DFS Chapter 13.
Her fingers trace the words carved into the desk. Hundreds of names, and taunts and threats.
In front of Tsuru, Hoshigaki Asao tries to wedge in her name besides a relatives. For her, and many others it may be the only thing they are remembered for.
That is the world in which they live.
0o0o0
The festivals have grown, just as the amount of stalls and games.
Some of the children about to graduate the academy run past them with their friends.
Tsuru grins up at Raiga, pulling him towards the dancing area. Her family laughing behind them, enjoying the charged atmosphere. Biwa-san not bothering to hide his amusement at how uncomfortable his apprentice Ukataka is. The boys's arms tucked in Isano's, and her other other holding it in place.
She passes the barbecue stand. Kisame waving at them, his younger sister Akane at his side. Her sticky looking hands accepting more skewered meat.
It is a wonderful night, and Tsuru feels drunk.
The lights and fog, giving the streets a dream like feeling.
The silver and black and white making everyone look beautiful.
A high to remind the survivors of the coming exams, that life is worth living.
That this village is not completely awful.
0o0o0
Tsuru is surprised at how many people cut in to dance with her, and by the time she sees Kaguya Kotatsu approach she's breathless. Her mouth hurts from grinning.
Still, she takes his hand when it is offered.
"Are you having a good night?" he asks, politely. Far to politely.
Tsuru catches a glimpse of who see thinks might be his parents slip by.
"I love nights like these," she tells him. "The dancing, the music."
"Our clan was surprised to see how welcoming the people have been."
"Big brother wants everyone to have a good time," Tsuru reveals, moving with him. Their fingers entwined.
She does not mention the warning issued to the heads of multiple clans, and other parties.
Another reality of the world they lived in.