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mononijikayu · 3 months

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mr. kupido ― itadori yuji.

This was much more evident with each passing day that you were around him. Nothing felt right without you. Yuji is shaken by the fact that he cannot live without seeing you wave at him in the morning. He could not go without you greeting him at the training ground. He didn’t feel content without you seeing him off in each and every mission. Every time he saw you, whether it was in the classroom, the training grounds, or simply passing by in the hallway, his heart would skip a beat. A rush of warmth and happiness would wash over him, leaving him breathless and longing for more.

GENRE: Fearsome Womb Arc, 2018;

WARNING/s: Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Banter, Romance, Falling in Love, Young Love, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Curse Hunting, Gojo-Sensei is Cupid;

masterlist

note: i told myself that i should stop writing and get napping but i got an idea while listening to music, don't mind me please. i'm just really making all the time of semester break matter!!! genmei by the way is my oc from us and them, which im trying to plot,,,,,anyway please enjoy this!!! <3333

listen: mr. kupido by rachel alejandro

ITADORI YUJI WAS HE NEVER REALLY FELT LIKE THIS BEFORE. In the bustling corridors of Jujutsu High, amidst the chaos of students in the training ground, there was one person who stood out from the crowd – Yuji Itadori. With his infectious grin and boundless energy, Yuji seemed to light up the room wherever he went. But behind that charismatic facade lay a secret that weighed heavily on his heart.

Yuji Itadori had fallen deeply, irrevocably in love. And the object of his affection? None other than you, his classmate. From the moment he first laid eyes on you around Jujutsu High, Yuji was sure that he was never gonna forget about you. Immediately, when you introduced yourself – he was just completely captivated by your presence, your laughter, your every movement. Everything about you just screamed life. And he needed that.

But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Itadori Yuji found himself consumed with all these overwhelming feelings. Yuji was unable to shake off the want of you, everything of you and it just burns him. It seemed that every waking moment was filled with thoughts of how he could keep this secret any longer, how he could continue to hide the depths of his emotions from you.

As he navigated the halls of Jujutsu High, Yuji grappled with his feelings, torn between the fear of rejection and the longing for something more. He didn’t know what to do. He wanted to tell you. To make it clear that there was no one else that had made his heart bigger. Nothing that had become his roman empire more than the thought of you loving him back. And as each day passed, the weight of his secret grew heavier, threatening to crush him under its unbearable burden.

But despite the turmoil raging within him, Yuji couldn't deny the undeniable truth – his love grows for you every day. And he couldn’t be happier about it. His heart skips a beat at the thought of you. He was consumed by you, and he could never fight it. He didn’t want to. Because he wanted you. He wanted to be happy together with you.

Yuji stood there, weighing his options. He lets out a deep breath, huffing out frustration in a groan soon after. He knew that he could no longer keep this secret hidden away. It was time to muster up the courage to confess his feelings, to lay his heart bare and hope for the best. He wanted to be brave and put his heart out there. But there was a problem weighing heavily on his mind.

He didn’t want to lose you this way. He had thought about it before. He didn’t have the courage to fan the flames for fear of scorching the delicate fabric of your friendship. For a long time, he had kept telling himself that he was already content having you in his life as a friend. The thought of confessing his feelings to you filled Yuji with a potent mixture of excitement and dread. Megumi had told him that it was time to do it, Kugisaki had told him to stop being a coward.

As days turned into nights, and the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Tokyo Jujutsu High campus, Yuji found himself locked in an internal struggle. The words lingered on the tip of his tongue, a confession waiting to be set free into the world, yet the weight of uncertainty held him captive.

His friends, blissfully unaware of the emotional tempest brewing within him, teased and joked about matters of the heart. But they couldn't fathom the depth of the turmoil Yuji was enduring. Nights turned into sleepless introspections, as he replayed the scenario endlessly in his mind, a perpetual loop of 'what ifs.'

He found himself in a ceaseless cycle of self-reflection, meticulously analyzing every possible outcome of the impending confession. A relentless parade of scenarios, each one more daunting than the last, paraded through his thoughts. Would you reciprocate his feelings, or would his declaration become the catalyst for a chasm that would forever alter the dynamics of their friendship?

Yuji, a prisoner of his own overactive mind, navigated the labyrinth of his emotions. A to Z, he scrutinized every conceivable permutation of events, contemplating the consequences of baring his soul to you. What if the words he longed to speak shattered the delicate equilibrium they had cultivated over time?

The fear of breaking the fragile harmony between them haunted him like a ghost, whispering doubts into the recesses of his consciousness. He envisioned a landscape of awkwardness and regret, where the warmth of your friendship would be replaced by a chilling awkwardness, a ghostly reminder of what once was.

The mere prospect of losing you, not just as a confidant but as the anchor of his daily existence, sent shivers down his spine. The shadow of potential regret loomed over him, casting a pall over his every waking moment. It was a paralyzing fear, one that gripped his heart and refused to let go.

As the clock ticked away, each second echoing in the chambers of his hesitation, Yuji grappled with the decision to finally unburden himself of this emotional weight or continue to navigate the labyrinth of uncertainty that lay before him. The battleground was set within his own mind, and the war between desire and fear raged on, leaving him standing on the precipice of a choice that could reshape the course of their relationship forever.

