Intro: hhmm… when will this coronavirus end…
Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.
Chapter 39: Normal days
~Time Skip -Thursday- Smithing Room~
Kon spent the days teaching Aichi more about his ability, explaining more, and helping him enhance them better. Though it is up to Aichi whether he will be able to put it to use since it will still be depending on him.
Kon instructed Aichi not to do any work on Monday because he was going to check his condition, he said that he would be monitoring Aichi's condition for the whole week, although he was deemed cleared the next day Aichi was instructed to continue his regular training for the whole Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, Aichi with Sayo, Mutsunokami, Hasebe, Shokudaikiri, Mikazuki, and Kiyomitsu as captain headed to a sortie and expedition.
It is worth noting that Kiyomitsu is the attendant even up till now, the part that is worth it is the fact that he was trying not to make a scene when he found out that he is in the party with Mikazuki. The reason why he did not make a scene and was able to endure the whole sortie and expedition was because he was happy that Aichi gave him the attendant seal, meaning he was the captain, which was able to calm him down. And Aichi knew that it was one of the solution so that Kiyomitsu would calm down, remembering the time in his room.
The next area they went to in the front lines is Edo which is a new area and this time Konnosuke did his job and came with Aichi, but in the expedition, they went to the Social Reform Riot instead for the expedition still with Konnosuke.
On the other hand the guardians continue their practice add to it that Mina got permission from their parents and guardian to let them stay at the citadel for how long they want, depends on them when they want to go back and how long they stay, no one knows how but she was able to get permission although they were curious, they decided to let it be.
At one point she even suggested if they want to start living in the citadel that they are welcome, to which they don't have the answer yet.
While the toudans do their normal duties in the citadel they patiently wait for the result of Aichi's condition.
Though this time he is instructed by Kon to still continue on his everyday training but first he has to create a new sword, an Ootachi.
Which is why he is here in the smithing room, trying to learn how to make an Ootachi, this is his first time making one so he makes careful measurements on the sword.
When he makes the final touches, he noticed a problem "This is big making it heavy…" Noticing that it will be impossible for him to carry this, he worries if he would be needing help. In the end he thought of asking help from the toudans outside as he opens the door.
"Uwah!" He was surprised at the smiling Mikazuki in front of the door "M-Mikazuki."
"I was in the area, and felt your distress." Mikazuki has his normal carefree smile as he offers help to Aichi "Do you need my aid?"
Aichi nodded as he held Mikazuki's hand and led him inside the room. He informs Mikazuki of the current situation as Mikazuki helps Aichi to do the finishing and then make a timer for the Ootachi which is two hours and thirty minutes by Kon.
~Garden~
"Two hours and thirty minutes huh…" Aichi said as he silently look at the paper that has notes from Kon with Mikazuki who is silently drinking tea beside him.
Trying to focus on the other instruction, Aichi proceeded to ready the team who will be both going to the front lines and the expedition again as instructed by Kon, this time though he won't be going to the front lines instead he will only be training here at the citadel.
But he will be the one to send them to era that they will be going "Kon-san said that I need to make a team with a Wakizashi and Tantou." He looks at the list as he mumbles.
"I didn't know that some areas has requirements" Kon handed a notes to Aichi, although all the notes that he needed isn't there because if he gives it all to him, then there will be no use for Konnosuke who will surely be slacking off again.
Thinking that it would be best to see all the toudans so he could pick better Aichi stood up from his seat as Mikazuki bid Aichi good luck as he knew that he will be strolling to see the other Touken Danshis "Good luck"
~Training Hall~
Aichi decided to visit the training hall and found out that mostly everyone is there either sparring or training Kamui, Miwa, and Kai, and on the plains he noticed that Misaki and Mina where there training for archery.
"Oh Aichi-sama." It was Kiyomitsu who was the first to notice him as everyone greeted him Kiyomitsu proceeded to go to him "Is something the matter?" he asked noticing the troubled look in his face.
"Not that much, I was just trying to choose who will be the ones in the new team to go to both the front lines and the expedition again." Aichi grumbled as he can't decide.
"Then I'll go! I'll go!" Yasusada said as he ran towards Aichi and Kiyomitsu upon hearing that he was here to help him get to choose.
"Aichi-sama can I go to!" This time it was Horikawa who asked to come as he too ran forward.
"Oh then I should step up too then!" Tsurumaru said as he moved forward next volunteering for the spot.
Aichi was now at a loss more than he was "W-wait a minute…" thankfully though they heard him as they all stopped.
And because of the four stepping up Aichi was able to decide on the other two, noticing the smile and the serious expression on Aichi's face they knew that he has come to a conclusion.
