Chapter 3.1: In The Heat Of The Moment
"Kamanosuke" - Speech
'Saizo' - Thought
"{Dragons Fang}" - Attack / Abilities
"Halt!" - Loudspeaker / Orders / Something Loud
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2:20am - April, 14th, 1585
Ueda Castle, West Wing Barracks, Officers Barracks, Kamanosuke's Bedroom
Kamanosuke woke up abruptly, their room dimly lit by the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the thin paper walls. The castle was eerily silent. They lay still for a moment, listening to the distant sounds of night—an occasional creak of wood, the soft rustling of leaves outside, and the faint chirping of nocturnal insects. Despite the tranquility, sleep eluded them, their mind restless with thoughts that refused to settle.
They rolled onto their back, staring up at the ceiling, the events of the previous evening replaying vividly in their mind. Dinner with Saizo had been unexpectedly enjoyable. The playful banter, the competitive tussle over food, and the easy camaraderie they shared—these were new experiences for Kamanosuke, who had always found happiness in the heat of battle, in the adrenaline-fueled moments where nothing else mattered but the fight.
Conflicted, Kamanosuke frowned, their brow furrowing in the darkness. This newfound happiness felt like a weakness, a vulnerability that could be exploited. They had always prided themselves on their independence, on their ability to derive satisfaction from within, without needing anyone else. Yet here they were, longing for more moments like those shared with Saizo.
Happiness. The word felt foreign and uncomfortable on their tongue. Kamanosuke had never really been happy, not in the conventional sense. Their joy came from the thrill of the fight, the rush of adrenaline, and the satisfaction of victory. In those moments, they could let go of everything, live fully in the present, and feel a sense of completeness. Nothing else was needed.. Right?
But this happiness was different. It was deeper, more profound, filling a void they hadn't realized existed. Kamanosuke felt a strange sense of warmth as they recalled Saizo's smile and genuine laughter. It was a stark contrast to the blood-soaked euphoria they were accustomed to. They had felt truly happy, in a way that left them yearning for more.
It was sharper, more intense, and it lingered long after the moment had passed. It filled them to their core, a warmth that left them craving more. It wasn't just the thrill of the moment, but a deep, abiding joy that brought a smile to their face even now, as they lay alone in the dark.
Kamanosuke rolled onto their side, pulling the blanket up to their chin. Their thoughts turned back to the night before, at dinner. The memory of Saizo's laughter echoed in their mind, a sound that brought warmth to their chest. The playful competition, the lighthearted banter—it was unlike anything they had ever experienced.
Thinking back to the playful competitive fight over food, and while they ultimately ended up losing, it was fun nonetheless. Their friend's handsome smile and laughter…
'Friend?' The word echoed loudly in their mind.
Usually, Kamanosuke would be having issues with the handsome comment their mind just made, but an entirely new issue had just come up, and was now making its way towards being the new biggest psychological question Kamanosuke had for the foreseeable future.
Was Saizo their friend?
This question gnawed at them, refusing to be ignored. Friendship implied trust, vulnerability, and a bond that transcended the superficial. It was a daunting concept for someone who had always relied on their strength and independence.
They weren't… At least Kamanosuke didn't think so, and the thought honestly made them feel a bit sad and disappointed. They were supposed to be rivals, weren't they? Kamanosuke would be the one to kill Saizo, finally beating them and standing over their cold dead body with the same eyes Saizo once had in their first fight.
This image, once so satisfying, now felt hollow. The thought of Saizo lying lifeless at their feet no longer brought the same thrill. Instead, it filled Kamanosuke with an unexpected sense of loss. They tried to shake off the feeling, reminding themselves of their nature, of the blood-soaked path they had always walked. Yet, the memories of Saizo's smile and the warmth of their laughter persisted, mingling with the vision of a lifeless rival, creating a discordant symphony in their mind.