Faced with the daunting prospect of baring his soul to you, Yuji sought solace in the wisdom of one man – Gojo Satoru, the enigmatic and all-knowing sorcerer who seemed to possess an answer to every problem under the sun. With a heavy heart and a stomach full of butterflies, Yuji embarked on a quest to seek Gojo's guidance, determined to navigate the treacherous waters of love with the help of his eccentric sensei.

As Yuji approached Gojo's office, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy coursing through his veins. He knocked on the door, his knuckles rapping against the wood in a rhythm that mirrored the erratic beat of his heart.

"Come in," Gojo's voice echoed from within, a playful lilt dancing in his words.

Yuji pushed open the door and stepped into the room, his eyes widening at the sight before him. Gojo, adorned in his trademark flashy attire and sporting his signature blindfold, lounged on a throne-like chair, surrounded by a myriad of colorful plush toys and bizarre trinkets.

"Ah, Yuji my boy!" Gojo exclaimed, a grin stretching across his face. "What brings you to my humble abode?"

Yuji cleared his throat, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Um, Sensei, I... I need your help with something."

Gojo leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, let me guess…..is it about young love?" he mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. Gojo Satoru grins.

"I've been expecting this moment. Fear not, Yuji! Sensei is here to assist you on your quest for romance!"

Yuji blinked in surprise, unsure of what to make of Gojo's theatrical display. "Um, thank you, Sensei. It's just that... I'm in love with them, but I don't know how to tell them."

Gojo's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he listened to Yuji's confession. "Ah, a classic tale of unrequited love! But fear not, Yuji, for I have just the solution to your conundrum. Consider me your personal cupid!"

As Gojo reveled in his grand plan, the door swung open, and Fushiguro Megumi entered the room with his signature deadpan expression. "This is the worst idea you could have ever had," he deadpanned, his gaze fixed firmly on Gojo.

Nobara Kugisaki followed closely behind, her laughter echoing through the room as she glanced at Yuji. "Gojo-sensei is gonna sink your love life," she teased, her tone laced with playful sarcasm. "Just tell them how you feel!"

Gojo faked a gasp of offense, feigning shock at Fushiguro and Nobara teasing remarks. "You two are so rude! I romanced my own wife, thank you very much," he protested, his tone laced with mock indignation.

But Fushiguro wasn't about to let Gojo off the hook so easily. "Genmei-san didn’t choose you in the first place," he pointed out with a hint of skepticism, his gaze unwavering as he met Gojo's eyes.

Nobara, ever the mischievous one, added fuel to the fire with a knowing smirk. "Yeah, didn’t she tell us that she would have chosen Nanami-san instead of you?" she teased, settling comfortably onto Gojo's black sofa.

A genuine frown crossed Gojo's face, his playful facade crumbling as he defended his honor. "Nu-uh! She didn’t! I’m the one she actually likes!" he insisted, a note of desperation creeping into his voice.

Fushiguro rolled his eyes, unimpressed by Gojo's protests. "Can you just tell us the mission and be done with this mess?" he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest in a display of impatience.

Gojo's pride stung as he awaited Yuji's affirmation, his confidence momentarily shaken by Fushiguro and Nobara's teasing. "I can’t believe this, my own son!" he exclaimed dramatically, feigning betrayal at Fushiguro's casual dismissal.

Fushiguro merely raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Gojo's theatrics. "I'm not your son," he deadpanned, his tone laced with dry sarcasm as he met Gojo's gaze with an unyielding stare.

Meanwhile, Yuji squirmed uncomfortably under their scrutiny, a blush creeping up his cheeks as he attempted to defend Gojo's plan. "Come on, guys, Gojo-sensei knows what he's doing," he insisted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I’m pretty sure he’s romanced Gen-san before! I mean, they’ve been married for a while!"

Gojo's expression softened at Yuji's earnest defense, touched by his student's unwavering trust in him. "Yes, exactly! I am Cupid himself. Tell them that, Yuji!" he urged, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes as he awaited Yuji's affirmation.

With a hesitant nod, Yuji turned to Fushiguro and Nobara, his gaze wavering but determined. "Guys, Gojo-sensei really does have a plan. I think we should trust him," he implored, his voice tinged with uncertainty but genuine belief.

Fushiguro and Nobara exchanged skeptical glances, clearly unconvinced by Gojo's grand claims. But as they watched Yuji's earnest expression and sensed his unwavering faith in their sensei, they couldn't help but soften slightly, begrudgingly giving in to his plea.

With a resigned sigh, Fushiguro relented. "Fine, we'll hear out Gojo-sensei's plan," he conceded, his tone begrudging but willing to entertain the possibility.

Nobara nodded in agreement, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "But if this ends in disaster, Gojo-sensei, you're gonna owe us big time," she warned, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she glanced at the flustered sorcerer.

Gojo lifted a thumb up, an all-mighty grin on his lips. “I won’t fail, don’t worry! Leave it to your great, handsome teacher and Cupid, Satoru Gojo!”

And so, with a tentative truce in place and Gojo's grand plan hanging in the balance, the unlikely quartet prepared to embark on a wild and unpredictable journey of love, laughter, and perhaps a touch of chaos, all under the guidance of the self-proclaimed Cupid himself.

But Fushiguro and Nobara remained unconvinced, exchanging skeptical glances as they watched Gojo eagerly lay out his elaborate scheme. With a resigned sigh, Fushiguro shook his head. "Fine, do whatever you want," he muttered, already bracing himself for the chaos that was sure to follow.