Aichi raises his hand forward as his bell lights up in blue hue "Sayo Samonji, Heshikiri Hasebe along with Horikawa Kunihiro, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, Yamatonokami Yasusada, and Captain Tsurumaru Kuninaga."
Hasebe, Nikkari, and Sayo who were in the kitchen for earlier preparation heard the announcement from Aichi which surprised them cause of the bell, Nikkari was able to hear it too even though the only ones that bells that is glowing is Sayo's and Hasebe's.
As Aichi continuous his announcement "Prepare for 30 minutes as you will be engaging in both the front lines and the expedition. After 30 minutes report to the center of the citadel for further information!"
The six chosen, the four in front of him and those that received the message said in unison "Yes!"
The blue light on Aichi's bell went out as Aichi smiles to Tsurumaru "I'm counting on you to lead the team."
"You can leave it to me!" Tsurumaru said pointing towards himself.
~Garden~
"I heard that you have figured out who to be on the team." Mikazuki started up the conversation as Aichi is now back at the garden where Mikazuki is.
Aichi nodded as he writes it on his own notes "I just have to wait for the 30 minutes and then the remaining ones where the new sword will come." He smiled as he waits for their new addition into the family.
~Center of the citadel~
As the six Touken Danshi that were called have assembled at the center of the citadel Aichi with Konnosuke were surprised that they were all already here "You were all early" Aichi smiled.
When Aichi took out his notes the six prepares for his instruction "Before I proceed to the area you will be going, I'll give you an idea of our situation. Recently if you've notice this is our third time in a row going in the front lines with just interval of days in between. Kon-san said that they were pretty active unlike before as you've noticed and as you go to this new location, I would like you to please investigate the area as they seem to be planning something big." The six were surprised at this new information.
"Does the others know about this?" Hasebe asked.
Realization hits Aichi as he covered his face with his notes "No, I haven't told them about this, I kind of forgot." Aichi has flushed cheeks right about now.
The others looked at Hasebe as if guilt tripping him noticing this Hasebe coughed once and said "I-it's alright Aichi-sama you've been busy." Aichi nodded as he slowly uncovers his face.
Aichi tries to calm himself as he continued on to their destination "You are to depart to the period of Genroku, area is Edo. You are to be guided only by Konnosuke as it is a new area."
"Wait, you are not coming with us?" Horikawa asked making everyone curious as to why it was only Konnosuke.
"Kon-san said, I should continue my training here." Aichi too was curious as to why.
"I wonder why" Tsurumaru said making the other more curious than ever.
"A-anyways, as instructed to me by Kon-san, you will head to an expedition after a one hour break when you come back from the front lines, your expedition area is Shirakawa Front." Aichi smiles as he puts down his notes "That's all, Good luck everyone."
"Gotcha. Don't worry about it and leave it to me." Aichi nodded to Tsurumaru's words as Konnosuke readies to travel to time.
When the light envelops them as they disappeared, Aichi proceeded to the exit.
~Garden~
Aichi decided to sit at the veranda again with a still drinking tea Mikazuki "So it seems you have been too busy that you forget things." Mikazuki started up a conversation "It seems Kon-san is preparing you to become busy."
Aichi nodded "I think so too."
"Don't worry too much, I know you can do it." Aichi nodded as Mikazuki took a sip of his tea.
Aichi sat silently as he continues on to his notes while awaiting for the time for the new Ootachi to come.
~Smithing Room~
With the help of Mikazuki they took the Ootachi out as it is finally time to greet the new addition to their family.
Having a little trouble with carrying the sword "Aichi-sama you should really eat more" Mikazuki continues his carefree smile while Aichi froze preparing the talisman hinting that he is too small.
Surprised that it came from Mikazuki, Aichi too really wants to be big and strong physically but it seems really impossible for now.
Aichi sighs as he readies the talisman imbued with his power his mind filled with thoughts of wanting to get strong physically, the light shone as the petals flown in the air as a huge silhouette can be seen.
"... My, my. To be called into this world... I am Taroutachi. I am a sword made for combat that humans should never be able to use."
Curious what those last words meant and seeing his stature, Aichi is in awe seeing this somewhat gentle giant in front of him because of his out of this world aura.
"Oya, Aichi-sama, It appears that the new sword that you have forged is a mighty Ootachi" Mikazuki is both referring to his height and his background being a sword that resides within the Atsuta Shrine.
"Aichi-sama it seems your feelings of wanting to be physically big and strong resonated with the sword." Mikazuki said knowing the fact of what Aichi was feeling at that time when he was imbuing his powers to the sword, though maybe this is just a coincidence hence this is just his speculation, though he noticed Aichi continues to stare at Taroutachi "Aichi-sama?"