They sat up, the room still shrouded in the early morning darkness, their mind a whirlwind of emotions. The idea of losing Saizo, of never seeing that smile or hearing that laughter again, felt unbearable. Yet, this new vulnerability was terrifying. It went against everything they had ever known, everything they had built their identity around.
Saizo being gone from their life… Kamanosuke didn't want that, not now. But as soon as this realization hit, Kamanosuke couldn't bear to dwell on it any longer. They shook the thoughts from their mind, trying to regain their composure.
They took a deep breath, attempting to steady the turmoil within. The confusion, the conflict, it all seemed too much to handle at once. Kamanosuke didn't know what to make of these feelings, these thoughts that had suddenly taken hold of their mind.
Regardless of these new feelings or desires, Kamanosuke couldn't shake the belief that relying on others for happiness was a weakness. People were fallible and often failed, and their failures could shatter one's happiness. Why let others have such power over your emotions? Happiness should come from within, controlled by living fully in the moment.
Yet, the thought of Saizo being a part of their life in a more meaningful way was persistently alluring. It gnawed at the edges of their thoughts, challenging the very principles they held dear. The happiness they felt with Saizo was undeniable and filled a void they hadn't known existed
Though... Kamanosuke had to admit, with how nice it was, it could honestly be worth the potential hurt and sadness that came with the happiness. It was just a fact of life, and nothing anyone did would change the reality that this was the price to pay for such joy. If they wanted that sort of happiness, they had to accept the risk of vulnerability and the uncertainties of relationships that brought both pain and pleasure.
Kamanosuke lay there, contemplating this realization. The idea of subjecting themselves to potential disappointment and hurt was daunting, but the thought of losing that newfound happiness was even more terrifying.
Feeling frustrated, Kamanosuke rolled around in their futon, softly rolling from left to right a handful of times before finally stopping to lay on their back, looking straight up at the ceiling. The flickering thoughts of Saizo and the feelings he evoked refused to leave their mind. The turmoil of emotions, conflicting yet undeniably powerful, kept them restless. The ceiling offered no answers, only a blank canvas for their racing thoughts.
Saizo was so close yet so far, Kamanosuke thought, glancing toward the wall that separated them. Both of their rooms were on the 8th floor of the officers' barracks in the west wing. Though their rooms were not directly adjacent, the back walls nearly touched, separated only by a narrow hallway that split the floor in two, with rooms for the Braves on either side.
The front doors to their rooms faced opposite sides, opening onto the veranda that wrapped around almost the entire 8th floor, except for the two stairwells on the east side. The building had two stairwells, one in the north and one in the south, providing two ways to navigate between the floors and the numerous rooms in the barracks.
Each room had a small sliding panel at the back that provided access to the hallway, technically giving each room two entrances. However, these panels were rarely used. They were often sealed or obstructed by furniture, making them inconvenient to access.
Feeling frustrated and in need of a change of pace, Kamanosuke decided to get up for now. They couldn't get back to sleep in their current state, so they opted to go to the rooftop of their building. The cool night air and open sky might help clear their restless mind.
With their mind made up, Kamanosuke quietly slid open the door to their room and stepped out onto the veranda. They took a deep breath, the crisp air filling their lungs. As they walked, their thoughts drifted back to Saizo and how their rooms, despite being on the same floor, felt worlds apart. The frustration of this distance gnawed at them, but they tried to shake it off.
Unconsciously, their steps led them toward Saizo's room. They stopped just outside his door, hesitating. The proximity to Saizo's space, even with the thin wall and narrow hallway still separating them, brought a strange mix of comfort and anxiety. Kamanosuke stood there for a moment, the desire to bridge the gap between them growing stronger with each passing second.
Feeling a strong urge to enter and see Saizo but confused and unsure why, Kamanosuke mentally forced themselves to stop. Determined to stick to their plan, they resumed their walk to the rooftop of the officers' barracks, seeking fresh air and the solace of stargazing to clear their thoughts.