Gojo's heart swelled with pride and excitement as Fushiguro and Nobara reluctantly agreed to hear out his plan. Their skepticism was evident, but the glimmer of hope in Yuji's eyes fueled Gojo's determination to make this grand scheme a success. With a triumphant grin, he turned to Yuji, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes, ready to embark on this adventure of love and laughter.

"Well then, shall we get started?" Gojo exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious as he eagerly laid out the intricate details of his grand scheme. His voice crackled with energy, each word infused with palpable excitement. "First things first, we need to set the stage for the perfect confession!"

“And what would that be?” Megumi raises a brow.

Satoru Gojo looked at all his students and grinned at Yuji, “You’ll see!”

IT WAS QUITE A SURPRISED WHEN GOJO SATORU GAVE YOU A MISSION ON YOUR OWN. You sat there, perched on the edge of your seat, your eyes narrowed with suspicion as you stared at Gojo-sensei. His trademark smirk stretched across his face, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he regarded you with amusement. Something about his demeanor set off alarm bells in your mind, and you couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this meeting than met the eye.

Under the pretense of a routine mission, Gojo-sensei had summoned you to his office, claiming that there was a task at hand that required your immediate attention. But as he began to explain the details of the mission, a sense of unease settled in the pit of your stomach. There was an air of secrecy surrounding Gojo-sensei's words, and you couldn't help but wonder what he was hiding.

You raised a brow at him. “Maki–senpai would be more suited for something like this, maybe Inumaki–senpai too–”

"You’re the one I can trust with this mission, it’s why I called for you.” Gojo-sensei says, his voice smooth and casual as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together in front of him. "We have a special mission that requires your unique skills.”

You narrowed your eyes at his cryptic words, your instincts telling you that there was more to this mission than Gojo-sensei was letting on. He was being weird again, you think to yourself. But then again, he's always weird. That's not something that you really can do anything about. You shrugged at him.

"What kind of mission?" you asked, your voice laced with suspicion as you studied him intently.

Gojo-sensei's smirk widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say it involves something that we highly value." he replied cryptically, a playful glint in his eyes.

Your suspicions only grew stronger at his vague response, and you couldn't help but shoot him a skeptical glare. "And you're not going to tell me what these we highly value, anyway?" you asked, your tone tinged with frustration as you pressed him for answers.

But Gojo-sensei merely chuckled in response, his smirk never faltering as he leaned back in his chair once more. "You'll just have to find out for yourself," he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he watched your reaction.

You sighed at what Gojo-sensei said and nodded. Soon enough you were out into the narrow streets of Tokyo, following the map Gojo-sensei gave you. Much of what you’re going off on was guided by the cryptic instructions he provided. The details were vague, leaving you to navigate the darkened streets and winding alleyways with a sense of uncertainty. An irritated sigh releases from your lips. You should text Megumi about your plot to take revenge on Gojo-sensei. As you ventured deeper into the heart of the city, a palpable anticipation filled the air, mingling with the thick tension that seemed to surround the mission like a heavy cloak.

With each step forward, the sense of unease intensified, as if the very fabric of reality itself was undergoing a disquieting metamorphosis around you. The familiar surroundings of a Jujutsu sorcerer's job began to take on an uncanny and shifting quality. A subtle but perceptible alteration in the atmosphere left you questioning whether this unsettling phenomenon was an intentional part of Gojo's mission, or if it heralded something more enigmatic.

You instinctively reached for your saber, the cool metal providing a reassuring weight against the growing tension. The surroundings, once familiar and predictable, now took on an increasingly foreboding nature. Long shadows twisted and contorted, casting menacing shapes that danced malevolently along the walls. The labyrinthine streets seemed to stretch and coil, as if the city itself was a living, breathing entity responding to an unseen force.

As you continued your journey, hunting down the curses that lurked in the shadows, the palpable feeling of unease persisted. The air crackled with an otherworldly energy, and the tension became a palpable entity, wrapping around you like a suffocating shroud. Was this a side effect of the mission, or had Gojo intentionally woven this disconcerting atmosphere into the fabric of your quest?

Yet, even amidst the swirling chaos and uncertainty, a fierce determination burned within you. Each curse encountered, each challenge faced, only fueled your relentless pursuit of the truth behind Gojo's enigmatic mission. The glimmer of determination within you shone like a beacon, cutting through the ominous ambiance that sought to engulf you.

You rush toward the gurgling curse with fierce determination before you feel the curse burst into pieces. You halt and blink at the dead curse in front of you. As you turned the corner, your eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected sight before you. There, amidst the swirling chaos of curses, stood Yuji Itadori, his expression resolute as he engaged in a fierce battle against the malevolent entities threatening to overwhelm him.

"Yuji? What are you doing here?" you called out, both surprised and relieved to see him amidst the turmoil.

Yuji's head snapped up at the sound of your voice, his eyes widening in recognition and relief. "Hey! I'm, uh, just taking care of some curses," he replied, a nervous laugh bubbling up as he fought to maintain his composure.

"You? Taking care of curses? Shouldn't you be in class or something? Gojo-sensei assigned this mission to me." you teased, unable to suppress a smirk at the sight of Yuji valiantly battling the supernatural creatures.

