戻れしました ! (I'm back!)

For a new Touken Ranbu fanfic! Yes, again… My god, how can I get rid of this stuff… this is crazy!

Anyway, I'm here to present to you the way this fiction is broached.

So, please, read the explications below! (Just like the other time. Yes, right below. Nice, very nice !)

Note: This is a Hanamaru Fanfic. My project is to rewrite all the episode of all the Touken Ranbu animes, but from the point of view of the Saniwa. Considering this idea with the way Hanamaru deals with the Saniwa, and you'll see that it's pretty difficult, so please excuse this first episode which is a little dubious…

We're here at the very first anime: Touken Ranbu Hanamaru. Will follow, Zoku Touken Ranbu Hanamaru, and then Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu. This fanfic deals only with the first season of Hanamaru. Each anime will have its own fanfic.

My idea is since I can perfectly imagine the two universes into one, to mix Katsugeki and Hanamaru together. So you'll see some references for both the animes in those fictions. But they still respect the storyboard of the original episode.

But since it's from Saniwa's point of view, multiples dialogues with him are added.

What else? Oh, yes. My Saniwa is based on the one of Katsugeki and his character match with the one of my first Touken Ranbu Fanfic: The Past of the Cherry Blossom Tree. But, really, it doesn't matter if you don't have read it, so don't worry.

(But go read it if you're interested, I hear it's a nice fiction! :D)

Alright, I think that's all.

All Japanese words used there will be fully explained at the end of the chapter. The seven Kitsune that you can see on Katsugeki will make an appearance, they are named by your humble servant over here.

Legend: Italics - Thoughts

Middle Text - Dreams/Visions

"Italics" - Flashbacks

Disclaimers: Touken Ranbu belongs to Nitro+. Hanamaru is the property of DMM.

Good Reading! (Thanks for the people who waited for this one and are here already to read it !)

Chapter One: January - Mutsuki (睦月): Don't Get Carried Away.

The year is 2205 A.D.

To annihilate the History Retrograde Army who schemes to alter history

Them, who were born from swords,

Engage in mortal combat as well!

Don't worry; I'm sure they've listened to you, Kiyomitsu…

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"Aaaaah! "

"What… "

He turned back at this cry, letting his look get lost to the door of his office.

"Yamatonokami? "

No doubt, it was his voice. Sighing, the Sage slowly began to rise before stopping in the middle of his gesture, concerned. His Toudan would never learn to set his past aside if he found nothing better than to comfort him whenever something went wrong. And then, the Uchigatana had joined them only since the eve, it was normal that he had nightmares during his first days at the citadel. So, slightly bored, the Saniwa returned to his paperwork, the Retrograde Army, it, wasn't waiting...

"Wh-Why you! "

"What..."

He opened his eyes wide again.

"The morning had yet begun well..." he said to himself, only half-surprised that everything began to degenerate. He had not inherited the quieter Touken Danshi...

As he was about to ask Konnosuke what was going on, he was interrupted in his step by new shouts resounding in the outer courtyard.

"Hold it! "

"Kiyomi..." he began to say as he got up to get closer to the window to his left, the latter opening to the panic cry from the kitchens of Imanotsurugi's childish voice.

"Waaaaa! "

He split his mouth in a smile, in understanding the reason for all the commotion, his Toudan clashing in a snowball fight. However, the rejoicing didn't last, and he blew heavily as he heard a deafening gunshot resounded through the walls of the estate.

"Mutsunokami..." he whispered with ennui as if accustomed to such a thing.

"You brats! I won't stop at just killing you! "

The rice paper window snapped shut. And as the Saniwa sat down again at his desk, the gathering bell sounding frantically, he couldn't help a chuckle to cross his lips. Now that Hasebe was angry, he didn't have to go out to lecture them...

