"Word": Sentient Sacred Gear Speaking

"Word": Sentient Sacred Gear Speaking Internally

"[Word]": Named Move

"Word" Talking

"Word" Thoughts

Chapter 3: From Gunpowder to Blades

Kiritsugu woke up, immediately sitting up thanks to that 'dream' he had. He wipes sweat from his forehead as his body calms down from that massive surprise of a vision, before furrowing his brow. That was extremely out of the left field, though it sort of explains what was attached to his soul once he was sent out here. It still looks to be early enough in the morning for him to keep himself seated and think.

The first thing that needs to be figured out is the mentioning of the Chinese Zodiac. Those usually represent some sort of animal, but the general concept is too vague to tie into it being directly related to that belief system, instead Kiritsugu thinks on a manner of the year he was born. The Chinese Zodiac goes by a 12 year cycle which restarts each Chinese New Year with a new animal, and he happens to have been born in 1844. He tries to mentally walk back from when he was born in his past life to this point he was born at now.

When the realization hit him, it made his eyes widen. He was born in the year of the dragon. So this being in his sacred gear is a dragon of some sort? The former Magus Killer isn't exactly familiar with the presence of dragons and how to differentiate them. The best he could go off of was Saber, then again she only received a distilled amount of dragon blood. But for now, he has to put that on the back burner.

He agreed to join that sword school, and though he wasn't really adept at bladefighting, it would help him bridge the gap just a bit in case he needs to deal with those who use blades. Once he joins the Roshigumi, the ancestor organization of the Shinsengumi, he will get his hands on firearms and become their resident expert on them. He has around 10 more years until that happens though, and he wants to get his hands on proper weaponry before that.

The Americans already forced Japan to open up around a year ago, so they might be trading some firearms. Kiritsugu is going to go ask his father if he could get his hands on one with munitions. The former assassin decided to finally get up now, stretching his arms above his head as his feet exited the futon he was sleeping in. Once done stretching he went with his usual morning routine.

First a couple crunches and push-ups to keep up his fitness. He would rather not get crumpled again by someone like Kirei so he prepares himself physically to keep up with those in close range. He then performs personal hygiene, brushing his teeth and washing his face. After that he finally exits his room, the morning light peeking into the home. Seeing his mother and some house servants in the kitchen area.

"Okaa-san, at what time am I going again?" Kiritsugu asks as confirmation, sitting down by the table for breakfast which already has rice, salted salmon, and miso soup there. "Oh, at around noon. Yourself and Souji-chan are going to share a horse as transportation there."

Explained his mother, who was busy fileting another fish. She then smiled over towards him as he seated himself. "You can already eat Kiritsugu, your father is going to visit you later this week at the school since he's still busy today." At that Kiritsugu nodded before digging into his meal. He should take this morning to train his magecraft more before they leave for the Tennen Rishin-ryū school.

"Is all my stuff already packed Okaa-san?" She simply replied with a smile and nod as he sped up how fast he ate, managing to leave empty plates behind in 5 minutes flat. "I'm gonna go train a little before I got to go to the school I'll be back before me and Okita have to go!" Said the former Magus running off out of the house, and towards the backyard in the back. His features schooled themselves away from the childish glee he usually had around others, to a serious expression as he stepped into the woodlands nearby.

He walked deep into them , finding a clearing he normally practiced in, sighing out to relax his body before stopping right in the middle. Kiritsugu has discovered a great thing about this world, Gaia, as in the force of the natural world, doesn't exist. While there is a Gaia in Olympus, it was different from the conceptual being from where he hails. This in turn completely axes the limits of his magecraft, which suffered from lashbacks thanks to Gaia's intervention. With that no longer being a problem, he was able to enter almost any time alter state without trouble, aside from the mana needed to operate them of course.

First he cast reinforcement on his own body, as he turned to a nearby tree. Exhaling before speaking out "[Time Alter- Accel]" His body felt lighter as he moved forward in a burst of speed, striking the tree lightly with his fist. That created some cracks on the bark, nothing crazy yet, he was just 9 years old after all. Kiritsugu then pulled back the extended limb, and decided to up the ante. "[Time Alter-Double Accel]" the former assassin intoned before throwing another punch. When it struck true, the tree dented from the force, the wood splintering and cracking. His limb felt a little sore from that one.

