wasn't exactly nice words from his mouth when he made fun of her. She didn't know exactly what to say. "Um... Nice to meet you too. Are you friends with Naoyoshi- ah!" she got startled when Akamaru was sniffing her like she was a flower on the side of the road. She did have on some light cherry blossom perfume. She could feel Baku-kun glaring at Akamaru, she found also that Akamaru could feel the pact that binds them. "Well he is nearby. I brought him with me to the castle but he'll do his best to stay out of the way." she said watching Naoyoshi cut him down to a mist, apologizing for the behavior. "It's alright Naoyoshi. Baku-kun would've helped stop him if he felt I was in danger. He's like a protector for those that show him kindness." she proudly remarked.

This entire thing answered the question of whether she came to the castle alone. While she didn't bring any other people with her, it was still going to be a fun time. She followed Naoyoshi, trying to keep up with him as Akamaru pulled the cart. At this time, her Baku showed himself in all his majestic glory. She wasn't sure how Naoyoshi would react towards her guardian yokai. "I wish I could have brought Masago with me. I don't think father would let me with how busy Masago is in the Date clan." She was much more talkative than Naoyoshi and she definitely noticed, but didn't mind if he was willing to listen and enjoy. Had he heard lots about her life from her aunt/his mom? "I took some time off from my restaurant to come visit. It's called Sparkles. It's mostly sweets there but there's some comfort food from all over so everybody doesn't feel ashamed to relax and have a good time." she said happily chatting away in the castle.

[Sengoku]

"Hmm."

That was all Naoyoshi offered as a reply as he sorted through the knowledge presented to him. At the front of the building stood two officials wearing uniforms from the Yōkai Hunter's Guild, speaking with two more samurai dressed in the Ii Clan's red armor.

"You could have at least contacted us before going off and hunting the ōmukade," the guildswoman scolded Naoyoshi.

"If I waited for your hunters, we would have civilian casualties in the city outskirts," Naoyoshi answered with a cold, stern voice. "Do not deign to tell me how to protect my own city." The woman opened her mouth to attempt to snap back at the young lord of the Ii Clan, but the guildsman with her put a hand on her shoulder before stepping in.

"Ii-sama, let's not argue, shall we? We're on the same side here," the man interjected. "My colleague simply desired more open communications between the Ii Clans's military and the guild. After all, it is our specialty to handle yōkai."

"Noted. The ōmukade is slain. You have your proof." Naoyoshi turned to face Akamaru who was now leaning on the wagon with one hand. The oni was studying the giant centipede's severed body, chopped into hundreds of segments and burned black.

"Hmm... ōmukade tend to be massive... a juvenile, I see. Still. Thank you for your hard work, Ii-sama. We'll be on our way." The guildsman bowed and slapped at the guildswoman's arm to prompt her to do the same. As they walked by, they offered the same bow over to Naomi as well. "Pardon me, Miss. We'll be off now." As they carted off the wagon back to the entrance, Naoyoshi took Naomi further into Maebashi Castle's main floor where they walk past the receptionists who further bowed to them. This was what noble life was like. To live in a castle that served as both a luxurious home and a fortress housing the military. To have nearly everyone within bow as you passed them by. Akamaru kept pace behind them, stretching his legs as he walked.

Naoyoshi pondered which topic to pick up the conversation with, cycling through what Naomi shared with him earlier. Family life was possible. He knew little of the Date Clan's inner workings besides the names of those involved. There was also the topic of her contracted yōkai. A baku. Not a yōkai he'd ever seen before, though it might be rude to ask her to summon it forth just to serve as focus for small talk. However, she seemed livelier when she spoke of her restaurant.

"You said it is called 'Sparkles,' yes?" Naoyoshi asked. "Commendable work. It is no small feat to open up a business, especially a restaurant. I imagine it must be difficult balancing between cooking, management, and finances. Did Uncle Masahiro and Aunt Kaguya help you?"

[oichi]

Naomi was worried a little bit at first when she saw Naoyoshi finishing up something at the front of the building. It had looked like the guildwoman was trying to argue with Naoyoshi about something Akamaru was carrying to the front. Luckily it didn't go that far, but it was pretty impressive to her how he can fall a dangerous foe. She knew the Ii clan was filled with great fighters. Soon enough she was lead inside Maebashi castle, it was a gorgeous castle with a lot of stairs at first glance. She didn't want to get lost in the castle so she would stick by Naoyoshi in the meantime while she still had to get used to it.