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It was a particularly hot first day of January for the season. The sun shone high in the sky, but certainly not strong enough to melt the icy snow that had settled in the estate. He shivered slightly in his too thin white and black hakama and ran a hand over his tired face. Since this morning at dawn that he was awake, reports were accumulating, forcing him to work tirelessly. Almost no longer feeling his fingers by dint of holding his brush pen, the Saniwa put the tool back in his inkpot and stood up, taking a few steps into the room to stretch his legs.

This morning's incident came back to his mind, and he leaned against one of the sofas facing his desk, perplexed. Of the two Uchigatana belonging to the former member of the Shinsengumi, Yamatonokami Yasusada was the most attached to his original master. And if during his arrival in the citadel, the transition had been hard for Kiyomitsu too, the latter had, very quickly, put behind him his past; the circumstances of his early end having largely contributed to such ease.

The Sage sighed again. Each of his Toudan cherished their former masters with passion, but he knew that some of them were still haunted by an event of their previous lives. Fortunately, he knew exactly how to fix such a problem. However, Yamatonokami's case preoccupied him more than the others.

"I hope it will be fine..."

"Saniwa-sama? "

"Ah! Konnosuke! "

The boy turned at that voice, a smile gliding over his face instinctively. The last thing he needed was for the others to worry about him. The little fox planted in front of the office door tilted his head to the side, suspicious. He joined the Sage, jumping in his outstretched arms before settling between his shoulders, and sharing a long look with him, asked:

"Everything is fine? "

"Yes. I was just thinking. Does everyone do their job properly, outside? " replied the cherry-haired boy in nodding, accentuating his smile a little more.

"Hmm-hmm. But... " hesitated the kitsune, bothered.

"But? " repeated the Sage, intrigued.

"They all ask themselves questions. About... about changing the past. " declared the animal, dropping his ears sadly.

"I see. " said the Saniwa, closing his eyes for a second. He frowned however when, opening them again, he saw the look of the creature. "Come on, don't look so glum! Everything will be fine at the next excursion, they'll not do any silly things. I have all confidence in them. "

"You're right. "

Finally reassured, the kitsune jumped on the couch behind him, settling comfortably, and managing to get a laugh out of the Saniwa in the same time, who bypassed the object with his arm to come and pass a loving hand on the fox's red fur.

"I'm really not worried at... all..." he whispered out in a small voice, the features of his face clearly suggesting that he thought the opposite.

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He walked for a moment in the corridors of the citadel, discreetly observing the sword-warriors attending to their various tasks, not without complaining about the usual speech of the devoted Uchigatana. There was something fascinating about watching them move that way, they who used to be just pieces of metal that were only meant to slice. To see them think and ponder as if it were the most natural thing. And, moreover, they adapted rather quickly to their new status of being made of flesh and bones. Forgetting, nonetheless, from time to time, that now every wound was synonymous with pain, every bloodshed synonymous with death, and every lost life was synonymous with sorrow.

The arrival near the stables of Kiyomitsu made him wonder if, sometimes, there wasn't other who, like him, avoided talking about their sufferings so as not to worry the others. Shaking his head, he turned himself in the opposite direction, returning slowly to his office. And just as he had crossed the front door, an alarm sounded in the room as a map illuminated with a red point appeared on the back wall.

"Saniwa-sama! " exclaimed Konnosuke by getting up hurriedly, jumping off the couch to join the work table.

The Sage did the same, and observing the second map that opened on it, murmured in a worried voice:

"The Ikedaya Inn... They're really not afraid of anything... "

"We're not ready! " declared the furball, looking with panic at the golden-eyed boy.

"We do not have the choice. I'm going to find a team formation that will keep pace enough to, at least, slow them down. "

"Aruji-sama! " responded the little fox, incomprehension being read on his face.

"Perhaps you prefer to let them rectify the history?! " sermonized the Sage with annoyance. Then, sighing, he added more calmly: "I do not expect a victory, Konnosuke. Go warn Hasebe. "

He left the room without delay, having just enough time to see Imanotsurugi running towards the courtyard. Not caring, he walked quickly to his room, taking the stairs two at a time. Once inside, he rummaged through his belongings, desperately searching for something he, obviously, couldn't find.