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Around Same Time | 2:32am - April, 14th, 1585
Ueda Castle, West Wing Barracks, Officers Barracks, Saizo's Bedroom
Saizo was in a light sleep, his senses alert even in his fatigue. He detected the subtle sound of approaching footsteps, recognizing them as Kamanosuke's. Realizing they were standing right outside his door, he felt a mix of curiosity and confusion. Saizo chose to remain still, doing nothing as Kamanosuke eventually walked away. Finding the situation odd but too tired to dwell on it, Saizo drifted back to sleep.
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Around Same Time | 2:34am - April, 14th, 1585
Ueda Castle, West Wing Barracks, Officers Barracks, 9th Floor Rooftop
The west wing officers barracks was a sturdy, well-constructed building, designed to house the elite warriors and military officers of Sanada's retinue. The wooden beams and polished floors spoke of both strength and tradition, a place where they could find respite and prepare for their duties.
As Kamanosuke reached the rooftop, the expanse of the castle and its surroundings unfolded before them. The night air was cool and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the castle gardens. The castle itself was a marvel of Sengoku-era architecture, with its imposing walls and strategically placed towers. Each tower stood as a silent sentinel, their watchful eyes keeping guard over the realm.
The castle walls, robust and formidable, encircled the entire castle, creating a sense of security and strength. Torches burned at regular intervals along the walls, casting a warm, flickering light that danced on the stone. The towers, evenly spaced, provided a vantage point for the guards to survey the surrounding area, ensuring that no threat went unnoticed.
The castle's grandeur was unmistakable, its architecture a testament to both strength and elegance. To the center north of the castle grounds stood the great palace structure, dominating the skyline with its imposing presence. The west wing, which included the main lord's manor, also housed the officer barracks and infantry quarters. Adjacent to the east in the center of the castle was the central training ground, a vast open space used for mustering troops and daily training exercises. This area was surrounded by light infrastructure, including cloth tents with tables and seating, and small temporary buildings for storing practice equipment.
The southern main gate served as the primary entrance to the castle, its sturdy construction offering both security and a sense of welcome. Just east of the main road leading into the castle grounds was a modest yet dignified temple, providing a place for spiritual reflection. This road continued north, directly into the heart of the castle, where it intersected with the central training ground.
The east wing was a hub of activity and utility, housing the main castle dojo, an expansive supply building, food silos, storage facilities, and various work and crafting stations. It also included a medical center and quarters for the servants, ensuring that all essential functions of the castle were within easy reach.
In the northeastern part of the castle grounds were three specialized training fields, each designed for different types of in-house special training and tertiary usage. These fields provided the Braves with the space and equipment necessary to hone their unique skills and prepare for any challenge.
In the distance, the town that had grown beyond the southern castle walls was visible. It was no longer a mere village but a bustling town, its streets lit by lanterns that dotted the night with a soft, inviting glow. The lights created a web of illumination, outlining the pathways and marketplaces where the townsfolk went about their nightly routines. The transformation from a quiet village to a thriving town was evident since the great shattering, a testament to the prosperity that had come with Sanada Yukimura's rule.
The cool breeze brushed against their face, carrying the faint scents of the blooming flowers from the castle gardens below. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sounds of the town provided a soothing backdrop, allowing Kamanosuke to momentarily forget their inner conflicts. The peace of the night enveloped them, creating a cocoon of tranquility that was hard to find amidst the chaos of daily life.
As they stood there, bathed in the soft light of the moon and stars, Kamanosuke felt a sense of clarity. The problems and uncertainties that had seemed so overwhelming began to fade into the background. The night sky, vast and infinite.
Kamanosuke enjoyed the calm and peaceful night, looking up towards the stars and savoring their beauty. The sight was so mesmerizing that they found themselves whispering, "It's so beautiful." The stars twinkled back, as if acknowledging their awe.
They had so many issues, but... for right now, they could let it go. As they lay on the rooftop, the peace and calm enveloping them, Kamanosuke allowed themselves to drift into a light sleep, the night sky their gentle guardian.
