Italics- Tsukiyomi talking
Bold- Kurando talking to Tsukiyomi (or just his thoughts)
Son's letters
September 1910
Dear Mother,
I'm sorry I haven't written before now, even though it's been over a month since I left. I was angry and hurt, but I finally realised you did what you thought was best for me, and I can see the wisdom in it now.
Master Kawashima is a very respectful man and teacher. Already I've learnt a lot from him. I will continue to study under him until my skills are something you and the village can be proud of.
I hope all is well with you. Is Grandmother okay? I hope Sayori isn't too lonely, I'm sorry I wasn't nicer to her.
I'm sorry how I treated you too. I promise when I return I'll be someone worthy of calling your son.
Love,
Kurando.
July 1911
Dear Mother,
Already a full year has passed since I came to the Capital. I'm not sure you'll recognise me anymore, I've grown so much!
I've become accustomed to city life, but still prefer the rare chances we get to train at Mukyo-An. There's a pond there that reminds me of the fountain, and the lake in my soul (I told you about this in previous letters). Master Kawashima says my skills are exceptional, and in another year or so I'll have mastered my sword skills. I hope this won't be too long to wait. I would prefer to be fully qualified to take over Father's position before returning.
Send my love to Grandmother
Love,
Kurando.
July 1912
Dear Mother,
I'm worried about Master. The conflict between him and his daughter pains him a great deal, yet he's too stubborn to back down. She works under the command of a political rival, and every time she visits they argue over the best future for this country.
I try to stay out of the way; she clearly doesn't like me. She calls me her replacement, and always sneers at me that I'm not to think I'm special. I wish I could help them with their pain, but nothing seems effective.
My skills have greatly improved, but I want to stay a while longer. I know it's selfish, but I don't want to leave Master alone. I hope things will improve with his daughter, and then I can return with a clear conscience.
Love,
Kurando.
July 1913
Dear Mother,
Master is beside himself with guilt and worry. His daughter came to visit, saying she's being dispatched to gain control of China!
I think she was brave telling him this much; Master's rival wouldn't have wanted her to share it. But even so Master couldn't stop her leaving. He is so worried he'll never see her again.
He's had to publically distance himself from her too, no longer acknowledging any family connection. If he doesn't, he could no longer continue his work, which is the only purpose that drives him.
My training has been completed a while now, but how can I leave? I spend my time helping Master in any way he needs me. Please wait a little longer for my return.
Love,
Kurando.
September 1913
Dear Mother,
Something truly terrible has happened. You may have already heard Shanghai was almost completely obliterated. It's said a demon did it. Master is beyond distraught. I try to offer him help and he snaps at me. I've never seen him lose his temper before.
There's no news of his daughter so far. I hope for Master's sake she's okay. I hope she had nothing to do with what happened.
Love,
Kurando.