The Saniwa uttered a little cry of joy, finally taking out an old book from a box, and quickly flipping through the pages, paused on one of them, placing the book on his chabudai before studying it.

"June 5, 1864, Kyoto, in the evening. A Shinsengumi troupe led by Captain Kondo Isami arrives in the Ikedaya ryokan to arrest members who oppose the Bakufu regime, Ishin Shishi. The surprise attack prepared by the latter to put Kyoto in fire is foiled in time by the force of the Shinsengumi which owes its intervention only thanks to the arrest, by the Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizou, of one of the Ishin Shishi. "

The Sage blew out and, grabbing a blank sheet of paper, dipped his brush pen into the ink, writing while mumbling:

"With such a powerful force, I have no choice but to play equivalence. Two Uchigatana and two Wakizashi, and one Ootachi and one Tantou should be enough to stop them from acting for a moment, at least. "

He dipped his brush pen again in the black water before stopping unexpectedly, thinking. What if... what if he took advantage of the situation? The Sage nibbled his bottom lip as he looked at the piece of paper. He was taking a risk by choosing to bet on a member without any experience, but if it could help them, he should not hesitate a single second. Picking up the utensil in his hand, he wrote while telling aloud:

"Captain, Yamatonokami Yasusada. Second, Kashuu Kiyomitsu. He tilted his head for a moment, before continuing: "For his reactivity, Nikkari Aoe, and the brute force, Ishikirimaru. Namazuo Toushirou lacks a bit of experience, but he has an unwavering determination. As for Imanotsurugi, he needs to evolve in more dangerous spheres, it will serve him as an exercise. "

"Aruji-sama? You called me? " a voice suddenly launched from the other side of the sliding doors.

The Saniwa had just enough time to put his symbol on the paper folded in three, before turning to them as they opened slowly.

"Ah, you've messed up the room again. " sighed the Uchigatana without being really surprised.

"Sorry, I was looking for something. " replied the boy with a contrite smile.

"Right... " said the Toudan, advancing into the room to start tidying up. However, he was stopped in his task when the Sage came to stand in front of him, closing his eyes while explaining:

"I received a message from the Government of Time. "

"What?! An emergency message from the Government?! " exclaimed Hasebe fervently, immediately understanding what it means.

"Yes, it seems that the Retrograding Force will attack Ikedaya shortly. " the Saniwa pointed out, anchoring his eyes into the other man's.

"So, the Retrograde Army is going to the Ikedaya Inn?! According to what Konnosuke told me, a formidable enemy is gathering. "

"Yes. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to prepare you for such a situation, but it is an emergency, so... " flatly apologized the boy, bowing his head, bothered.

"Obviously, there's no choice for an emergency... We must cut down any enemy if you order us to. " declared the Touken Danshi, understanding.

"Do not do too much still. " smiled the Saniwa as he looked up before spreading the message in front of him with a small blue bag.

"The names of the six swords who will be dispatched are written in here, right? " questioned Hasebe, grabbing the sheet of paper.

"It wasn't easy to form it. "

"We should choose the strongest line-up since we'll be going to the Ikedaya Inn. "

"Indeed. "

The Uchigatana began wriggling nervously on the spot, seeming to be about to say something:

"My name is written inside here, righ-"

But he suddenly saw himself being interrupted by the Saniwa who pushed him towards the exit, reeling off:

"We must hurry, Hasebe! "

"Ah, no, never mind. " he murmured softly as he walked back to the doors. Then, turning while lowering himself, declared: "Please excuse me. Please summon me again any time. I am my master's attendant. I will rush to your side from anywhere. "

The shōji closed, and the Sage blew, heading to the half-open window at the back of the room to watch his swords respond to the gathering sound.