Sparkles to her was a dream place where people can not only have fun but also eat good food from her heart. It was something that she felt that was decreasing from other restaurants today. She was glad for her brother's and father's support at least. "Yes! Sparkles is getting popular in Sendai right now! Dad helped get it official before it can open! It's a big place with a second floor for more seating! I've even got a play area where kids can play in and a bakery like area where you can take goodies home with you! I've managed to get starting help but I made a help wanted ad to try and hire more people. You can come visit anytime!" she said offering. She really wanted more royals to visit her restaurant for more publicity but who says no to feeding your own family?

She wanted to know a little bit about Naoyoshi. What had he been doing all this time? She got bits and pieces from Aunt Masako, some she really didn't understand but it interested her enough. She was a bit nervous asking about what happened at the gate. "So... Those guys at the gate, do they work with you at that job? They took away that crate that Akamaru was carrying along. I think they had something to do with hunting yokai right?" she said with care

[Sengoku]

"Yōkai Hunter's Guild," replied Naoyoshi, opening another door and ushering Naomi through it before him. "They're specialized in organizing yōkai hunts for the rogue ones that violate the law. They need to cooperate with the samurai clan as well as the police departments they reside with. The rude one you saw before was just upset I was better at this job than she was." The smell of blood and steel hung about Naoyoshi as the two of them walked through the castle. Naoyoshi's heavier stride thudded alongside Naomi's softer steps. Plates of armor clinked as they swayed in motion.

At last, they reached the family's private living room where Naoyoshi's mother was seated in, mixing green matcha tea in silence. Her face maintained a soft smile showing a warm expression, but never too emotional as to portray her deeper feelings. The samurai mentality of wearing a mask is ever present within noble families. Yet the woman's lips curved ever so slightly more when her eyes met Naomi's. The matriarch of the Ii Clan, Ii Masako. Formerly Date Masako before marriage, as Naomi would have known.

"Naomi-chan, welcome to Maebashi," she said with a slight bow, her hands never once stopping as she kept mixing the matcha powder into the cup. When she saw Naoyoshi, her smile reverted to a playful pout at her son. "Naoyoshi! You greeted your cousin while covered in blood like that! At least wipe it down before coming inside!"

"My apologies, Mother," Naoyoshi answered with a slight bow of his own, though he met her pouting with an annoyed expression of his own. "I would have greeted her properly if you told me we were expecting her."

"I told you it was today, did I not? But you were so focused on marching off to kill that ōmukade that my words must have entered one ear and exited the other." Naoyoshi huffed quietly and walked off to meet some other servants who helped him wipe down his armor with towels while Akamaru and Masako nodded once at each other out of respect before the oni faded into red mist once more. "Come, take a seat, Naomi. Make yourself at home here. How was your trip from Sendai?"

[oichi]

Naomi did her best to grasp at the situation for the Yokai Hunters guild. They at least worked alongside Naoyoshi to help him out so she was glad for that. She also did her best to ignore the smell of blood. Metal she didn't mind as it was just part of the sword and armor. It was a wonder why some yokai can go rogue, why couldn't most be just as gentle as baku-kun? Everyone was different, but everyone can be treated with respect.

After a few doors to walk through, she finally reached Aunt Masako in the private living room. The smell of matcha tea filled the air, leaving a calm aroma for Naomi to savor. She looked as beautiful as ever. "Aunt Masako!" she beamed brightly, giving a deep bow. "I'm happy to be seeing you again, and to seeing my cousins." she said as she sat down across the table. She put Keiji right beside her. It had looked like he was also a guest. "The trip down here was peaceful. I had brought Baku-kun down with me. He's hiding somewhere but he's around." she could feel him around but didn't see him. "Did anything new happen while I was driving down here? I didn't look at what was going on while driving. I hope it was something nice!" asked Naomi.