"[Time Alter-Triple Accel]" The next punch ended up with his fist being buried in the tree, before pulling it out. Luckily no splinters, but his arm felt even more sore. However, he had one last test left of speed. "[Time Alter-Square Accel!]" With that punch the Tree was sent careening, but it also bruised his hand. The former Magus Killer bit back a curse before canceling the spell "Release Alter". He was about to go home to get himself properly nursed, until he heard some squeaking from the tree branches now on the ground.

The Spellcaster approached the area warily, still keeping up reinforcement in case he ran into anything troubling. To his surprise he just found what seemed to be a yellow eyed bat in the branches. What was it doing in a tree in the daytime? Didn't they prefer caves and people's homes to rest in? The bat was seemingly able to register his presence, its head pivoting to him, letting out squeaks that almost sounded indignant? "Sorry for that.. I wasn't expecting for someone to live up there."

While he would normally feel silly for talking to any animal like this, the intelligent reactions, and feel of more mana than usual coming from the small mammal didn't make him feel as mentally deficient as he would've otherwise. In response the bat tilted its head and gave him a look that is best translated as the word 'Really?' This made the boy sigh more, honestly, what should he do? If it was here to harm him it already would've tried, so perhaps it's friendly, and the mana hints at some potential. He just has to make sure of something first.

"Are you anyone's familiar?" When the question got a shake of the head from the winged animal, it made Kiritsugu bite his lip softly in deliberation. Oh how he wishes he had some cigarettes to chew on the bud of. "Come with me. I'll make it up to you by providing home and food." He has used bats as familiars before, especially to monitor the 4th Holy Grail War. This is pretty different however, having a familiar that is intelligent enough to behave in an almost human like manner could be a boon in the future. The said bat seemed to contemplate for a minute, before nodding and flying over. Kiritsugu opened his kimono top, the creature flying in.

It was like carrying a child with one of those baby straps on your chest, but infinitely more manageable. "Can you eat human food as well and not just, you know, insects and smaller animals?" When this got a nod, he was happy to acknowledge that this relationship will be manageable. "If you know calligraphy, maybe you can tell me more things." With a chirp in response Kiritsugu walked back to the house with his first real friend in the moon lit world.

He made it back home, and he has around 2 hours left until he and Souji are supposed to leave. Kiritsugu and the bat are in the room, parchment on a small table, with the bat holding a brush as it paints symbols. Once it was done, he looked at the finished product. "Moriko?" Which spawned a series of excited nods from the bat. "Huh, they seem very chipper at that."

"Alright, so, are you some sort of yokai?" He starts a round of questions, with that one getting a nod. He thinks for a couple moments. "A Nobusuma?" This got another nod. "So, do you have a human form?" This one got a flap of one of its wings that looked like a wave off. He took a moment to interpret that before he responded again. "Does that mean eventually?" Then that got a nod. "Tap your right side for boy, left side for girl." The bat lifted its wing and patted its left side. So Moriko is a girl, alright.

Kiritusugu then tugged the paper aside, replacing it with new parchment, and proceeded to write out the request he thought of earlier for his father. A request for a Colt 1851 Navy Revolver with plenty of .38 rimfire/.38 centerfire ammunition to make the weapon usable. He doubts there wasn't a single American sailor that didn't sell or trade in his gun or ammo for Japanese souvenirs. Once that was done, he just rested a little more, until he had a quarter of an hour left.

He exits his room, Moriko proceeding to hide in his kimono again. He approaches his mother near the entranceway, handing her the parchment. "Could you give my request to Otou-san when he comes back?" He requests. His mother simply responds by taking it and then ruffling his hair. "Of course Kiritsugu! Now then. This isn't a final goodbye at all or anything but, I can say I'm proud of you son."

This caught his attention as he looked up into her affectionate gaze, the woman pouring more love into it all by pulling him into a hug. Moriko underneath his clothes made sure to adjust so she won't get squished. "You have no idea the amount of bragging your father and I dump on everyone we know about you. You're the hope of this family, Kiritsugu." He didn't know how to exactly feel about that, a small amount of pride dripped into his heart, but it wasn't as impactful knowing that he literally reincarnated with all his prior knowledge and experience. But he still took it in stride.