Let's hope nothing serious happens to them... he prayed mentally.

Xxxxxxxxxx

A silence of lead reigned in the citadel. Whenever a group went on an expedition or on an excursion, every time the Retrogrades attacked, the same heavy silence fell on the estate. The Saniwa raised an eyebrow. He didn't like that. He didn't like this feeling of bad omen, as if death was waiting to catch his Toudan out. Stopping in the middle of the engawa, he observed the naked cherry tree that was lying in the distance and closed his eyes as he resumed his route. This vision reassured him little about the situation to come, giving him the impression that even the gods had abandoned the place, leaving it to perish over time.

He walked past the room of Okita Souji's former swords and, curiously, looked at the door of the latter with interest. He didn't want to influence any of the Uchigatana as to how to act during this mission, but he couldn't help but wonder about Yamatonokami. In spite of himself, he heard the echoes of their conversation.

"The Ikedaya Inn, huh? Let's give it our all. "

The Saniwa smiled on hearing these words, happy to know that going back to that precise era didn't seem to disturb Kiyomitsu more than that. However, the rest of his speech made him frown.

"Hey. About today... what would you say to taking out those anti-shogunate bastards, too? " he announced, his voice monotonous.

"Huh? " argued Yamatonokami without understanding.

"If the Shinsengumi went to the Ikedaya Inn and the anti-shogunate faction wasn't there, he wouldn't have ended up like that. " added Kiyomitsu to his companion in arms of ever.

"I was honestly thinking about that as well, actually. It would've been better if Okita-kun hadn't fought at the Ikedaya Inn. " reacted the Uchigatana dressed in blue, instinctively unveiling his hidden intentions.

The Sage blew, certain that this kind of thing would happen. "They're not ready. " Konnosuke told him again as he had joined him in his room after Hasebe's departure, but he didn't want to listen to him.

"Idiot. " the red-fingered sword objected, making Saniwa react, who re-focused his attention on his two Toudan.

"Eh? "

"I was just leading you on. We have to protect history. Master's orders, right? "

The Saniwa smiles sadly at these words. The question of his position and his gifts disturbing his mind again. To tear the Touken Danshi out of their times, to make them accept a new master and to execute orders contrary to what they fought during all their lives as simple swords... Was it really fair? Did he have the right to interfere with their destiny? And is, the only recognition of giving them a human form, was enough for them to obey him without opposition?

The questions mixed in his mind until they gave him a headache. Leaning gently on the doorframe, he shook his head energetically and walked slowly toward his office. Now, all he was hoping for was that they all make it back unscathed...

Xxxxxxxxxx

The battle was over, and as he had expected, his Toudan hadn't won the victory. And it doesn't matter if that means that the Retrogrades could come back at any time, the history, it, haven't been affected and it was the most important. The repair room was full, and even behind the outside door of the room, he could hear Kiyomitsu complaining from the antechamber. He smiled and entered unceremoniously, interrupting the kitsune as they examined Namazuo Toushirou and Imanotsurugi one last time. The two named quickly raised their heads on seeing him, a broad smile stretching their lips.

"Aruji-sama! "

"Everything is fine? " he asked, turning to the little foxes busy reading the data.

"Yes. There wasn't too much damage, fortunately. " assured one of them by cutting off the system, releasing the Wakizashi and the Tantou.

"Aruji-sama, the omamori... " unveiled Imanotsurugi by standing in front of the boy, taking out the little bag of his garment, the latter disappearing into fine particles in his hand. "Yamatonokami-san gave it to me ..."

"Which explains your minor injuries... I'm glad he took that decision. And I'm glad to know that none of you is seriously injured. You did a good job. " related the Saniwa affectionately stroking the hair of the Tantou who immediately cracked a smile at this contact.

"Even if the Retrograde Army escaped? " questioned Namazuo, eyes lowered to the ground.