"Hey, I can handle myself, you know," Yuji protested, a playful glint in his eyes as he deflected your teasing with good-natured banter. “Besides, shouldn’t it be the merrier?”

"That’s quite a lot to ask of me," you chuckled, shaking your head in amusement as you watched Yuji continue to fend off the curses with surprising skill and determination. “I like doing my job to satisfy my ego, you know? It's not always fun to be the more the merrier!"

Yuji grinned at you. “So do I!”

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a sense of camaraderie blossomed between you and Yuji. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was an undeniable bond of trust and understanding that united you both in the face of adversity.

"You better pull your punches," you quipped, a playful smirk dancing on your lips as you exchanged knowing glances with Yuji.

"Don’t fall asleep with your saber," he retorted with a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he teased you in return.

As the banter flowed between you and Yuji, a surge of adrenaline fueled your movements as you joined him in the battle against the curses once more. Standing side by side, shoulder to shoulder, you fought with a renewed vigor, each strike and parry a testament to your growing bond and unyielding determination.

With every swing of your saber and every burst of cursed energy, you could feel the rhythm of your heartbeat quicken, the exhilaration of battle coursing through your veins. Having Yuji by your side, fighting alongside you, it made you feel alive in a way you hadn't experienced before. Even amidst the chaos and danger, there was a sense of exhilaration that came from facing the unknown together.

As the mission drew to a close and the last of the curses were vanquished, you found yourself feeling a sense of exhaustion settling over you. Sweat dripped from your brow as you lowered your head to catch your breath, the rush of battle leaving you both physically and emotionally drained.

In that moment of respite, amidst the falling cherry blossoms, Yuji Itadori appeared with a grin on his face, a can of cold drink in each hand. His flushed cheeks and bright smile were a stark contrast to the intensity of the battle you had just faced together. With a warm greeting, he handed you one of the cans, his gesture a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between you during the mission.

Accepting the can with a grateful smile, you couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Yuji. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded you, his presence brought a sense of calm and reassurance. And as you stood together amidst the falling cherry blossoms, sharing a moment of quiet companionship, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you would face them together, united in strength and love.

With the falling cherry blossoms creating a picturesque backdrop, you and Yuji stood in a moment of quiet serenity, the soft petals swirling around you like a gentle snowfall. The air was filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie as you shared a silent exchange, the unspoken bond between you growing stronger with each passing moment.

Feeling a surge of courage, you took a deep breath and turned to face Yuji, your heart pounding in your chest as you prepared to bare your feelings to him. But as you opened your mouth to speak, the words caught in your throat, and you found yourself suddenly tongue-tied.

Yuji's eyes softened as he watched you, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he waited patiently for you to gather your thoughts. Sensing your hesitation, he reached out and gently squeezed your hand, his touch offering a silent reassurance.

"Hey, it's okay," Yuji murmured, his voice soft and comforting. "You don't have to say anything if you're not ready."

But the warmth of his hand in yours and the sincerity in his eyes emboldened you, and with a shy smile, you took a deep breath and spoke from the heart.

"Yuji, I...I wanted to tell you that...I care about you," you began, your voice barely above a whisper as you struggled to put your feelings into words. "More than just as a friend. I...I think I might be in love with you. I felt like this for a while now. But I was…I was waiting for the right time to say something.”

A blush crept across your cheeks as you uttered the words, your heart pounding in your chest as you awaited Yuji's response. But instead of laughter or rejection, you were met with a soft smile and a warmth in his eyes that mirrored your own feelings.

"Hey, I...I feel the same way," Yuji confessed, his voice filled with sincerity as he gazed at you with affection. "I've been wanting to tell you for so long, but I didn't know how to say it. I’ve just been so scared that you’d….you’d reject me, you know? I just, I really wanted to keep it to myself because there was just–”

“Yuji,” You lovingly call out to him, making him look towards you with a flustered look. “You’re rambling.”

As Yuji's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, he stumbled over his words in a flustered attempt to apologize. "Oh, I'm so sorry–"

But you simply laughed, the sound light and full of warmth as you leaned closer to him. "It's okay," you reassured him, a fond smile playing on your lips. "I love that about you."

A shy smile graced Yuji's lips as he looked at you, his heart overflowing with affection. "You do?" he asked softly, his eyes searching yours for confirmation.

Nodding gently, you reached out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from his forehead, your touch sending a shiver of electricity down his spine. "Of course I do," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper as you leaned in closer to him. "I love everything about you, Yuji."

His breath caught in his throat as he looked at you, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized the depth of your feelings for him. And in that moment, surrounded by the falling cherry blossoms and the soft glow of moonlight, you and Yuji shared a tender and intimate connection that transcended words. Without another word, he closed the distance between you, capturing your lips in a sweet and gentle kiss that spoke volumes of the love and affection that flowed between you.