He couldn't remember a single time that Norikata had professed his pride for him. And while Natalia would congratulate him on work well done, she never really professed something like he was experiencing now. So he takes it in stride, and relaxes into the hug. "Thank you, Okaa-san." The embrace then separated. She now had a smug smile. "Now go, Souji-chan is probably waiting for you with a lot of anticipation in her gut!"

With a simple nod Kiritsugu grabbed his backpack, and another bag before heading outside. The horse was already there and waiting for Kiritsugu. The boy with practiced ease from experience from this life and his past mounted the steed. "Alright, Okaa-san, I'm heading out, I'll make sure to visit!" He reassures her with a genuine smile. He feels like he has already sort of grown up, with him going to that school and all these congratulations. "Good, I hope to see you back soon Kiritsugu." Was the last comment his mother made before he had the horse trot off to the Okita residence.

"Kiriiii! Tell the horse to slow down!" The former Magus Killer glances back at Souji who was clinging onto him for dear life and lets out a small laugh at her reaction "No, I don't think I will." And in reaction he made the horse go even faster than it was before, making the girl shriek in reaction. Feeling he teased her enough, he pulls on the reins, having the horse slow down a bit. "Sorry, your reaction was a little funny Souji"

He tells her unabashedly, with the sword Prodigy pouting at him "No fair! You need to not do that! Teasing me is a crime!"

"Is it now? What's the punishment? Aside from beating me in sword fights." She was about to say something, but then grumbles afterwards. He laughs good naturedly, his hand reaching back and patting her head reassuringly.

"Don't worry, I may tease you, but I won't ever let you get hurt if I can help it." Souji perks up at those words. Her smile reappearing and replacing the pouting expression from before. "Promise?" Was the simple response she had, and he simply replied with "Yes, I promise."

That seems to set her at ease, the girl putting her face into the boy's back as he exhales. Moriko seemed to have fun with the conversation, chirping in pseudo laughter. They're about 3/4ths of the way there, but he can take it slow so he has time to think. The revelation of Moriko should've been more shocking but he had plenty of self control. Yokai exist in this world, well he sort of expected something like that when it came to the supernatural, but to see one with his own eyes was both surreal, and also sort of underwhelming.

At least until Moriko confirmed she will eventually gain a human form. While Phantasmal Beasts were rare by his era, they still were around if rare, but not often did they take human shape. He will have to have a more in depth conversation with her once she can actually talk, though he doesn't exactly know when that will be. Likely far sooner than her looking like a person, or maybe it'll be at the same time due to vocal cords and all.

As he contemplated, they finally arrived. A man and a boy were already waiting outside the compound. The man was tall with black silky hair and dark eyes, a stern look on his features. The boy who looked 10 years their senior meanwhile had the same hair, but in a more uncontrolled state, his gaze observing the two new arrivals closely.

"Emiya-san and Okita-san, correct?" Asked the teacher, which got a response of "Yes sensei" from both of them. It was obvious he was one of the instructors here, so might as well address him properly. They both dismounted the horse, grabbing their stuff as well. "Katsugorō-kun, lead the two to their new lodgings, and prepare to test them." Said the teacher as he led the horse away and to one of the stables they kept here.

The boy nodded at the instruction before smiling at the pair. "Alright you two, let's get you settled in here. I'll be your senpai for a while, at least until I can start teaching as well!" The young man stated, with the two younger kids nodding and following along. Once they entered the complex, they went to the quarters section. "Here we have the kitchen, then the dojo is over there.. We also have several sparring rings as well."

Katsugorō gives a bit of a miniature tour as he guides the two new kids around. Souji stared at everything in wonder, while Kiritsugu mainly kept to his stoic analytical edge when looking at the area. "Alright, here are your rooms, Gis have already been laid out in there for you, come to the dojo I pointed out first, we are going to have a quick test of your strengths."

Kiritsugu and Souji both acknowledged that with a nod, before heading into their respective rooms and closing the doors. When Kiritsugu took off the top layer of his simple Kimono, Moriko fluttered out again, climbing this time into his futon. Meanwhile he changed into the provided gi, stepping out of the room afterwards. "I'll be back soon."