"Has the history been changed in any way? "

"No! " uttered the two swords with one voice, their mouths pursed with anxiety.

"So, for me, it was great work..." whispered the Sage, a sweet smile on his lips.

"Next! "

Reassured, the two Touken Danshi left the room, not forgetting to greet him in passing. Ishikirimaru quickly entered and, past the surprise of finding his master in the room, settled in the control system.

"What an idea too, an Ootachi is not made to fight inside! " delivered a kitsune with glasses, tapping on the screen with confidence.

"You think maybe that I don't know, Eisuke? " claimed the boy, his golden eyes examining the screen in his turn, frowning. "For a force as powerful, I really had no choice. I had to make a difference. "

"For what it served..." replied the kitsune, pointing his muzzle at the sword covert with scratches.

"Aaah..." whispered Ishikirimaru, embarrassed.

"Don't listen to him. He's a killjoy... " revealed the Saniwa with a laugh, looking at the animal who immediately scowled at the remark.

"Well, I guess he's not totally wrong... " replied the Ootachi with a contrite smile.

"It's over. One or two dressings here and there, and rest. " ordered the second kitsune in a calm voice before calling in turn:

"Yamatonokami-san! Kashuu-san! "

"No! Hold on! " exclaimed the Sage, stretching out a hand to the creature. -"Just Kiyomitsu, for now. "

"Hmm? Alright... "

"Aaah, it's not too early! My nails are completely ruined, I remind you, and it's not you who will help me redo them! "

When the shōji opened on the Uchigatana with the red hakama, Eisuke came down from his stand and suddenly closed the door behind him, attracting the surprised look of the Touken Danshi still present in the antechamber.

"Aruji? " wondered Kiyomitsu as he stepped forward, slightly worried. "A problem? "

"You took a risk today. "

"Eh...? No more than that… "

"I wasn't speaking about the Retrogrades, but about Yamatonokami. " related the boy, frowning. "Don't you think you've gone too far by making him believe you wanted to change the history to save Okita Souji?"

"You knew? " murmured the Uchigatana, looking away. "I was just trying to trigger a reaction from him. Knowing what he had in mind, even if I already had a little idea. "

"Don't you think that your speech itself gave him ideas? " decreed the Saniwa, sighing, leaning against a wall.

"I… "

"This is not a reproach I make to you, Kiyomitsu. You just have to keep in mind that your feelings about him are very different from each other. " retorted the boy softly.

"If he continues like this... constantly thinking about him. He will not even be paying attention to master... " revealed Kiyomitsu as he looked desperately at the Saniwa.

The latter offered a slight smile to the Uchigatana, and getting closer, ran a hand through his hair, saying:

"It doesn't matter if he does not care about me as much as you do. It doesn't matter if he does not consider me as much as your former master... That's not what I'm looking for... "

Letting Kashuu meditate on his words, he shook his head in the direction of the kitsune still present to tell them to get back to the treatment and left the repair room without any more word.

A few minutes later, he could hear again the cries of his Toudan battling in the snow as he was watching them from the window of his office. With a little luck, this year would be filled with these shouts of joy...

Endnote:

Chabudai : is a short-legged table used in traditional Japanese homes. (See picture Wiki).

Ryokan : is a type of traditional Japanese inn that has existed since the eighth century A.D.

Bakufu : (幕府, literally. "shogunal government") or shogunate (of shogun) is a military government that was conducted in Japan from the late twelfth century to the Meiji era revolution (1868). There were three Bakufu: Kamakura (with Minamoto no Yoritomo), Muromachi (Ashikaga Takauji) and Edo (Tokugawa Ieyasu).

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To be continued...

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And here, the first chapter, what do you think? The next ones, after the third, will be a bit late, sorry about that, I must correct and publish the chapters of my novel before diving into the episodes of Hanamaru. I must also note all the dialogues that I would use in my fiction, which take time. So, thank you for your patience!