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Around Same Time | 7:20am - April, 14th, 1585
Ueda Castle, North Wing, Main Castle Palace Structure, Great Hall
Saizo had already passed through the main double doors of the Great Hall, his steps echoing softly against the polished wooden floor. The hall was a grand, expansive space, filled with the murmurs of early risers and the clatter of morning preparations. He made his way to the servants' serving section.
"Excuse me," Saizo said quietly, catching the attention of a nearby servant. He leaned in, notifying them of a specific request. The servant nodded briskly and hurried off to fulfill his order. Saizo then ascended the stairs to the second floor, a more secluded dining area reserved for higher-ranking officers and special guests.
He settled into a comfortable spot overlooking the bustling hall below, soon served with a very light soup and a steaming cup of tea. The aroma of the tea was soothing, a blend of herbs that promised a gentle start to the day. He sipped it slowly, allowing the warmth to spread through him as he gazed out over the hall. Time passed leisurely; the steady flow of servants and the occasional murmur from below were the only sounds breaking the morning silence.
After what felt like half an hour, Saizo noticed Kamanosuke entering the Great Hall. They moved with a slight air of distraction, as if the promise to share their meals had slipped their mind. Saizo watched them for a moment, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. He leaned against the railing of the second-floor veranda, calling out to them.
"What are you doing down there?" he asked, his voice carrying easily across the room. "Have you forgotten? I've been waiting for you for a while now."
Kamanosuke looked up, startled out of their reverie. They met Saizo's gaze, a mixture of realization and something softer in their expression. Saizo gestured for them to come up, giving a subtle signal to the servants at the serving section. The servants, recognizing the signal, began to prepare what Saizo had ordered earlier.
Kamanosuke made their way up the stairs, each step bringing them closer to Saizo. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the second floor. Kamanosuke walked over to Saizo's table and paused, standing idly beside it for a moment. They hesitated, seeming unsure. Saizo gave them a welcoming nod, gesturing to the seat across from him, not noticing kamanosuke's demeanor.
Kamanosuke settled into the seat, a troubled look on their face. Saizo noticed the faint traces of distress. He decided not to mention it, unsure if his observation was accurate and not wanting to pry or cause an issue between them. A few moments later, the servants arrived, bringing out a matching bowl of soup and a cup of the same fragrant tea.
The servants then politely excused themselves, asking if they would be okay with just the regular morning meal or if they wanted anything special. Saizo waved them off, stating they would take the regular, and thanked them as they walked away to get their food.
Kamanosuke watched the exchange, their troubled expression softening slightly at the normalcy of the interaction. Saizo took a sip of his tea, glancing at Kamanosuke with a hint of concern but refraining from commenting on their earlier distress.
"So," Saizo began, his tone light, "did you forget our arrangement, or were you just trying to make me worry?"
Kamanosuke managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach their eyes. "Sorry, I got... distracted."
Saizo nodded, accepting the vague explanation. "Well, you're here now. That's what matters."
The two fell into a comfortable silence, the warmth of the tea and the tranquility of the morning creating a momentary reprieve from their worries. A few minutes later, the servants returned, carrying trays with their regular breakfast. The aroma of freshly cooked rice, grilled fish, and miso soup filled the air, adding to the comforting atmosphere.
Saizo couldn't resist teasing them lightly. "You know," he said with a smirk, "it was your idea for us to eat our meals together. I was starting to think you stood me up."
Kamanosuke felt a flush of embarrassment but managed to maintain their composure, their troubled thoughts momentarily pushed aside. "I didn't stand you up," they replied, trying to sound indignant but failing to hide the hint of a smile. "I just got caught up in something."
Saizo chuckled, the lighthearted exchange easing the tension between them. "Caught up in what? If I look around hard enough, will I find something broken?"
Saizo chuckled, the lighthearted exchange easing the tension between them. "Caught up in what? Staring at the stars?"
Kamanosuke's eyes widened slightly, surprised at how close Saizo was to the truth. They looked away, focusing on their bowl of rice as they tried to gather their thoughts. "Something like that," they muttered.
