Three months since an update… damn. I don't even have a good excuse this time. Just pure laziness.
Anyway, I made a fanart a while ago of Couer's fic, Remnant's Blonde Bard that I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. It was a kind of an honour to have it used as cover art since I'm a big fan of his. Ngl, when I received his message back, I felt giddy as shit, like a little fangirl but I did my best to play it cool lol. If anyone's interested in it, I put the link in my bio. It's on Imgur because I'm not much of an artist and never really post anything. I only ever use Imgur for the image links. Might change in the future if I get better at art.
Chapter 18: Curse of the Clan
"Hey, did you guys see those Atlas ships during class?" Cardin asked. He and his teammates were hanging out on some stairs again during a break.
"Aye," said Russel. "Bloody Atlas military. I reckon they're just tryna flex their tech again."
"Yeah. Anyways guys, I have a business idea that I want to pitch to you all," Sky chimed in. His teammates – excluding Gin who was dozing in the corner again – beckoned him to continue. "Educational pornography," He said.
Both Cardin and Russel made confused sounds.
"And I don't mean those vanilla ass videos in sex-ed," Sky continued. "I mean actual, kinky porn. Step-mom, step-sis shit. But it'll also educate the viewer on sex shit. After all, I'm sure most of us used to have misconceptions of some stuff from porn." He saw his teammates give grudging nods to that. "So yeah, I think porn that clears up that shit would be really helpful to guys so that they don't embarrass themselves during the real thing."
"Speaking from experience?" Cardin asked with a smirk.
"I wish," Sky said sadly.
"Y'know, that ain't a bad idea," Russel conceded with a thoughtful expression. "You could even add shit like tutorials in it to teach guys how to fuck good. I know a lotta guys who still think just having a big cock is good enough."
"Why would anyone watch that though?" Cardin asked. "If I wanted to know tips and tricks on fucking, I could just look it up on the net or something."
"Yeah, but I don't think anyone searches for shit like that unless it's happening sometime soon. Have any one of you searched for sex tricks and shit?" Sky asked but both of them answered in the negative. "Yeah, exactly. Besides, knowledge sticks with you better when they're told in stories. It's why parables exist."
Gin chuckled, apparently awake and listening. "I got an idea for the name of your production company or whatever they're called. You should call it 'Parables of Pornography'," He said while dramatically swiping a hand.
That got a laugh out of the team. "Oi Sky," Russel called. "You planning on including bits on how porn addiction is bad for you too?"
Sky thought about it, "Hmm. Maybe. I got the addiction myself and it is a pain in the ass. I don't even watch it to jack off anymore, I just watch that shit out of boredom now." Another laugh came from the team.
"Wouldn't that be counter-productive though?" Cardin asked. "It would be like a drug dealer telling his customers to fix their addiction."
"Yeah. I was thinking the same thing," Sky agreed. "I guess it will come down to what I value more. Money or honour."
"If you make porn then you're already far past honour," said Gin.
"Dude. You're already little, you can't afford to be small-minded too," Sky retorted.
"Alright, that was a pretty good one but fuck you. Also, wouldn't your porn idea work better as a comic or animation? You can put more information in those, right?"
"Well yeah. But I want to have sex with some pornstars."
None of the boys could deny his point.
Seconds later, Russel alerted them that it was almost time for the break to finish so they got up and made their way to their class. However, they stopped when the academy's broadcast system announced that Gin Suzume was to report to the Headmaster's office. His entire team immediately hounded him, asking him what he did, teasing him by making 'Oooh' noises and insinuating that he was in huge trouble.
"Piss off," Gin flipped them off. "I'm nothing like you delinquents. I haven't caused any trouble or anything like that. In fact, I'm a model student and they're probably calling me to the Office to give me praise." He paused. "Or maybe the Headmaster just wants to ask me about my experience in Beacon because of my condition. Either way, I have nothing to worry about."
0-0-0
"Mr Suzume, we've received a concerning report that you assaulted a man yesterday," said Ozpin, the Headmaster himself.