As you melted into each other's embrace, the world around you faded away, leaving only the two of you and the overwhelming warmth of your love. And as you stood there, lost in the sweet embrace of your newfound love, you knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

the end credits at gojo-manor:

Gojo Genmei raised an amused eyebrow as she watched Gojo Satoru pace back and forth in their shared living room, a self-satisfied grin plastered on his face. "What's got you so worked up, Satoru?" she asked, a knowing glint in her eyes. Gojo turned to face her, his expression positively gleeful. "Oh, you know, just saving the day as usual," he boasted, his chest puffing out with pride. Genmei chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "And what heroic deed have you performed this time?" she inquired, her tone teasing. Gojo's grin widened as he launched into an animated retelling of his latest escapade. "Well, you see, there was this little misunderstanding between two of my students," he began, his voice brimming with excitement. "They were head over heels for each other but too scared to admit it. So, naturally, I had to step in and play Mr. Cupid." Genmei arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And how, pray tell, did you manage to accomplish that?" Gojo's grin turned mischievous as he recounted the elaborate scheme he had orchestrated to bring the two students together. He left nothing out. From how he had been noticing Yuji's pining, how you were suffering from 'i'm in love but i won't say anything' sickness. Genmei certainly found it amusing that people let her husband have his way. But well, it seemed to have worked out in the end. That's all that matters, really. "And in the end," Gojo concluded, a satisfied smirk on his face, "they finally confessed their love for each other. All thanks to yours truly, Mr. Cupid himself!" Genmei couldn't help but laugh at her husband's antics, shaking her head in amusement. "You never cease to surprise me, Satoru," she remarked, a fond smile playing on her lips. "But I must say, playing Cupid suits you." Gojo beamed at her praise, his chest puffing out with pride once more. "Well, you know me," he replied with a wink. "Always happy to lend a helping hand when it comes to matters of the heart." And as they sat together, basking in the warmth of their shared laughter, Gojo Satoru couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had played a small part in bringing two young hearts together. After all, what could be more rewarding than helping love blossom?

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mistbow · 3 months

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The Storyteller of Time in Zestiria is a person who watches over the history of the world and also passes on the truth. (I also believe Sorey became one in the ending.)

But do you know that the Japanese term for it (刻遺の語り部) has a deeper meaning than just mere storyteller, dissecting from a Shinto perspective?

First off, let's get the first part (刻遺, which got translated as mere Time in English). I've explained this before, but the word "time" being written as "刻" has a specific connotation related to divisions of time and carries a sense of carving or engraving (for example, 刻む can also be used metaphorically to mean to engrave something deeply in one's memory or emotions), and as for 刻遺 in its entirety, it implies "abandoned in time" ("刻に遺される") or generally not affected by time = their long lifespan. They're also not allowed to directly interfere with history (time itself) and their existence is akin to a taboo, therefore basically making them forgotten by history itself despite the one being preserving it.

The Storyteller (語り部) part is actually more interesting that you might have thought, since Zestiria is very much inspired by Japanese history (I've talked a lot about this too), there actually exists a concept of kataribe (語り部) in ancient Japanese too.

In ancient Japan, kataribe serves as shokugyoubu (職業部), which were government-owned civilians belonging to the Wa royal authority (倭王権, Yamato kingship), engaging in social specialization with the special skills and techniques necessary for maintaining the kingship, however, they typically lead everyday lives as commoners, contributing periodically through labor or offering specialty products, in support of the royal authority; within the Shinabe (品部), a caste within the kingship. Kataribe's responsibility is to recite ancient traditions and present them during court ceremonies, during a time when written records, possibly using characters predating kanji (Chinese characters, which obviously were imported from China), were not well-developed too. They recite eulogies called yogoto (寿詞) during ceremonies that were associated with imperial rituals such as miare (御阿礼, advent of noblemen/kami) and minie (御贄, sacred offerings presented to kami).

One such kataribe member was Hieda-no-Are as mentioned in Kojiki (古事記, the oldest record text in Japan, I talked about it here). Interestingly, Hieda-no-Are is one of the instrumental figures of Kojiki, being that they were one of the compilers themself, yet very little was known about them, not even their exact gender, with their ancestry possibly tracing back to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the kami of dawn and arts. Hieda-no-Are was a Shinto priest who served the Imperial House (this kind of priest is also known as 舎人, toneri/shajin), and at the age of 28, they were entrusted with the recitation and study of texts such as the Teiki (帝紀) and Kyuuji (旧辞) due to his exceptional memory. During the reign of Emperor Genmei (元明天皇), by imperial decree, Tai-An Maro (太安万侶) recorded Hieda-no-Are's recitations, leading to the compilation of the Kojiki.

The presentation of specific kataribe activities is also found in the Engishiki (延喜式), which notes that during the Senso-Daijousai (践祚大嘗祭, the largest festival ever held in an Emperor's life, as it is the first time after ascending to the throne that the Emperor dedicates new grains to the Tenjin, including Amaterasu, and partakes in the festival by consuming the harvest, a significant ceremony occuring only once in the reign of each Emperor), the Sukune (宿禰) of Tomo-no-miyatsuko (伴造) and Saeki-no-atai (佐伯) clans led eight members from Mino (美濃), two from Tanba (丹波), two from Tango (丹後), seven from Tajima (但馬), three from Inaba (因幡), four from Izumo (出雲), and two from Awaji (淡路) (btw these are all places in old Japan) to recite ancient verses (古詞, furugoto). The content is not explicitly detailed, but it likely involved traditions and legends spanning the origin and inheritance of spirits of the past Emperors.