He told the bat before sliding the door shut.

Standing on the other side of the dojo was Katsugorō with a Bokken. Okita still wasn't here so he decided to have me test early. "Alright Emiya-kun, what would you say is one of your strengths?" The boy ponders for a moment before answering "Guns, but since they don't apply here, my hands." The future leader of the Shinsengumi hummed in response before raising up his bokken.

"You need to learn how to fend off an armed opponent, as not all of your foes will be admirable." Now that made Kiritsugu chuckle a little in response. "I don't expect anyone to be, so mentally, I'll be ready, senpai." The older of the two gave an approving smirk at Kiritsugu's answer, before schooling his features and rushing forward.

The former magus killer had to calculate when his senior arrives, when he will strike, and where. He was able to manage it due to his combat experience. Once the bokken was thrust forward towards the chest, Kiritsugu sidestepped, grabbed, and yanked the wooden weapon all at the same time. This caught Katsugorō off guard briefly enough for Kiritsugu to deliver gut punch with his free limb that made the boy go airborne for a second.

"EuGH—"

His senpai hunches over from the pain but recovers from the strike. The former assassin smiles wryly and proceeds to talk, breaking the silence. "To be fair senpai, you did underestimate me due to my age." At that the older boy relented on that point and nodded, exhaling before getting up. "I'll make sure not to hold back on you next time Emiya-kun." Was the retort he got from the more experienced boy who flashes him a grin. "Good, I came here to get kicked around and learn, not the opposite-"

Okita finally rushes into the Dojo, Bokken in hand and ready yet panting and out of breath from being late. Emiya turned around for a second and chuckled into his arm. Not wanting to draw her ire with his laughing, he let it all out before turning again to see her get into a ready position. She still had that characteristic smile on her face she usually dons. Their senpai quirks his brow before smirking himself and also falling into a stance. "Alright Okita-chan, your turn, I'll make sure not to hold back like I did with Emiya. It would be insulting to everyone here to do so." At that sentence, Souji's expression became blank, as if to return the favor of seriousness by burying her own emotions as well.

They stared each other down for a couple more seconds until they both moved. The clang of wood resounded once a couple seconds at first, the two clashing at a steady pace. This was just about what Kiritsugu expected two sword geniuses to be at. However, it drastically increased in speed, the hits increased to once per second, to once every half second, to the point it was a constant ringing of wood slamming into wood.

Souji's face was cold and distant, her eyes empty of any motivation other than victory in this battle, and even with his own demons, Kiritsugu was a bit unnerved. So that is why they called Okita Souji a manslayer, the lack of hesitation in those hits, the glare that could freeze over all hells, she is a monster wearing the skin of a human. He could say the same himself, but he was forged by negative experiences.

For Souji who was currently battering away at their senpai it seemed to be more innate, a part of her nature, like she was born with it. To think someone so silly and so cheery could flip on a dime to a ruthless machine.. Even Kiritsugu had to go through a massive effort of desensitization when he was prepared to fight. Katsugorō-senpai looked like he was struggling hard, but kept up through his own strength and perseverance. Honestly, if he would've underestimated Okita like he did underestimate Emiya, the battle would've been over instantly as well.

Yet, here they are still going, Okita was swinging in a more forceful manner with every strike of hers that was blocked, pushing forth aggressively into Katsugorō's guard until finally, her bokken slammed into his wrist, causing him to drop his training weapon, before she taps the tip of the blade against his throat. There was a moment of stillness before Souji's normal emotions returned, a wide smile cracking out over her face.

"Did I do good?" It made both males pause for a moment, before both gave a thumbs up, rather unnerved. That now caused her to beam.

"Okita-san Daishori!~"

Boom Chapter done! I made sure to make it longer this time, its around 3.5k words for this time. Might increase it again for the next chapter if I can. More things have been revealed, there is a clue from the last chapter to exactly what the sacred gear is in Kiri, for those who really want to figure it out.