Gin froze in his seat. A single word echoed in his mind, Shit.
Ozpin sighed at his silence. "Were it a simple accusation without any evidence, we might have discarded this report. Unfortunately, there IS evidence. Video evidence, in fact." Ozpin rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Do you understand the situation you're in, Mr. Suzume? And by affiliation, Beacon Academy itself?"
"I understand sir," Gin bowed from his seat with his hand on his knees. "I apologise for getting the Academy involved."
Headmaster Ozpin raised a brow, "But not for assaulting that man?"
. . .
"Well, if I may be honest," Ozpin began as Gin raised his head, "I don't approve of your actions but I can understand them. The aforementioned evidence recorded the preceding moments before your attack and it doesn't paint your victim in a good light for his aggression with your friend."
Victim my ass, Gin thought without showing it on his face.
"And it's this evidence that will prevent any heavier charges against this institute," Ozpin continued. "However, this incident will no doubt further fuel the stigma of Huntsmen abusing their position against civilians."
Huh, Gin never really thought about but he guessed that such a thing would exist.
"Even excluding that, you must understand that you can not just be let off with a simple slap on the wrist. After all, it is the duty of all who teach the discipline of violence to teach restraint from it as well."
"I understand sir. I'll take responsibility and accept any punishment."
"Good," Ozpin nodded. "Now normally I'd ban you from taking your weapon outside of academy grounds," Ozpin gave a small smile at the look of horror on the boy's face which had mostly been neutral until just now. "But since yours lack any firearms, I shall allow some leniency with that."
Gin let out a sigh of relief.
"However, you will be prohibited from participating in your first team mission and the Vytal tournament. And yes, that means that you're teammates will have to make do without you. Along with a week of detention with Miss Glynda," said Ozpin. "Now, this goes without saying but any such incidents in the future will be met with harsher consequences that tread on expulsion."
"Understood sir," he bowed again. "Thank you and I will endeavour to never bring shame to this academy again."
Fuck, Gin swore in his head. I've never been in detention before. I hope my mom never hears about this or my funeral will have to be close-casket…
0-0-0
"It's been a few days now so I hope you've made progress with your search, little Gin," Cinder Fall asked from her seat on the couch with a sensual tone. Her auburn eyes locked on the hooded boy who stood before her. Gin was dressed in the usual clothes for his meetings with Roman and his lot except he wore his haori this night.
"I think I've found the one you're looking for. Not sure though," He casually replied.
Cinder smiled. "Go on."
"One night while I was meditating, I sensed an Aura from underground. A place I'd never have thought to look. It's really deep too and was outside my range so I only managed to notice it because of how unusual it was. But I can't make out its details so I'm not sure if this is the one."
Cinder hummed, "Unsatisfactory but not surprising. See if you can get closer to this underground Aura and procure me more details."
"I've already tried that," said Gin.
"Then try harder," Cinder ordered.
"... Understood."
Cinder nodded, pleased. Then she paused for a few seconds in contemplation. "There's something else I want you to find. It should give off an unusual energy as well, though I'm uncertain if you can feel it. Regardless, your Aura technique will make it easier for you than most."
"Alright. So what is this thing that I should be looking for? Some object I assume?" Gin asked.
"Correct," Cinder confirmed. "You'll receive a picture later but for now, the object is an elaborate crown that one can easily tell is valuable even from a glance. The kind you would find in a museum except it is most certainly inside Beacon Academy. I trust you will be able to deduce where such a treasure would likely be kept?"
"It will be done," Gin said with confidence that he didn't truly feel.
Cinder gave a vulpine smile as she purred, "Good boy."
0-0-0
"Condescending bitch," Gin muttered, walking through the city streets with a scowl. He was still in a bad mood because of what happened with the headmaster and his meeting with Fall made him feel even worse.
He didn't even want to come tonight in the first place and had asked Roman to move it tomorrow, but apparently, a 'runt grunt' like him didn't have the privilege to decide the schedules.
Fuck that flamboyant shithead. That insult isn't even clever.