With the introduction of foreign religions, the traditional kataribe evolved as well, and terms such as shukugo (祝詞, liturgical prayers) were used for traditional rituals in Shinto, while those that reached the common people transformed into saibun (祭文, festival documents), shichou (詞章, poems), and katarimono (語りもの, storytelling), each with different purposes. Nowadays, in the modern Japan, kataribe basically refers to people who carry out activities to pass down the lessons of history, particularly of disasters and incidents, and I feel all this is in line with how kataribe is also like in Zestiria, and another reason why Sorey ending as a kataribe is a fitting conclusion for him--the game is about turning legends and traditions into hope (伝承はいつしか「希望」になる is the tagline after all) and that history is more than just a record of a past, but something to learn from too.

#tales of #tales of zestiria #mino talks zesty

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royal-confessions · 1 year

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“The most ridiculous part of Japan banning women from inheriting the throne is the fact that there have been Empress Regnants in the past! Empress Suiko, Kōgyoku/Saimei, Jitō, Genmei, Genshō, Kōken/Shōtoku, Meishō and Go-Sakuramachi. So you can’t even argue a female ruler goes against tradition or there’s no precedent for it.” - Submitted by Anonymous

#japanese imperial family

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onigiriforears · 1 year

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日本の歴史366 Day 69

3月10日 Summary:

In 708, Empress Genmei ordered the capital to be moved from Fujiawara-kyo to Heijo-kyo (located in present-day Nara). Heijo-kyo was made to mimic Chang'an, the capital city of the Tang dynasty of China. During this time period, it was customary to move a capital at the beginning of a new reign. This palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vocab beneath the break:

平城京へいじょうきょう Heijō-kyō (capital of Japan from 710-40 and 745-84; located in present-day Nara)

都みやこ capital (esp. Kyoto, Japan's former capital); location of the Imperial Palace

移すうつす to change; to swap; to substitute; to transfer

問題もんだい problem (e.g. societal, political); question; issue; subject (e.g. of research); case; matter

唐とう Tang dynasty (of China; 618-907); T'ang dynasty; China; foreign country

長安ちょうあん Chang'an

マネ [used as a する verb] imitating; copying; mimicry

計画けいかく plan; project; schedule; scheme

持ち上がるもちあがる to happen suddenly; to occur; to come up; to turn up

風情ふぜい appearance; air

決めるきめる to decide; to choose; to determine; to arrange; to settle

完成かんせい completion; perfection; accomplishment

皇居こうきょ Imperial Palace (of Japan); imperial residence

重要じゅうよう important; momentous; essential; principal; major

部分ぶぶん portion; section; part

現明天王げんめいてんのう Empress Gemmei (661-721 CE, reigning: 707-715 CE)

藤原京ふじわらきょう Fujiwara-kyō (Imperial capital of Japan for sixteen years, between 694 and 710)

引っ越すひっこす to move (house); to change residence

なかなか very; considerably; easily; readily; fairly; quite; highly; rather

立派りっぱ splendid; fine; handsome; elegant; imposing; prominent; impressive

輸送ゆそう transport; transportation

不便ふべん inconvenience; inexpediency; unhandiness

排水はいすい drainage; draining; pumping out (water); sewerage

衛生状態えいせいじょうたい sanitary conditions

#shay's taking notes #japanese history 366 #japanese history #japanese figures #japanese culture #japanese events #vocab #japanese #learn japanese #study japanese #jpnstudynet #langblr #studyblr #japanese langblr #japanese studyblr #studyspo #reading comprehension

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kankuroplease · 2 years

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Congrats love ❣️ I’d loveeee to see anything genmei 👀

Thank you 🖤

#ask #tw suggestive #3k follower milestone #genma shiranui #mei terumi #genmei #my art #yes the senbon has to be present at all times

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meibaestars · 10 months

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Being a rarepair captain like:

Mei: *says "I'm sorry Genji!" when killing him*

Genji: *playfully says "This is not a snowball fight" when deflecting Snowball + thanks Mei in the Questwatch campaign for helping them out*

Me: ... okay now kiss.

Pls Blizzard, just one pre-game interaction. A happy one. Please, I beg.

Edit 7/26/23: ... OR AN ENTIRE FUCKING EVENT ABOUT THEM THAT WORKS TOO

Edit2 8/20/23: BLIZZARD THANK YOUUUUUUU

#overwatch #mei ling zhou #genji shimada #genji x mei #genmei #meiji #overwatch mei #overwatch genji #rarepair

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kkulbeolyeonghwa · 9 months

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Japanese-Korean-English word list

Pink: same chinese characters Blue: different characters Purple: almost same characters

予選よせん yosen - 豫備 예비 yebi - preliminary 勝つかつ katsu - 이기다 igida - to win 以内いない inai - 以內 이내 inae - within 縦横じゅうおう juuou - 縱橫 종횡 jonghwing - length and width 拍手はくしゅ hakushu - 拍手 박수 baksu - clap 応援おうえん ouen - 應援 응원 - eungwon - aid 孫まご mago - 孫子 손자 – sonja - grandchild 懸命げんめい genmei - 熱烈 ( 烈烈 ) 열렬 yeolryeol - eager 演技えんぎ engi - 演技 연기 yeongi - act 披露ひろう hirou - 披露 피로 piro - announcement 競うきそう kisou - 겨루다 gyeoruda - to compete 迫力はくりょく hakuryoku - 印象的 인상적 insangjeok - impressive 地元じもと jimoto - 本故鄕 본고향 bongohyang - home area 大胆だいたん daitan - 大膽 대담 daedam - bold 貫徹かんてつ kantetsu - 貫徹 관철 gwancheol - accomplishment 仕上げるしあげる shiageru - 마무리하다 mamurihada - to finish up 統制とうせい tousei - 統制 통제 tongje - regulation

sorry about the colors, I don't know why it's not letting me color some of the text :(