Also, I really need to thank y'all for all the reviews because holy crap, I really did not expect this to garner this much positive attention. Also to let y'all know, I do have the overarching story arcs already figured out, each of them even has a summary. The only one I didn't do yet is one for when they finally reach DxD canon time, then again we would have to go through the 8 arcs I have planned before reaching it so I'm in no rush to storyboard it.

Also I put in Moriko so he starts off with a little bit of a connection to the other side of the world, she will aid him later in fully plunging in. If you know who she is based off of, you are a G.

Anyway, Onto the reviews.

USSRParrot- Hehehehe, Yeah, sorry.

SapphireDraconix- His Origin is the only thing that really changed from when he crossed over to the new world. Kind of how Shirou's origin and element were possibly influenced by Avalon, the Sacred Gear affected his.

Kamenmaximus- I cannot confirm or deny any future happenings I do not want to spoil.

DALucifer13- No.

Kaleidoscope's Beauty- He will be trying his best to turn a new leaf, as its seen from his prayer to keep Okita safe from last chapter, he used to be one who didn't particularly care for others aside from his family.

Yorozuya Forever- Kiritsugu will still go for practical applications of Time control, even if it means using larger versions of time manipulation. Also no, Okita alter will not appear in this story, apologies. Just normal Daishori.

Pride of the Quincy- Absolutely, and with the one I gave him, he's gonna figure out some shit he can do with it that is just downright broken, simply because he has a mindset of efficiency over flashiness.

Ultima-owner- It sure does, and this chapter narrows it down even more.

Journey to the End- sadly have yet to watch Gintama mainly due to my swamped time. But yes yes, the Shinsengumi will play a larger role, and in fact, they will play more of a role in the supernatural world, at least while they're around.

Hatred and Love- I gave a bit of a glimpse of that in this chapter to how Okita can switch between cheery one moment, and then cold the next. Also yes, Kiri will learn sword skills, but he will stick mainly to firearms once he is able to get his hands on them again.

Sinner and Redeemer- I agree with you completely on how shitty Kiba seems to fight, like holy damn bro, when they said Okita Souji trained him, I really did not believe it because this dude was getting folded by Xenovia like he was fresh laundry. Also, Okita doesn't seem to have any like, traumatic event that triggers it, and she only really took part in a couple larger operations, so I made her manslayer persona something more innate, instead of something caused by outside factors.

Kensei-1085- His presence will most majorly impact the supernatural world, but he will also leave his mark on japan by making the Shinsengumi more prominent.

Stand Up Be Strong- Yep, Hijikata will show up later, But Kondo is already here, just under his old name.

Alexander Lawliet- The Story of DxD will be revealed, eventually. Some elements of it will already prop up as pseudo foreshadowing.

Nearsighted- I will not be revealing my cards early.

Seeking the Miraculous Dream- The entity is definitely surprised to be with Kiritsugu seeing that he knows everything Kiri went through. Also Noble Phantasms aren't just weapons, honestly the terminology between them and sacred gears could be pretty close. So I thought it was an apt comparison when I wrote it.

Victorius 435- Shirou is not here.

Spartan Ash- Fate/Zero was my favorite on my end, and there are already so many Shirou fics that I decided on something new. Also absolutely, Okita-san Daishori!

Dxhologram- Yes, he will be a part of the shinsengumi, and he will definitely leave his mark.

AMAZING EZ-8- … Bro I don't even know what you read to come to that conclusion.

PSYCONIG- Kiritsugu isn't a badass because he is overly reliant on modern firearms, Kiritsugu is a badass because he exploits the weaknesses of his opponents, makes do with what he has, and plays things tactically. Guns still exist, explosives still exist, I didn't send the bro to 1492 man, calm down.

Guest-Questioner- Man you for real came to a DxD story that takes place 150 years before canon and start saying stuff about Issei replacement. Issei's grandpa isn't even a sperm yet man, like christ. This isn't his story obviously, he won't even be born until like 99% of the story is done. Same for Rias, Rias is at most an egg right now my guy.

Gen2324- Everyone deserves a good childhood, Kiri doubly so.

Dreamer- Ye, it will, though he won't measure up to his new friends he will be good with swords.

Guest- Bro I don't even know what goes through the mind of the average fanfiction reader. Like did they not read?

I'll see you all next time!