Gods, Gin wanted to hit something but Swordsmen don't throw tantrums. He sighed, I wonder if Velvet would like to sit on those columns again and talk.
Just as Gin was about to pass an alleyway, the noise of a crash alerted his ears. The sound came from deep within the alleyway.
And the origin of it was a faunus who had been violently shoved into some trash cans.
"H-Hey, come on guys. Y-You don't have to do this," The faunus nervously tried to reason with the men before. He was a young man with the floppy ears of a canine while his attackers were obviously humans.
"Course we do," One of the men replied with a smirk. "Everyone knows that you're not supposed to feed wild animals or they're gonna stop being scared of humans and start coming into our homes. But some idiots just can't help themselves and now it's up to me and my boys to remind you animals of how scary humans are."
The men laughed among themselves before they postured by cracking their knuckles to intimidate the helpless faunus. And it was working, though only because the faunus was a civilian. And for someone who partook in a certain profession,
It was almost adorable.
"You're actually right," A mirthful voice rang from behind the men. "It IS stupid to feed wild animals and we should keep them scared of people for safety's sake. Allow me to help with that too."
They all turned towards the source of that voice and saw a short person with a hood over his features. The one who spoke before gave a light laugh, "That's cute kid, but fuck off. We don't like to share and there's only one animal here."
Gin grinned like a person in an argument, whose opponent actually followed the script they pre-planned in their head.
"Only one? What are you talking about?" He asked. "I see one. Two. Three. Four. And five animals in front of me," His words were slowly spoken and the numbers were emphasised by Steel Seer pointing at each of the men.
The sole exception was the faunus whose whose eyes widened at the clear provocation. He saw the thugs tensed up in anger and he yelled at the kid to just run away and call for help instead.
The faunus soon realised that it was unnecessary because around 15 seconds later, the kid stood among the fallen thugs without even a single scratch. Whereas, the thugs were groaning and writhing in pain on the floor.
"Are you alright, sir?" The kid asked while offering a hand to him.
Huntsman, he realised. And the thugs no doubt did too by now. "Y-Yeah, I'm good," He grabbed the hand and let himself get pulled up. "Thanks for the help, dude."
"My pleasure," Gin replied. "In fact, I should be thanking you for giving me the chance to relieve some stress."
He gave an awkward laugh, "No problem. Uh, I'm Bryan by the way." This time, it was him who extended a hand.
"Gin Suzume," He replied while shaking Bryan's hand. Then he pointed a thumb at the thugs, "So, I don't suppose you want to take their money, do you? It's only fair after what they did to you."
"What? N-No, of course not. We don't need to go that far."
"Hmm. Do you want to call the cops instead? If so, I'd rather you not mention me or keep it vague," said Gin who suddenly regretted giving his name.
"Yeah, sure. I wasn't gonna call them anyway. I don't want to deal with this mess at all," Bryan explained.
Gin raised a brow at him but he didn't question it. "Very well. Will you be able to get home on your own?"
"Yeah."
Gin nodded at him and bid him farewell before turning around to the thugs with a grin. "Oi, small fries! Consider yourselves fortunate that Bryan here is a bigger man than all of you and that I don't bully the weak. Otherwise, you all would've lost your belongings and gained some broken bones."
Then he strode past their bruised bodies, "So, take this as a sign to quit this lifestyle or someday, someone less merciful than I will cull you like the weed that you are."
When they were sure that the guy left the alleyway, one of the writhing thugs weakly groaned, "Asshole talks fucking stupid…"
Glad I wasn't the only one who thought the kid talked weird, Bryan thought while hurrying out of the alleyway. But I'm not going to talk shit about my saviour. Must just be a Huntsman quirk anyway.
0-0-0
And so, Gin left the alleyway with his sour mood gone and replaced with a much better one.
Doing a good deed was its own reward after all, the stress relief was just a bonus. It was almost enough to make him entirely forget about all the shitty things that happened today.
Oh hey, wait a minute, A realisation struck him. I should tell Velvet about how I saved a faunus and beat up some racists. Hell yeah, she's going to love that. And by extension, she's going to love ME.
