[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Fuji Naoko

"I am not alone in protecting the village, every shinobi does as well. The way you are training to become shinobi, you will one day take up protecting our village and country too. These are not nothing's..." It was interesting that Naoko believed him to be the shell to the much more fragile turtle - the village. Indeed, it was Toru's job to defend until death the country and village that he loved and served. But he was not alone, and perhaps at times it was an irony that he had bodyguards.

"Like the sea." He agreed with this sentiment, nodding slightly as the younger girl sat down nearby inquiring as to what his answer might be if he was given the very same question.

Toru's gaze wandered towards the bokken that were now momentarily abandoned in favor of conversation. It had been a question once asked of him, perhaps not in those exact words but he remembered the moment that his purpose came into reality, when everything came into distinct and crystal clear focus.

It was the day he became a Kaguya, when he had shed the name Himura in place of his adoptive mother's family and name.

"When I was in the academy my desires with a sword were vengeful and dark. They would not have served anyone but myself. It became different later," Toru was not certain that it would be appropriate to share his entire life with Naoko so he kept the lines of the conversation blurry, except for the message of his answer. "A burning desire to protect those that I love, that I care about most. This feeling has spread and now covers the nation. What do I wish to accomplish with a sword in hand? The protection and constant improvement of the nation I call home."

OWL

[Fuji Naoko]

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-  -  -  the way of the sword -  -  -

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Her body relaxed noticeably as Toru would elaborate. Her shoulders lowered and her lips mouthed along slightly the word "nothings”. A big part of her wanted to let out a long and loud "Oooooooh” but instead she listened patiently. So she had misunderstood the question after all. It was starting to make sense now to the student.

Naoko nodded along every once in a while and her ears perked even more when it looked like Toru would go into some backstory. Was this it? The explanation of the saga of how Toru came from orphan to Mizukage? Her hands clutched at her skirt and she bit her lower lip in anticipation!

Apparently, today was not the day to find out all the details and she mentally toppled over from hyperfocusing. It was still interesting to learn that Toru-sama had gone through something dark. A lot darker than the average struggles of Naoko, it seemed. Not that she could really compare them. Everyone had their own trauma to deal with and Naoko’s was deeper set than she would realize for a while ahead. Right now she could stay blissfully ignorant and only react and empathize to the things around her.

”You did so well.” she said after reaching out to tap his hand - like an old person would congratulate the young… Did Naoko maybe have an old soul? She also sounded moved like she was really proud of Toru and might cry.

”I think I understand what you mean about the reason now, Toru-sama. I thought it was something that I’m capable right now but you meant something that I would want in the future. So… like a wish.” she’d reach out for one of the bokken and sat it in her lap to stare at. When she would have a real blade, would she know better?

”Sensei, I want to protect Kirigakure but… I don’t know how to word it so that it rings true to me. So that it truly conveys what I feel.” Perhaps in the near future, after experiencing some stress, she would understand.

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TAG : Kaguya Toru || WORDS : 000 || NOTES : 6+

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[Kaguya Toru]

I would know him in death At the end of the world Fuji Naoko

The Mizukage had not expected the light tap against his folded hands, physical contact was simply not something he was used to in great amounts throughout his life. In truth, the last time someone had properly touched him in this manner had been the previous Mizukage and his adoptive mother, and that too had been a rare occasion. She had been a dutiful woman, mysterious at times, there always seemed to be trouble brewing in her eyes, distance constantly growing until it tore her away from the village.

It was strange to receive this affection from someone younger than him, a student of his in this case. Very strange.

The girl expressed her uncertainty in her voice and her expression and Toru nodded.

"Then this is something to improve, as shinobi we must not only improve our bodies and abilities, but our minds as well. We can never be satisfied with our weaknesses and strive for constant betterment." It was something that Toru held swiftly to his own heart, and he hoped that the shinobi and future shinobi of Kirigakure no Sato would hold true to themselves as well.

Betterment, for the village and country.

"You must gain confidence not only in how you move, but in yourself. Hesitation may be your undoing in the future."

OWL

[Fuji Naoko]

 .

-  -  -  the way of the sword -  -  -

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It was like a glass shattering noise. Naoko’s eyes grew wider and then she looked away for a little while. There was silence. Only rainfall made noise in the room and the very quiet breathing of both teacher and student.

Maybe, maybe she was supposed to see herself as a part of everything. Perhaps it was not only Naoko and then the world. Perhaps everything was connected and, in that sense, one should honor their blade like the world around them.

”I get it now.” she backed up on her feet and stood up. ”I’ll do better now.” the pale student announced and picked up her mock weapon again.

She took the same stance as before with her wooden blade above her head and stayed there. This time, if needed, she could stay there for about an hour. Some things could be in the mind. With this new clarity, Naoko could do more.

This would also inspire the girl to train even harder in her spare time. The heavy rainfall outdoors couldn’t break her focus. The girl had turned a page. It was like instantly she was more aware of all of herself and her surroundings.

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TAG : Kaguya Toru || WORDS : 000 || NOTES : 6+

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