#korean #language #한국어 #langblr #japanese #日本語勉強 #english #kanji #hanja

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sultanastomanaspoderosas · 1 year

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EMPERATRICES GOBERNANTES DE JAPÓN

Aunque desde la Constitución de 1889 el Trono Imperial de Japón solo los varones pueden ascender al trono, Japón tuvo 8 Emperatrices reinantes

-Emperatriz Suiko (554-628)

Reino entre 593 a 628

-Emperatriz Saimei (590-661)

Reino en dos ocasiones de 642 a 645 y de 645 a 661

-Emperatriz Jitō ( 645-703)

Reino entre 686 a 697

-Emperatriz Genmei (660-721)

Reino entre 707 a 715

-Emperatriz Genshō (682-724)

Reino entre 715 a 724

-Emperatriz Kōken Tennō (718-770)

Reino en dos ocasiones de 749 a 758 y de 758 a 770

-Emperatriz Meisho (1664-1696)

Reino entre 1629 a 1642

-Emperatriz Sakumarachi (1740-1813)

Reino entre 1762 a 1813

#japón

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blueindigosan · 3 months

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Taimei 体冥 - "El Cuerpo Sombra"

Durante muchos años, a los seres humanos se les ha inculcado la castracion emocional de su parte negativa. Mediante terapias alternativas, corrientes espirituales, o pseudofilosofias que malguiaron indirecta/directamente al ser humano, se le enseño a reuir de su lado negativo o sombrio, y al hacerlo, este no lo ha conocido, y creen que conocerlo es dejarse corromper por el mismo. Este metodo es el metodo que, inconscientemente, me ha ocurrido a mi durante centenares de veces cuando algo malo ha ocurrido o cuando una mala emocion ha tomado posesion de mi alma y mente. Hoy traigo esto al mundo como mi aporte personal sobre como "dominar la oscuridad" del ser humano y como entenderla. Inspirado en el arte del Tai Chi (太極拳), el Taimei busca evitar la bastardizacion animica, mental y corporal de un ser vivo, para su posterior reciclaje del lado negativo ("La Sombra", como se define en los arquetipos de Carl Gustav Jung), del ser humano. Este elemento incorpora aspectos como el ego, los pensamientos intrusivos, violentos, degenerativos, derrogativos, malignos, nocivos, agresivos o abusivos, entre otros. Estos son usados para ejercitar cuerpo y alma, "pacificandolos" mediante la accion, el verbo (la mente) y el sentimiento, expulsandolos del cuerpo y proyectandolos hacia fuera. Este metodo es conocido tambien como "reciclaje reconductor", usando la adaptacion de dichos desvios hacia la corrupcion del ser en favor del ser puro o neutro.

El Taimei, encapsulado en el proceso Enmei, presenta un intrigante ciclo de transformación psicológica y espiritual que aborda las sombras internas de manera estructurada y evolutiva:

1. Rakumei 落冥 (Caida en la Sombra): En esta fase inicial, se experimenta el estado gradual de corrupcion al manifestar las emociones o pensamientos negativos mediante actos o comportamientos resonantes con los mismos. El ser se sumerge en dichos aspectos oscuros, experimentando directamente estos episodios violentos y caoticos. Puede ser por que ocurrio repentinamente por sobrecarga al no darle salida, o bien pudo ocurrir gradualmente por origen de un elemento constante. Esta fase es donde se expresan comportamientos como el enfado, la tristeza, o mas lejanamente, la obsesion, la impulsividad, la insensatez y la aceptacion a la corrupcion indirectamente consciente o directamente consciente.

2. Shizumei 静冥 (Calma en la Sombra): La segunda fase implica alcanzar la calma en medio de la tormenta emocional. Aquí, se busca el reconocimiento de los elementos negativos sin ser arrastrado por ellos. Es el arte de mantener la serenidad, la paciencia, el temple y la estabilidad interna incluso cuando se enfrenta a la oscuridad emocional. Una vez expresados y manifestados dichos estimulos negativos, la actividad e intensidad baja gradualmente hasta volver a la consciencia directa de lo que esta ocurriendo en el presente. En este momento uno se suele dar cuenta de que ha ocurrido o que ha hecho y suele cargarse con el arrepentimiento de lo acaecido o los efectos de su experimentacion con la zona negativa de su ser. Enfriar la mente gradualmente, asi como al corazon y el destensamiento de los musculos son los sintomas de que esta fase esta ocurriendo.

3. Genmei 見冥 (Observar la Sombra): En la tercera fase, se inicia una búsqueda profunda para entender el origen de estos elementos negativos. Es un proceso de introspección y autoexploración destinado a descubrir las raíces de la sombra, identificando el elemento emisor de los pensamientos o emociones sombrías. Una vez se comprende el origen o el punto emisor de donde ha procedido la emocion o el pensamiento y, por consiguiente, el acto, se entiende y razona sobre el mismo, adquiriendose dimensionalidad sobre dicho aspecto. Este es el punto de inflexion donde uno puede aprender a transformar los elementos perjudicialmente negativos en elementos positivos. No se debe confundir con llevar a un extremo los elementos positivos e ignorar los negativos, ya que eso llevaria a cabo que la persona ignorase su lado negativo y abrazase solo su lado positivo, lo que equivale a yacer en un extremo y, por tanto, desequilibrarse. La comprension del origen de dichas emociones y pensamientos ayuda a su comprension y, por tanto, a su aplicacion.