Gin cackled as if he had just told another one of his jokes out loud. A creepy sight to an observer, no doubt. This would explain why the random pedestrian in front of Gin had suddenly paused in her steps and awkwardly crossed the street while trying to not make it look obvious.
It didn't work but she shouldn't have bothered because Gin didn't notice her at all. Too lost in his fantasies at the moment. Fantasies that must have been quite inappropriate from the perverted smile on his face.
However, his expression suddenly turned into shock and confusion when his Aura Sense noticed something. An Aura all too familiar to him. Belonging to one of the few people he didn't want to meet within this city.
Why is she here? A coincidence or did she come here for me? Did our plan to throw them off our trail fail? What should I do? Tell Jaune? Has she sensed me already? No, her Aura Sensing isn't as good as mine. But wait, I shouldn't be so close-minded when it comes to the things she can do. Maybe I should talk to her first? Such frantic filled the nervous boy's head as he stood for a long while. Until finally, he made up his mind.
0-0-0
Inside a public park that should have been devoid of people due to being closed, a tall woman lay on the grass before a lake. A serene smile adorned her visage, which paired with her closed eyes would make any observer believe that she was in a deep slumber.
The illusion was soon shattered by her words, "My oh my, what a cruel nephew I have. Keeping his beautiful aunt waiting for this long. Tsk tsk tsk."
. . .
"In my defence," Gin began with a grimace. "I didn't know you were expecting me, Auntie… Or that you would even be in Vale at all."
"Fair enough." Kyouka Sasaki finally opened her eyes to grin at her nephew before standing and grabbing her weapon which had been lying next to her. Spreading her arms, she approached the boy with delight, "Nephew!"
"Please don't pick me up," Gin begged quickly.
"I refuse!" Then she lifted him in the air with a tight hug.
Gin released a defeated sigh as he tried to hug her back while being helplessly spun around like a stuffed doll by his giant aunt. This went on for a few more seconds until his aunt was satisfied and he was placed back on the ground.
"Oh? I believe that you've shrunk a little since we last saw each other, dear nephew," Kyouka teased.
"Probably. And I noticed that your pectorals are still as strong as a steel wall," Gin retorted without missing a beat.
Kyouka let out a hearty laugh, "Ah. How I've missed you, nephew. We could've met a lot sooner if you had been there when I visited your parents in Ansel. I was quite heartbroken by that, you know."
His lips thinned with his expression turning stiff, "Yeah… So, I assume you came to Vale for me?"
"Indeed. And it was none other than your parents who directed me here." She laughed, "That letter wasn't as clever as you children thought."
Gin rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Right. So, are you here to bring me back or something?"
"Bah. Leave that for later." Kyouka fell to her knees and plopped onto the grass to lay her head on her arms after placing her weapon beside her, "Right now, your beautiful aunt demands a massage!"
Gin wasn't entirely comfortable with prolonging the topic he was worried about. But he could never help indulging his Aunt. "… You know, you could've at least brought a mat," Gin pointed out.
"It's fine it's fiineee," She nonchalantly replied while swinging her feet back and forth.
Gin let out a sigh and got to his knees while laying his sword down. "Why do you have to be such a vagabond, aunt? Wandering warriors are only cool in fiction because you can't smell them."
"I can still slap you from this position, dear nephew," Kyouka said with a smile.
"Yes yes," Gin replied as he proceeded to massage her back. She let out a sigh of pleasure and closed her eyes to enjoy the massage.
"I notice that you're still wearing that haori I bought for you," said Kyouka.
"Well, of course. It's my favourite." A thought struck him, bringing a smile to his face. "And hey, I've made a modification to it. Take a look for a second."
Gin shifted a bit from his position so that he could show the emblem on his back with a proud look.
. . .
Pride turned into confusion when no reaction came for a few seconds. So he called out to his aunt who had been gazing at the emblem with an indiscernible expression.
Closing her eyes again, Kyouka smiled and returned to her relaxed posture. "Heh. A beautiful design," She complimented. "And I also see what you did there, you clever little rascal."