Coming back to his senses Aichi proceeds to tell Taroutachi the situation and reason of why they were brought including who he is and his position at the citadel, understanding why he was summoned Taroutachi closes his eyes as if trying to understand it.
"You were the one who gave me this big stature, correct?" Taroutachi started as he opens his eyes.
"Eh?" Aichi was confused as to why he thought of that since yeah he did gave him human form but why the big stature part.
"Didn't he say that you, wanting to have a big and strong physique has resulted in me having a big stature?" Taroutachi is referring to Mikazuki and what he has speculated before as he too thinks the same.
Remembering what that meant "Ah, that… it's because I am physically small and weak that I wished to have one, in the future if possible." And then Aichi has realized something that at that time he was wishing for a strong body one in the future "My feelings resonates with the sword…"
Aichi turned to Mikazuki "When I brought the others I was specifically wishing for something…"
"We respond to what is in your heart." Mikazuki responded as Aichi looked at Taroutachi "This time, your feelings resonated with your powers as to what will give him form and someone who is also big and strong came." Mikazuki is referring to Taroutachi's size as a sword.
Understanding what Mikazuki has said "I see, as a long sword who wasn't able to do its purpose because of being big, with this stature that you have given me, I will finally be able to do my purpose as a sword." Taroutachi bowed to Aichi "I am grateful, please take care of me from now on, Master."
Finally understanding what he meant about never been able to use Aichi realized that some swords really have different stories too "Uwah!" Still not used of being bowed at Aichi panics "Please call me Aichi! Please take care of me too"
Taroutachi looked troubled as Aichi told him to just call him in his name, Mikazuki notices this and helps him "Taroutachi, we in this citadel, all refer to him as Aichi-sama"
"I see, Aichi-sama then, thank you, uhm…" Taroutachi said, wanting to thank Mikazuki for the information though problem is he does not know what to refer to him.
Mikazuki understanding this as Taroutachi looks at him "Mikazuki Munechika" he introduced.
"Oh, one of the Five Great Sword, it is an honor." Taroutachi shows his respect.
"Ahahaha… there is no need." Mikazuki said as he laughed with his carefree smile as he noticed that Aichi still hasn't recovered from his surprise at how tall Taroutachi is "Aichi-sama" he called his attention once again.
"Oh… uhm… First let me show you to your room so you can take of your armor so that you could be comfortable as I give you a tour around the citadel." Aichi said as he turned around while he asks him to follow him with Mikazuki tagging along.
~Garden~
Around the whole citadel, they introduced him to all the residents even the guardians, the Tantous were especially surprised as they too were in awe at this very tall person in front of them.
As the tour ended Aichi is now taking his measurements so that he could make his internal affairs outfit and pajamas, with Kon's permission that he would do it first so that he could finish early, although looking at his size right now, Aichi thought that it might take more than a night to finish them.
All the toudans' past time is hanging out in the garden, as everyone gathered there with Mina, Kon, Konnosuke and the four guardians, even the group that were in the sortie were all assembled there as they take a break for one hour.
"Ahhh… I didn't think that it would be this hard having practice every day." Miwa grumbled as he slumped to the floor of the veranda. "Aichi, I'm surprised you can do it every day." Aichi nervously laughed it off.
Shokudaikiri and Mikazuki noticed that Aichi is having a hard time taking Taroutachi's measurement so they offered him help since they are almost up to his height "T-thank you." Aichi thanks as he continues.
"I wonder if we could have a chance of going to the beach." Kamui said as he too slumped to the floor next to Miwa.
"Yeah, summer is not complete without going to the beach." Miwa added as he sighs heavily.
"That is kind of tempting with this season." Mina places a finger on her cheek as she rummages for her phone.
"It's too hot too!" Kamui added.
"I want to go to the beach." Miwa held both of his hands up high as he also immediately let it fall on the floor.
"The beach?" both Imanotsurugi and Midare said in unison as curiosity hits them as the other swords did too.
"Yeah, it's a place where we can go see the ocean and swim, and do other activities too." Aichi said while still taking Taroutachi's measurement their position is that Aichi is at the top of the veranda while Taroutachi, Mikazuki, and Shokudaikiri are on the ground.
The Tantous eyes glitter as they heard what the beach is "Here is what the beach looks like in this era." All the toudans gathered to Mina as she shows her smart phone with a video of the sea and people gathering while having fun.
Everyone's face all wowed as they too feel they want to go "I want to go to the beach!" Midare said as he raises his hands.
"I want to see the ocean!" Imanotsurugi seconded.
"I wonder what other things we can do in a beach." Tsurumaru said.