[Sengoku]

"There has been an increase in violent yōkai activity as of late," replied Masako as she poured boiling water into a pot with grinded matcha powder. "Though it's nothing the Ii Clan cannot handle. If anything, our samurai have been in greater spirits knowing they have something to fight nowadays. You now how the warrior-types are, don't you Naomi? Always itching for an excuse to use their weapons." The woman chuckles as she pours the steaming green liquid into a cup before sliding it gently across the table before Naomi.

"Your uncle Naotake has been leading hunts himself alongside Naoyoshi and Naoko. I do hope you aren't terribly frightened by the recent spike in activity by rogue yōkai. Civilians remain safe within the cities - it's only beyond city limits that we have trouble responding to promptly." Masako pours herself a cup now, using her hand to waft the smell towards her face to take in the aroma. "How are things with you and Masago? I noticed you came all this way alone. Ah, my mistake - you're with Baku-kun, aren't you? He's free to reside here just as you are. I promise that Naoyoshi will not allow Akamaru to harass him." Another chuckle came from the Ii Clan's matriarch before she sipped her teacup at a steady pace.

[oichi]

Baku-kun was outside the door, watching Naomi and Masako have tea together. He was glad that Naomi looked like she was having a good time and made a happy little purr in the doorway. Meanwhile, Naomi was a bit surprised really how much rogue yokai were really out there. Of course, she remembered being under a lot of protection even at home or in traveling when she was at her castle. It was a bit scary that more yokai had decided to go rogue. "I haven't realized there was more there as of late. Though I think why is that Baku-kun had been protecting me in my home and been hanging around me so other mean yokai don't come near me." she said watching her aunt pour some of the tea. "I think the Date clan guards are also helping a bit to take out some of the rogue yokai in the north, though father hadn't been out recently." In fact, since she left the castle, Naomi hadn't seen her father come out. She talked to him over the phone and letters yes, but not in person. She hoped, despite all his flaws, that he's ok.

The aroma was pleasant, matcha was made to help calm the nerves of even the strongest warriors to the most harmless butterfly. It made her think of Masago. She knew he had grown up a bit, he was even getting good at swordplay. It made her proud but also a bit worried. She had also heard that her mother Kaguya was trying to get out soon from the ward, so she hoped her father wouldn't take her back. "Masago is doing great. He actually won a local tournament for dueling a little over a couple of weeks ago. He's really gotten stronger. I invited all the participants to Sparkles to feed everyone. I heard though that mother is trying to get out of her prison. I... really don't know how to feel about that." she said chuckling a bit, then taking a sip of the matcha.

[Sengoku]

"Ah, Sparkles - I've been meaning to visit your shop, Naomi. If only your uncle and cousins would ever take a break long enough for us to travel to Sendai," sighs Masako. "Such are the woes of raising a family samurai, hmm? But I'm glad to hear of Masago as well." At the mention of Naomi's mother, Masako halted to sip her own tea for a moment. As if on cue, Naoyoshi returned, dressed in formal attire this time. A red kimono as a shirt accompanied by a black hakama for pants. "Naoyoshi, keep company for Naomi while I bring some snacks." He bowed without a word as the lady samurai smiled at Naomi, slid a cup of tea for her son, and stepped out of the room, sliding the screen door close for Naomi and Naoyoshi again. Several moments of silence passed as Naoyoshi drank from his matcha cup.

"So is Aunt Kaguya breaking out?" he asked. "I would double security if that was the case." Spoken with the elegance of an ox in a porcelain shop. "If you don't mind me asking, why is she in prison in the first place?"

[oichi]

Naomi was really excited to one day see Aunt Masako and her uncle and all of her cousins go to her restaurant. There were so many foods and sweets that she wanted to show and eat together. She had also hoped to at least get her father and brother to join them in the festivities but she understands that everyone was busy. Even she was busy with everything going on. She did feel a tension after she mentioned her mother to Masako and Naoyoshi arrived at that moment out of his armor.