Gin grinned. He knew that she would be able to get it.
The boy returned to his position and continued massaging his aunt again. "So nephew, I would like to hear tales of your life here in this city," said Kyouka.
Hesitating for only a second or two, Gin decided that there would be no harm in that so he began regaling tales of his time here in the city and in Beacon Academy since she already knew about that part.
Kyouka listened to him with an enthusiasm that she didn't show in most things. She asked questions, made jokes and was overall actively engaged in this conversation which made Gin quite happy and put more energy into his massage. Though, he had to lie when it came to the parts involving his criminal activities.
Maybe I should tell her, Gin suddenly thought. She's not the most responsible but she's an actual adult and family. Most importantly, she's the strongest person I know. Her help would be significant. Especially when I'm so–
Gin promptly banished the idea.
"Is there something wrong?" Kyouka asked as she tilted her head.
"Nothing," Gin replied, a bit too quickly. He realised that he had paused the massage. But instead of continuing, he decided it was time to stop prolonging the main conversation.
"So Auntie," Gin began while leaning back in a composed seiza. "I don't suppose it's time for the main topic of the night? It's quite late now and we ARE trespassing in this park."
"Hmm. Fair point." Kyouka stretched her arms before shifting into a sideways position where her head was supported by an arm. "Ahhh. Your massages are as exquisite as ever, dear nephew. Now, what would you like to know?"
"Did my parents send you?"
"Why yes. Your mother was quite furious with you."
Gin turned as pale as a corpse, causing Kyouka to laugh at the sight of him. "That was a white lie, nephew. Sister-in-law is a little upset but it's nothing so serious."
Gin gave a huge breath of relief at that before glaring at her. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack, woman?!"
Kyouka laughed again, "You're still much too young to worry about things like that, child."
Gin sighed with an irritated expression. "Well, how are my parents doing these days?"
"Why don't you call and ask them yourself?"
"... Because I'm scared to speak to them." He admitted.
"Hmm. If you're worried about their disapproval of your attempt to become a Huntsman, then you can put that fear to rest. They've accepted your resolve since you're willing to go this far."
"H–Huh?" Gin was in disbelief.
"Indeed," Kyouka nodded. "I was serious when I suggested to call them. Your parents really wish to hear from you, dear nephew. And It's best for all of you to have a conversation about this."
. . .
"Yeah, you're right," Gin finally relented after a while. "I'll… I'll reach out to them as soon as possible."
"Good," Kyouka said with a pleased smile. "Now, there's something that I've wanted to speak about with you. And it's in regards to how I heard that your motive for becoming a Huntsman was merely to spite the clan."
"W–Well, that's just one of the many reasons," Gin defended himself. "Being a Huntsman has numerous benefits."
"Hmm. That IS true," Kyouka admitted. "It certainly made my life easier."
"Huh?" Gin looked confused. "What does that mean? You're not a Huntress."
"Oh, but I am," Kyouka grinned.
"What?!" He exclaimed.
"Why the surprise? Do you think that I can not do it?"
"Well, not exactly. You're certainly strong enough but… aren't there other qualifications?"
"There are and I qualified for most of them. It seems that was enough to be granted the title." Kyouka shrugged, "Unsurprising considering that more Huntsmen are always welcome in the face of the endless Grimm horde."
"I guess so…" said Gin. "But what about the clan? Did they allow it?"
"Of course not. But I did it anyway." Kyouka snorted, "I'm positive that you would have appreciated their expressions and reactions."
Gin was speechless.
He supposed that it wouldn't be strange for Kyouka to get away with something like that in the clan. She was one of the very few who could. And she was right, he really would've liked to see their reactions when she told them the news.
A small laugh left his mouth. The thought of Kyouka becoming a Huntress would have them absolutely frothing. After all, she was the most talented prodigy in the clan and the current wielder of the Monohoshizao, the ancestral sword of the Sasaki clan. Even if he succeeded in his own goal to become a Huntsman, it would have nowhere near the same impact as Kyouka becoming a Huntress.