Miwa stood up hastily at the toudans talking about the beach "You can do all sorts of things, such as beach volleyball, swimming, opening watermelons, you can play with the sand and search for sea shell and all sorts of things!" clearly at this point Mina and the others knew that he is trying to make them eager to come to the beach
As all the toudans look at Aichi, he was unable to answer as he looked at Mina asking for help and whether she will approve of it, with all the toudans turned to her eager for the answer.
"We have a problem though." Mina started making everyone turn silent waiting for what she will say next "We don't have the money to make it happen" all the toudans slumped down as they have lost motivation.
"I have an idea where to get money." Kon said giving hope once again to the toudans even Miwa and Kamui.
"In the underground of Osaka castle lies large amounts of gold, if you so investigate this mysterious dimension you can get the chance to get large amounts of gold." Kon gave a hint as everyone were now pumped up "There is something worth mentioning here though."
Everyone silently listens to Kon to make sure they get it "It is said that if you bring the sword that lies the spirit of a wealthy merchant of Hakata, he can double the amount that you find, as long as you successfully navigate through that dimension, you can get all the gold you want!" Kon explained.
"Eh? Hakata, you mean Hakata Toushirou." Yagen was first to notice when he mentioned the wealthy merchant form Hakata as he was that Hakata who inherited it.
Kon nodded as the Awataguchi's were happy as this is another chance to add another one from their family, while the others rejoice at this discovery "Since you only rely on findings of small to large amounts of gold in some expedition areas, and monthly allowances we give out, I have given you this information so that you can have additional money especially in times of need."
"Ah Toyotomi's buried treasure, But you can get lost there if I remember, as his treasure is scattered there." Mina said remembering this certain dimension that everyone turned silent, of course they should have known it couldn't be that easy.
"Of course you just can't get the gold that easily, you will be in a maze there, if you can't find the gold its either you haven't found it or you might have been lost, but if you do find it, you will be given the option to go home as there will be a portal there, you can go back and forth that area, but there will be no more gold there, there will but you will have to find it again to the next floor, the lower you go to this castle the bigger the amount of money you can find." Kon wags his tail as he divulge them with information.
"Yay! We are going to the beach" Midare and Imanotsurugi rejoiced for the plan as they run around the garden.
"Aichi, keep in mind that you can't go to this area every time as it disturbs the past, at best you can only have access at this area every 2 times a month once you have successfully found a gold because the amount you get isn't a joke. I'll lead you to that area so that you can pinpoint the right path when you go there, since Konnosuke already knows this, but I think it is better if I teach you instead." Kon said as he peered to Konnosuke making him flinch and drop his ears.
"The ocean is really salty you will be surprised." Miwa said as all the toudans flinched at the word salt making him surprised too.
Mina understanding this laughed nervously "Don't worry everyone you won't rust faster as you have your human form also you won't rust anymore like you used too." Miwa understood what that meant now as the toudans exhaled at the thought of relief.
As all the toudans with Miwa and Kamui talking to them about the beach "What is that machine you have there?" Taroutachi's curiosity was in the phone instead as he kept looking at it.
"Oh, it's a smart phone, you can do all sorts of stuff, like make calls, text, search information in the net, as well as take picture, and many more." Mina one by one showed example of what it can do with Misaki's help as at the end she took a picture of the Tantous as everyone all wowed in fascination of this device called phone.
"Oh that's a surprise, you can do all sorts of things." Tsurumaru said as he looks at the picture of the Tantous along with others.
"Oh yeah didn't we used this to call Aichi-sama before" Horikawa mentioned as Aichi was the one who flinched this time remembering that certain time.
"Oh is it that time when we followed Kai?" Miwa said as he looked at Kai annoyed at the memory.
"Yup it's it." Miwa snickered as he noticed Kai and Aichi's amusing reactions while the others after Tsurumaru doesn't understand while Mina and Aichi perfectly remembers this with the others before Tsurumaru including him.
Speaking of pictures to forget the latter topic "Hey why don't we take a picture!?" Mina suggested.
"Oh, that's a nice idea!" Miwa said as he stood up from the veranda as Kamui followed.
"Good thing we decided to change first." Yasusada said as they were in their IA clothes since it will be easy and comfortable to move.
"But who will take the picture." Kamui asked.
"I can take it for you! Just give me a table and something for the phone to lean on." Kon said as Mutsunokami hurried to get him one while the others started to position themselves.
As everything is now in preparation and position "Okay… ready… one, two, and three!" at the sound of the camera shutter Kon successfully took the picture of everyone currently in the citadel.
Outro: Taroutachi is actually my second Ootachi but I feel like he would be best pick for comic relief so I chose him.
I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support!
Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.