25 Days of Macadamia Nuts

by zanganito

The school of Tendo Mushin Macadamia has one rule, "keep smiling." And with the approach of the holidays, Otae and Shinpachi will discover what happens as certain memories slowly melt away, like the chocolate covering on a chocolate-covered macadamia nut. *Spoilers for season 6*

2. Isao Kondo

2: Isao Kondo

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He comes here for Otae. To hear her laugh and see her smile. To know at least, that she is happy. Kyuubei comes with him most days, and he can see from the way she watches Otae, that she comes here for the same reasons Kondo does.

But this place brings back memories. Memories of training the Shinsengumi, and before he realizes it, he is teaching Hasegawa a new technique, and laughing with the rest of the students.

Kondo wins a macadamia nut most days, and so does Kyuubei. She eats hers slowly, savoring the taste.

Kondo scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. "Kyuubei-san, I don't really like macadamia nuts all that much, and I feel weird eating these ones, since they were bought with life-insurance money, so you can have mine if you want."

His hand brushes hers for a moment as he passes her the macadamia nut.

Kyuubei blushes.

"UUUUWAAAAAHHH!"

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"Gin-san, Gin-san, there's a gorilla stuck in the roof."

"Again? What a pain. I guess we'll have to get him down."