Then what was the point anymore?
. . .
"Say nephew, I've been quite curious about your sword for a while. Might I have a look?" Kyouka asked.
"Uh sure," Gin obliged and handed Steel Seer over and Kyouka sat up to inspect the weapon.
"So it's true. I thought it was a simple shirasaya at first," Kyouka commented as he clicked it open. "But it's been adjusted for more practical use. The ejection function will eliminate the short delay when drawing the sword. The gap in the side of the hilt prevents you from mistaking where the edge is facing. The smooth wooden hilt could cause a hand to slip but Aura can prevent that." She nodded slowly in approval, "A fine piece indeed. My elder brother's work, correct?"
"Yeah. He's the one who even came up with all that," Gin beamed at the praise given to his father's gift.
"I thought as much. And this blade. Traditional folded steel, correct?" Kyouka asked.
"No," Gin shook his head. "High carbon steel."
Kyouka was surprised because she had assumed that it was traditional steel because of the hamon pattern on the edge. She ran a finger through the blade. "Then this is purely coating? No, I can tell that this katana has seen its fair share of use. So how does it maintain its colour? The spine is too dark and the hamon is too white to be natural."
"Yeah, that's because it's not," Gin explained. "I bought it online from someone who apparently has a semblance that can permanently change the colour of an inorganic object. Or something along those lines."
"Ahh, I see." Kyouka continued to gaze at the blade, "How novel. It sparks an urge in me to colour the Monohshizao as well. I wonder if I should make a commission."
"The clan elders might get a heart attack if you did that. You should do it."
Kyouka laughed, "I'll keep that in mind. Incidentally, I see that this sword doesn't have a handguard. A curious choice."
"Huh? What do you mean? That's one of our clan's practices," Gin pointed.
She smiled, "Indeed. The notion that any protection aside from Aura and the handle is a sign of weakness, including the guard. I had just assumed that you would want to distance yourself from… "our" clan as much as possible."
Gin's brows furrowed, "I… guess so. But I don't think something like this warrants that much thought. It was just a whim. And what's with that weird emphasis on the word "our"?"
Kyouka shrugged her shoulders, "Well, I just find it odd that you would still consider yourself a part of the clan in spite of everything. I would've thought you didn't see them as family at all."
Gin was completely taken aback. "W–What? That's not… true. I don't consider myself a part of the clan and well I wouldn't call them family but we're all still blood related, are we not?"
"I suppose so. Well regardless," Kyouka sheathed his sword and handed it back to Gin before standing up with her sword. "Come nephew. I wish to see how much you've grown."
Gin hesitated for a few seconds. The previous conversation made him feel uneasy but he didn't want to look weak so he accepted. The two then moved a little away from the lake to a wider space.
And so, aunt and nephew stood a few feet away from each other, their swords drawn in their respective stances. Both baring a symbol of a bird on their back. Kyouka stood sideways and held her sword behind her with the pommel pointed at her opponent which fully hid the length of her sword. A common tactic as distance was an important variable in a sword duel, which is why most if not all stances seek to disguise their sword's length.
And yet, his stance discards all of that, Kyouka thought with an amused smile.
Gin stood sideways with his reverse-gripped sword held in front of him. The tip pointed at the ground, brazenly displaying the length of his sword.
Aura Realm
Kyouka supposed that trying to hide their swords was pointless since they both knew Aura Realm, but she suspected that Gin did it even against opponents who didn't have that technique.
They had a few unspoken rules. One was obviously prohibiting Gin's Semblance. Another was the ban of Aura Realms during the melee. Because if Kyouka used it, it would mess up Gin's Aura Sense so he would have to use Aura Realm too if he wished to perceive Kyouka's movements. And since they were using real steel, it would be even more dangerous.
Neither made the first move as both used a style mainly focused on counterattacks. But eventually, Gin was the first to lose his patience and charge forward. He wanted to get into close quarters and rob his aunt of her reach advantage. To accomplish that, his plan involved his aunt making a swing when he got into her range.