Saizo took another sip of his tea, watching Kamanosuke with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Well, as long as you're here now," he said, his tone softening. "Let's just enjoy breakfast."
The two settled into a more relaxed rhythm, the aroma of the food and the gentle murmur of the Great Hall providing a comforting backdrop. Kamanosuke appreciated Saizo's attempt to lighten the mood, even if it didn't completely dispel their worries. For now, they focused on the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with saizo, finding solace in the routine and the unspoken understanding between them.
As they ate, Saizo occasionally glanced at Kamanosuke, the concern in his eyes never fully disappearing. He didn't press for details, respecting Kamanosuke's need for space, but his presence was a steady reminder that they weren't alone. Kamanosuke found comfort in that, the troubled look in their eyes gradually softening as the morning progressed.
They talked for a while, the conversation flowing easily despite the underlying tension. Eventually, Saizo slipped a piece of paper across the table to Kamanosuke. "One of the lieutenants contacted me about some overview work for you," he explained. "Some of the captains are requesting your help overseeing the training at the center training field today."
Kamanosuke raised an eyebrow, visibly irritated as they picked up the paper. "Why didn't they just give this to me directly?" they asked, a slight edge to their voice.
Saizo chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Well, they mentioned that you usually have a rather... callous response when asked to do things directly. Not wanting to risk your ire, they asked me to deliver the message, hoping it would go over better this way."
Saizo leaned forward slightly, his tone encouraging. "Come on, Kamanosuke. You're the perfect fit for this. Scouting and overseeing the training is exactly what you're good at. Plus, you won't have to do any heavy lifting today."
Kamanosuke's expression softened slightly. "No heavy lifting, huh? I suppose that makes it more tolerable."
"Exactly. Just think of it as a chance to use your skills without wearing yourself out," Saizo said, lightly prodding them to agree. "But there's one catch—lunch will be served outside for everyone participating at the training field, near the large tents set up as a mock HQ."
Kamanosuke raised an eyebrow again, this time more amused than irritated. "Skipping lunch with you? Maybe this isn't such a bad deal after all."
Saizo frowned lightly, feigning irritation. "Oh, very funny. I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
Kamanosuke sighed, their irritation still evident. "Fine, I'll do it. But only because you make a compelling argument," they replied, a hint of resignation in their voice.
Kamanosuke then asked, "So, what about you? What are you doing today?"
Saizo leaned back, a relaxed expression on his face. "I'll be going through some maintenance on my weapons and equipment. I pretty much have the day off."
Kamanosuke's curiosity was piqued. "Nothing? Shouldn't you have more responsibilities?"
Saizo shrugged. "Normally, the Braves have a lot of days off, you know that. Most of the actual responsibilities are handled by the infantry, the soldiers of the retinue, and of course, the castle servants. We step in when things get serious or when our skills are specifically needed."
Kamanosuke felt a pang of jealousy. "Why do I have to do something while you get to relax?" they asked, their tone slightly accusatory.
Saizo sighed, slightly annoyed but unable to resist a teasing retort. "Jealous, are we? Maybe it's because I'm just that good at delegating," he said with a smirk.
Kamanosuke scowled, trying to taunt Saizo back. "Or maybe you're just lazy and leave all the real work to me," they retorted, hoping to provoke a reaction.
Saizo chuckled, unfazed by the jab. "Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that. Besides, we both know you thrive on the action," he said with a grin.
Kamanosuke felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up their neck. They looked away, muttering, "Whatever."
Kamanosuke, not wanting to reveal their desire to spend more time with Saizo, tried to sound nonchalant. "Well, since you're just doing maintenance, I might as well help with my own weapons and equipment too. Two pairs of hands are better than one."
Saizo pondered the suggestion, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Hmm, that could work. In fact, I'll wait so we can do both of our equipment together. Though I might start on a portion of mine just to get it out of the way."
Kamanosuke nodded, trying to hide their excitement. "Fine. Just don't mess it up before I get there."
