Kunzite carefully tended to Kohaku's minor injuries, applying a cooling salve to ease the sting of cuts and bruises from the recent skirmish with Hyouga. Kohaku sat quietly, her brow furrowed in pain but grateful for Kunzite's gentle touch.
"You're too kind, Kunzite," Kohaku murmured, trying to smile through the discomfort.
Kunzite smiled back, her voice soft yet firm. "Just rest for now, Kohaku. The village can wait."
In another corner of the field, Kinrou was stubbornly trying to reach over his spear, despite his injured arm still bandaged from where Hyouga's blade had grazed him.
"Kinrou, you should be resting," Kunzite said, her tone gentle but insistent as she approached him. "The village needs you to heal properly."
Kinrou hesitated, torn between duty and the pain that shot through his arm every time he moved. Senkuu, overhearing their exchange, stepped in, his tone practical.
"Listen to Kunzite, Kinrou," Senkuu advised, his gaze unwavering. "We need you at full strength. Be glad that you only have some minor injuries or I might just slap you with acetanilide, or even ibuprofen with your pain if you ever catch a fever because of it."
Kinrou grimaced, he didn't understand anything Senkuu said but he knew it will look terrible.
"I am the bodyguard of the village, so I just can't lie down all the time, but maybe I can make an exemption for now," Kinrou conceded, his eyes darting between Senkuu and Kunzite, seeking reassurance. "But should we get ready by now? For sure they will retaliate with more forces."
"No worries, I can predict when they will start to attack," Senkuu assured, looking through the jars filled with minerals. "Just let those people assume and guard against the guns that don't exist at all."
He looked over them, adding, "Let them wait for the wind to come, Gen probably mislead them with that information."
"Why the wind?" Chrome asked, looking at Senkuu.
"Simple. Right now the condition of the gun we used specifically needs a matchlock." Senkuu answered. "Matchlock needs fire to ignite the gun, and windy environments will blow out the said fire, rendering it useless. We'll use Gen's misinformation to our advantage."
"They're expecting one thing; we'll give them another." Senkuu clapped and looked over the crowd. "For now! Let's do minor upgrading and planning. Kinrou, some glasses will suit you."
Kunzite stood at the edge of the village, watching the villagers work tirelessly under Senkuu's direction. They were making Japanese katanas, a new addition to their arsenal after giving Kinrou's glasses. Even the former village chief and his subordinates were participating in the labor, their dedication evident as they followed Senkuu's barked orders.
Kunzite brewed herself a cup of tea, the familiar scent of herbs bringing a momentary calm. She watched the progress, her mind drifting to the past. The air in the village felt different now compared to when she was born. Senkuu's influence had transformed them all, pushing them toward a future that was both exciting and terrifying.
Despite the progress, a deep worry gnawed at Kunzite's heart. This was the first time she had encountered something as immense and threatening as a war. The enemies they faced were strong, relying on brute strength to match Senkuu's intelligence. It was a clash of minds and might, and the uncertainty of the outcome weighed heavily on her.
Turns out, she might be silent, she is also a worrywart.
Senkuu found her sitting quietly, her eyes distant as she sipped her tea. He sat down beside her, one arm resting on his leg. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked, his voice gentle.
She paused, inhaling. "I'm just thinking, about the current events."
Senkuu stared at her, then towards the villagers. "Well I can listen. Chrome told me you have a thing for credible insights."
"Well, right now I'm no position for credible insights," she replied. "I am anxious."
He stretched his arms before cocking his head towards her direction. "Considering I am hailed as the village chief, listening to my people is one of my tasks."
"My worries are quite plenty."
"I am willing to hear them all."
Kunzite sighed, her eyes meeting his. "Senkuu, we're in the middle of a war with Tsukasa, and Hyouga is just one of the threats we face. I might be overthinking but they're strong, Senkuu, incredibly strong. They rely on brute force while we rely on intelligence and strategy. What if that's not enough?"
She looked down at her tea, swirling the liquid as if it could give her answers while her worry spilling out. "It's endangering the village, 'your' people now. I'm thinking of what might happen if they win. I know tending to the wounded is important, but if it comes down to it, if I need to defend myself, I don't know if I'm strong enough, that is all."
Senkuu looked her over thoughtfully, from her frame to her soft hands. He reached out, gesturing for her hand to hold. Kunzite placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip.
"You have a small frame and not much muscle," Senkuu noted, his tone analytical. "Your stamina might be average, and while your strength might be limited, your hands tell a different story. Your fingers are nimble and skilled from handling herbs and delicate tasks. This precision can be a great advantage in certain types of combat."
He paused, then continued, "You might find throwing daggers or using short blades suitable. It requires precision and agility more than brute strength. Kohaku can train you. She's already training others in defense and can help you find a technique that suits your strengths."
Kunzite's eyes glimmered, a spark of hope igniting within her. "Do you really think that could work?"
Senkuu nodded. "A hundred percent. I can ask Kohaku to teach you. She's training the others in defense right now. It would be a good fit for you."
A smile spread across Kunzite's face, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Senkuu. That means a lot."
She hesitated, then added, "Senkuu, If Hyouga retaliates, he'll know our defenses. He might actually break through next time."