Now that Naomi was here meeting for the first time in person she didn't really know what to say or ask about. There were so many questions and other things that she could talk about with him. He got to her first after a few more minutes passing, she finished her tea at this point asking about her mother. Kaguya was a bit of a rough topic but at least getting it off of her chest would feel a little bit better. "Well, recently I heard from the guards that she's desperate to get out of there. Almost got out a few times but they managed to catch her. They also said she hasn't looked the same during when they first got her in there..." she looked a little downcast. "When Me and Masago was younger a few years ago, she was alone at home with us because dad Masahiro had to attend a meeting for a few days with some of the governors. Me and Masago were training together in archery at night because she didn't want me to fight at all. It was a common occurrence for her to limit me in anything. Well that night she caught us and she just snapped and harmed me and my brother. To be honest I don't remember how she exactly hurt us but I had some bruises and Masago had a scar on his cheek. My bruises healed but that scar haunted me, and my father too so he put her in jail." she said taking out her bow that she had hidden. She didn't bring any arrows but the bow was well crafted with subtle signs of wear.

[Sengoku]

"If she fears violence so much, then she is not fit to call herself a samurai," Naoyoshi replied. "You and Masago did as any samurai should. You were learning how to fight. That is what we do. To say otherwise is like saying fish should not swim or tigers should not hunt." He refrained from pushing further on the topic of Kaguya. The woman was imprisoned already. No need to keep rubbing salt in the wound - it's hard enough to cope with being harmed by one's own mother. His eyes shifted to Naomi's bow once it was revealed. A yumi, the traditional Japanese longbow, wielded by samurai and ashigaru alike in the days of old. The bow was longer than Naomi was tall.

"Kyūjutsu." Naoyoshi's eyes ran up and down the bow. "Impressive arm strength and coordination. Not easy to handle a yumi." He refilled Naomi's cup, seeing that it was no longer full. "I take it Masago's an archer as well?" His eyes displayed a hint of pride at the bow and at Naomi herself. A pristine weapon meant that it was rarely used. This yumi's condition meant that it was well-maintained but has still fired its fair share of arrows. This yumi belongs to a real samurai.

[oichi]

Naomi didn't feel too ashamed in the fact that her mother particularly didn't like her that much, it was just more acceptance at this point. She always felt that Kaguya probably wanted more control in the Date Clan but could never get it without Masahiro and having more sons in her mind. What she did feel ashamed by was that she felt she didn't do enough to protect Masago. She shook her head, to get those thoughts out of her mind. While she wishes that she can somehow reconcile with Kaguya and keep her family together and be normal for once, she knew that it could not be possible for that to even happen.

She took notice that Naoyoshi had seen her bow and was proud of the fact. Naomi giggled. She had been practicing for around 11 years with the bow. Obviously a few had broke before this one and she didn't look like she could wield a bow at first glace but it was something she found really good to ward off enemies and pray from afar that her enemies lead better paths down in the next life. "Thank you! Masago got me started with it, but he does favor the Katana and the Yari a lot more." she said as she drank from her tea cup. Katana was Masago's main choice when on the ground then the yari was the main on horseback. Naomi remembered she tried to learn the Katana but her brother was much too skilled for her. Besides, shooting while riding on one of the Date's own horses was a skill of her own that Masago can't quite get right yet.

[Sengoku]

A hint of excitement flashed in Naoyoshi's eyes for a moment, though he maintained a stoic demeanor.

"Classic choices, katana and yari. If he has aptitude with swords, he might handle the nodachi well." He needed to only look at an empty space in the room to summon forth Akamaru. The oni emerged from red mist with his arms crossed and an indifferent expression on his face. With a slight nod of Naoyoshi's head, Akamaru heeded his master's order - though not without a huff of defiance - and drew his own blade. As the oni stood a full three feet taller than Naoyoshi, ordinary uchigatanas were too small for him. For oni of his stature, Akamaru drew forth his own blade - a nodachi with a blade length of over seven feet, more than two meters, not counting the handle's length.

"Hefty blade, but if he builds up the physique for it, the nodachi has excellent cutting power and range for a sword." Akamaru tossed his crimson-colored longsword to Naoyoshi, the young man catching it by the handle with one hand, though flinching at the sheer weight of the nodachi. "Reckless oaf," Naoyoshi snarled at Akamaru.

"Figured you'd catch it, Ii-sama," the oni sneered back. Naoyoshi studied the blade for a moment before offering it over to Naomi.

"If you'd like to try it out, I can take you to the training yard."