There was no point in dodging her swings because she could use the Tsubame Gaeshi in any direction. So, Gin would instead block the swing and slide in for close quarters. But he had to anticipate the stroke perfectly as Kyouka was fast enough for there to be no delay between her attack and the aura surge.
When Gin felt Kyouka take a step forward, he was prepared for a horizontal or diagonal swing in any direction and a downward vertical swing. He didn't bother anticipating an upward vertical swing as the odachi was too long for that.
It was a mistake to believe that common sense would apply to Kyouka Sasaki.
Shocked, Gin couldn't even stop the reflexing widening of his eyes when Monohoshizao rose from beneath the ground. He barely dodged by moving his head before the blade could hit his chin and instead hit his ear and would've sliced it off were it not for Aura.
Tsubame Gaeshi
The vertical swing seamlessly morphed into a diagonal swing that struck his neck and forced him to the ground with a heavy thud.
Thus, the boy lay flat on his side with the odachi still pressed against his neck. Utterly defeated.
"T–That was so fucking stupid," Gin complained while harshly coughing. "I know the ground is dirt and soil but how did it not slow your sword at all?!"
"Well, that's to be expected when you consider my ability to use the Tsubame Gaeshi in unusual variations, no?" Kyouka wore a smug smile. She had already sheathed her sword with a flourish on her back.
Gin sat up while rubbing his neck with a scowl, "Yeah, but don't you think a mirror variation is too much? Fuck that shouldn't even be possible."
Kyouka shrugged. "Well regardless, it appears that you have improved. A year ago, that strike would've hit your chin and ended it in one swing."
That didn't make him feel any better at all. "Tch. So in one year, I've improved so much that I can last two swings. Nice."
Kyouka gave a wry sigh. Her adorable nephew always became less cute after a loss. "On a different note," She began, "Have you begun training with firearms? They will no doubt help you in your pursuits as a Huntsman."
"Huh? You already know that I'm never going to use guns. You don't either."
"Because I am a Huntress in name only. A Swordswoman is my first and foremost pursuit," Kyouka explained with a smile. "Besides, I never planned on taking my Huntress duties properly."
"... Ignoring how unethical and illegal that sounds," said Gin. "I'm the same. A Swordsman before a Hunstman."
. . .
"Perhaps… you shouldn't be," Kyouka delivered those words as gently as possible.
And yet Gin looked like he'd just been slapped in the face.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Gin asked, agitation clear on his face.
"Tell me, nephew. What is a genius?" Kyouka suddenly asked.
"... An unlikable bastard," Gin answered with an annoyed frown.
She gave a short laugh, "That's one among many correct answers, I suppose. But the most obvious answer is someone with great talent. Some examples are myself and that boy Toshiro."
Gin wouldn't deny that even if he could. His aunt aside, Toshiro was the only cousin who had been nice to him when he was younger and would sometimes help him against the others when he could. Even as a child, Toshiro was strong and promising so he did not doubt that he was even better now. All this meant that Gin had no qualms about giving him the respect he deserved.
"Speaking of the boy," Kyouka continued, "Did you know that he wishes to become head of the clan and reform it? He might even succeed considering that he has an eye for these things."
Gin scoffed. Toshiro might be extraordinary but he was no miracle worker. Kyouka chuckled at his reaction. "Ah, but I digress. Now as I was saying, talent–"
"I'm all too aware of how talentless I am if that's what you're implying," Gin harshly interrupted.
"Close, but not quite," Kyouka was ever patient and calm. "What I am trying to say is that you have talent, dear nephew. Unfortunately, it is not with the sword."
Gin desperately tried to keep his expression blank like he'd always done but he had little success tonight. So, he kept his head down to hide his face.
Kyouka softened her expression and gave a small sigh. "I'm sorry, nephew. I do not wish to disparage you but it pains me to see you stagnate and limit yourself. Your fixation towards swordsmanship is understandable as the influence of the Sasaki clan runs deep in you."