Saizo smirked, unable to resist a witty comeback. "Don't worry, I'll leave the easy parts for you. Wouldn't want you to strain yourself."
Kamanosuke rolled their eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Funny." They stuck their tongue out at Saizo, taunting him playfully, but it was clear they were happy about the exchange.
Kamanosuke, determined, straightened up. "I'll do a great job overseeing the training. But you better not fall back on this," they said, pointing a finger at Saizo. "Promise me we'll do the equipment maintenance together later."
Saizo raised an eyebrow, slightly amused but recognizing the seriousness in Kamanosuke's eyes. "Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I promise. We'll do the maintenance together later."
Kamanosuke nodded, satisfied. "Good. I'll hold you to that."
With a final look of determination, Kamanosuke turned and made their way out of the Great Hall, heading towards the training field.
As Kamanosuke walked away, Saizo watched them with a bemused expression. 'Jeez, always wanting me to promise them something,' he thought to himself. 'Oh well, it's not like it's really that big of a deal anyway.'
Saizo leaned back in his chair, feeling a warmth inside that he couldn't quite explain. Seeing Kamanosuke so happy and playful was a rare sight, and it made him feel unexpectedly content. He pondered this feeling, wondering why it mattered so much to him that Kamanosuke was in good spirits.
'Why do I feel so good about Kamanosuke being happy?' he mused, a slight frown of confusion crossing his face. It wasn't like him to dwell on emotions, especially those of others. Yet, there was something about Kamanosuke's smile and playful demeanor that struck a chord deep within him.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Saizo stood up and stretched. He had a few hours before their equipment maintenance session, and he intended to use the time wisely.
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Around Same Time | 1:24pm - April, 14th, 1585
Ueda Castle, Center Castle Grounds, Main Courtyard Structure And Training Zone
At the training field, Kamanosuke threw themselves into the task at hand. The field was alive with the sounds of soldiers practicing their drills, the clashing of swords, and the shouts of commands. Kamanosuke moved among them with a focused intensity, offering guidance and corrections where needed. Their presence commanded respect, and the soldiers responded with diligence and enthusiasm.
Despite this, Kamanosuke was bored out of their mind during the training. It was almost entirely uneventful, if they were being completely honest. They moved through the drills, their mind wandering even as they offered corrections and guidance. Kamanosuke saw a few individuals with some talent, and maybe… just maybe, one or two who had the potential through hard work to reach the level of Basic Elites. But other than that, they were all just normal soldiers, destined to reach only a refined state of infantry warfare and combat capabilities.
Kamanosuke sighed inwardly, their gaze drifting across the training field. The repetitive motions and predictable patterns left them feeling restless. They had hoped for something more stimulating, something that would challenge them or at least hold their interest. Instead, they found themselves counting down the minutes until they could leave.
Kamanosuke took a moment to breathe, wiping sweat from their brow. Despite the physical exhaustion, there was a sense of anticipation bubbling within them. The thought of spending time with Saizo later, working together on their equipment, was surprisingly appealing.
Half an hour later, Kamanosuke was finally finished with the training. They left all the notes and obligations to the captains and lieutenants under them at the training zone. The officers had expected this, but they still appreciated the few comments Kamanosuke provided. Giving credit where credit was due, Kamanosuke offered extremely valuable pointers on scouting and provided invaluable insight on who and how to train next and what to focus on.
The captains and lieutenants, despite Kamanosuke's outwardly aloof disposition, couldn't help but acknowledge their expertise. "Kamanosuke may seem distant," one captain remarked, "but their insights are always spot on. We've got a lot to work on, but at least we know where to start."
Another lieutenant nodded in agreement. "It's clear why they've earned their place as a Brave. Their skills and knowledge are exceptional."
As Kamanosuke walked away from the training field, they couldn't help but feel a slight sense of satisfaction. Despite the boredom and routine of the day, they knew they had made a positive impact. The anticipation of spending time with Saizo later made the day's efforts seem more worthwhile.