Senkuu hummed, deep in thought. He stood up, concentration etched on his face. "I'll come up with an emergency plan if that happens. We won't be caught off guard."
Kunzite watched him, admiring his resolve. She offered him the cup of tea she had been drinking. Senkuu smiled, taking a sip as he looked over the village working together.
"We'll be ready," he said, confidence returning to his voice. "No matter what comes our way, we'll be ready."
Kunzite eyed the array of stone-made daggers laid out on a nearby wooden table. Her hands showing unfamiliarity slightly as she picked up a throwing dagger, its weight strange in her grip. Kohaku approached, her demeanor calm but focused.
"Alright, Kunzite," Kohaku began, her voice steady. "Let's start with the throwing daggers. The goal here is accuracy. Your nimble fingers will help with the precision needed, but it's important to master the technique first."
Kunzite nodded, trying to steady her nerves. Kohaku demonstrated the basic stance: feet shoulder-width apart, body slightly turned, and the throwing arm pulled back. Kunzite mimicked the motion, her arm feeling awkward as she tried to align herself.
"Focus on your target," Kohaku instructed, pointing to a practice board set up about ten meters away. "Aim for the center. The dagger should spin end over end to get a good hit."
Kunzite took a deep breath, trying to visualize the motion. She drew her arm back and released the dagger with a tentative flick of her wrist. The dagger flew through the air, hitting the board but veering off to the side.
Kohaku nodded approvingly. "Good start. You'll need to adjust the force and angle. It takes practice to get the feel of it."
After her training with Kohaku, she spent hours and hours until her wrist needed a break. Kunzite found herself gathering medicinal herbs from the outskirts of the village. The tranquility of the forest was interrupted by the rustling of leaves, and she turned to see Gen approaching with his characteristic grin.
"Kunzite," Gen greeted her warmly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Out for a stroll?"
Kunzite nodded, her hands deftly plucking herbs. "Yes, just gathering some supplies. What brings you out here?"
Gen shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze scanning the dense foliage. "Oh, you know, enjoying the scenery. It's quite peaceful here."
"Mhm."
"Oh, and also, this area is near to where Tsukasa's territory resides."
Kunzite momentarily choked and stood up fast, some of herbal leaves fluttered on the ground.
"But don't worry! No one else is here at the moment, only myself." Gen grinned, his eyes sparkling, making Kunzite wearily stare at him for seconds before sighing and dropping on the ground. Gen added once more, "Picking herbal plants perhaps?"
Kunzite nodded, her fingers working towards plucking the tamarind leaves. "Yes, I just finished working with everyone back in the village, so I might as well resupply what I need."
Gen hummed and gently scoots over, leaning close to where she's sitting. "I've been meaning to ask. How do you know how to brew tea?"
"It's been passed on," she answered. "On and on, the knowledge in tea brewing stuck in my family and here I am."
"Where's your family now? I've seen you hanging around the others."
"Dead, the same illness Ruri had got into them when I was young. It's fine though, it gets lonely at times but I have the village to accompany me."
Gen looked at her, observing her facial features. "You're not seem bothered by the thought."
Kunzite looked up, staring into his calculating eyes. "I guess I accept loss easily than the others. Life and Death are just like that, what matters the most is you're living to the fullest."
"I see. Are you not scared of Tsukasa's empire?"
"I am," she replies. "Just because I process grief faster, that doesn't mean I'm incapable of fear and anxiety. Like I said, I prefer to live govern with experience and good outcomes, to the fullest."
They fell into a companionable silence as Kunzite continued her task, occasionally sharing insights into the medicinal properties of the plants she collected. Gen listened attentively, his interest piqued by her knowledge and quiet demeanor.
After a while, Kunzite ventured to ask, "Well, enough about me. Where do your loyalties lie in all of this?"
A hint of amusement flickered across Gen's features as he leaned back from his position. "Ah, Kunzite, always asking the tough questions. My loyalty lies with whoever can bring about a world where I can thrive."
Kunzite studied him quietly, sensing the layers beneath his playful demeanor. "So, you're a pragmatist," she concluded.
Gen chuckled softly, meeting her gaze. "Indeed. But don't mistake pragmatism for lack of principles. I believe in progress and the power of science, just as much as Senkuu does."
He looked up as the skies beginning to turn red and yellow hues. "You should head back now. It is getting late, do you need a companion for your return in the village? Like a princess venturing with a lonely knight back to her castle."
Kunzite giggled, her eyes curving. "No, I think I can handle myself well. I've survived the forest for as long as I live."
She turned to Gen with a small smile. "Thank you for the conversation, Gen. I appreciate your insights."
Gen inclined his head with a smile of his own. "Anytime, Kunzite. Perhaps we'll continue this discussion another time."
As she headed back toward the village, she couldn't help but mull over Gen's words. His ambiguity intrigued her, leaving her with more questions than answers about his true motivations.
Three days passed, Kohaku alongside with Kunzite stared upwards toward the darkening sky.
"What a strong downslope wind." Kohaku noted, her eyes sparking with worry.
Kunzite, just ever so silent beside her, gripped Kohaku's hand.
"Let's go back, let's prepare."