"And it is a curse that chains you," Kyouka continued. "Even your father was the same but he has rid himself of it. I assume you would too but I failed to realise that the curse was much stronger on you. Which is why I have decided to give you a little push."
. . .
"Then what?" Gin finally spoke, though he still kept his head down. "What am I supposed to do? Do you want me to fully commit to being a Huntsman? Discard my sword and take up a firearm?"
"I shall let you decide."
"Oh really? What if I decide to keep being a Swordsman?"
"Then I will not stop you. I only wish to give you a little push after all," Kyouka had a loving look towards her blood.
"... What does it matter? As long as I have my Semblance, I'm unbeatable even with just a sword."
"Perhaps," Kyouka conceded. "But I believe that you aren't truly happy with that."
. . .
"Which is why," Kyouka continued, "there is one last thing I wish to impart to you, and it is regarding your talent with Aura."
Gin twitched. He slowly looked back up to his aunt with curiosity.
"You are more than just your Semblance, dear nephew. After all, you already mastered all the Aura techniques years ago," Kyouka turned around and walked a few steps away from him. "And we had assumed that there was no more progress to be had. However, we were wrong to think that the techniques taught by the clan were the only ones that existed."
"... There's more?" Gin asked.
"Indeed. I had stumbled upon such a technique months ago. Born from a simple idea I had." Kyouka unsheathed Monohoshizao and turned to face him, "I shall demonstrate it to you. This technique that I have named, the Talon's Embrace."
Gin was given no chance to even say anything before she took the stance of the Tsubame Gaeshi and aimed the point at him. The distance between them was long enough that Gin didn't feel nervous, but that changed when he felt Kyouka's Aura coalescing around her sword. The telltale sign of an Aura Arc or Ripple.
Kyouka didn't tell him to take a stance or anything so Gin hesitated to stand was stuck in a kneeling position, unsure of what to do. In the end, his worries were for nothing when Kyouka made her move.
Talon's Embrace
Monoshizao was thrust forward, and from its length came three purple slashes in three different directions. They were reminiscent of a talon about to grasp its prey before the slashes viciously crashed into each other at the centre and dissipated. These lines of Aura had doubled the reach of the sword and came incredibly close to Gin so he reflexively flinched back and fell onto his butt.
He stared for several seconds with wide eyes, not quite believing what he just saw.
Was that an Aura Arc? Gin wondered. No, it was similar but extremely different…
"I haven't perfected it quite yet," said Kyouka while returning her sword to her sheath, "but I believe that you already understood it from that one look," said Kyouka who returned her sword to her sheath.
"... Yeah," said Gin. "That was… simple. But it would be an effective attack. Especially against someone who's not aware of it."
"Quite. And I suspect that you can replicate it easily and even create more techniques. Your Aura mastery is better than even I, after all." Kyouka wore a proud smile, both directed at herself and her beloved nephew who stared, not quite sure what to say.
"Now, it's about time that I take my leave," said Kyouka, closing her eyes. "Anything further than this and I would be coddling you so I shall leave you to your thoughts. I know for certain you will come out of it a better man." She truly wished that she could stay longer, but she was aware that her presence would only cause him discomfort right now.
"Farewell, nephew."
And so, Kyouka turned around and Gin was left under the night sky.
End of Chapter
Hell yeah, I said that I would bring Fate/Stay Night's Tsubame Gaeshi into this and here it is. But not exactly the same thing cuz I wanted to do something a little different.
I was going to upload this chapter much earlier but I wanted to polish it as much as I could because it's one of the most important chapters. Honestly, I'm not quite satisfied with the end result, mostly because my friend whom I asked to proofread only this chapter said the wording got much better as the chapter progressed.
That made me realize that I didn't put much effort into the non-Kyouka sections. I did such a huge face-palm but I don't have time to fix it because my semester exams are next week and I didn't want to delay this chapter any further. Ugh. And the exams are gonna pummel my motivation to write again.
I'll try not to let that happen or at the very least, I won't take this long to update again. In fact, I'm going to make it a challenge right now. If I don't update before the end of next month, Imma die.