4. Kadomei 門冥 (Puerta de la Sombra): La cuarta fase marca un punto crucial de aceptación. Aquí, se reconoce la existencia de la sombra como un elemento con un propósito o motivo específico. Abrir la "Puerta de la Sombra" implica aceptar la coexistencia de la luz y la oscuridad dentro de uno mismo, sin juicio ni resistencia. En lugar de ignorar los sentimientos o pensamientos negativos, se entienden de donde vienen, por que vienen, a que vienen, y a partir de ello, "pesarlos", si vale tanto como pretenden aparentar, o si realmente tienen un peso real para ti, el individuo. Se trata de afrontar como tal el lado negativo, no como un enfrentamiento, sino como un proceso de introduccion a la comprension correcta del mismo y sus umbrales limitantes de hasta que punto pueden empezar a corromper. Es el proceso homologo de encender un fuego y calentarse con el mismo, en lugar de quemarse con este al comprenderlo. Usar los pensamientos y sentimientos negativos como una herramienta benefica y no un elemento corruptible del ser en su lado mas primitivo y negativo. Toda sombra se origina desde un motivo, y al comprender ese motivo, se comprende como tal la naturaleza de la sombra.

5. Gyakumei 逆冥 (Sombra Invertida): La quinta y última fase es la culminación del proceso, donde los elementos negativos son transformados en fuerzas positivas. Aquí se produce el reciclaje y la inversión de la naturaleza negativa de la sombra en algo beneficioso. Es el uso consciente y constructivo de estos elementos oscuros para contribuir al crecimiento personal. El reciclaje de la naturaleza negativa en algo positivo se lleva a cabo. Es asi como se sustrae de los elementos negativos mentales y animicos y se produce un elemento benefico al aprender a usarlos en esa via, alejandose de las vias de corrupcion del ser en si. En este punto se aprende de dichos pensamientos y sentimientos para aplicarlos de forma positiva en la vida de uno.

El término "Enmei 円冥", o "Círculo de la Sombra", representa la comprensión de este proceso como un ciclo continuo y cíclico. Cada fase contribuye a la evolución del individuo, permitiéndole comprender más profundamente los efectos, elementos, naturaleza y contribución de su sombra. Este enfoque proporciona una guía clara y detallada para abordar la complejidad de la psique humana, transformando la sombra en un aliado para el crecimiento y el bienestar personal.

Cuando se hace referencia a la "sombra", se está aludiendo al arquetipo propuesto por el psicólogo suizo Carl Gustav Jung. La sombra, en el contexto de la psicología junguiana, representa los aspectos ocultos, reprimidos o menos conocidos de la psique humana. Estos pueden incluir pensamientos, emociones, impulsos y características que el individuo tiende a evitar o negar conscientemente.

En contraste con una aproximación que busca suprimir o ignorar estos aspectos negativos, la filosofía del Taimei propone un enfoque más profundo y transformador. La analogía se presenta al imaginar castrar nuestra reacción ante lo negativo como equivalente a ignorar por completo el fuego sin entender su naturaleza y cómo manejarlo. En lugar de evitar los aspectos oscuros del alma, el Taimei propone aprender de ellos y profundizar en su comprensión.

El proceso implica utilizar la sombra con fines benéficos en lugar de permitir que nos domine o corrompa de manera perjudicial. En lugar de dejarse llevar por los elementos negativos de la psique, el individuo busca entender y utilizar conscientemente esos aspectos oscuros para propósitos constructivos. La idea es evitar la supresión completa, la pseudo corrupción o la corrupción total, y en su lugar, transformar la energía de la sombra en una fuerza positiva para el crecimiento personal y el bienestar.

En esencia, este enfoque sugiere que al enfrentar y comprender la sombra, se puede alcanzar una mayor integración psicológica y espiritual, permitiendo que estos aspectos aparentemente negativos se conviertan en herramientas valiosas para el autoconocimiento y el desarrollo personal.

La concepción de Taimei se sumerge en los kanjis que vinculan al cuerpo y al inframundo, sugiriendo la noción de un "cuerpo oscuro" o un cuerpo dominado por bajos instintos. Este término hace alusión a la contaminación animica, mental o personal que puede manifestarse a través de diversos factores como el vampirismo energético, experiencias traumáticas, o la falta de procesamiento de eventos complejos, entre otros.

En el marco del sintoísmo, la práctica del Misogi Harae se emplea para purificar la vuelta del inframundo, un proceso destinado a limpiar y renovar las energías espirituales. En este contexto, Taimei se presenta como la aplicación psicológica, animica y personal de dicha purificación, aunque con un enfoque único. A diferencia de poner énfasis exclusivamente en aspectos positivos y su amplificación, Taimei destaca por utilizar los aspectos negativos para su reincorporación como elementos beneficiosos, después de haber sido reciclados en su naturaleza.

Este proceso de reciclaje animico se revela como una estrategia consciente para abordar el lado sombrío de las personas. A través de Taimei, se busca la posibilidad de disfrutar de estos aspectos oscuros de manera controlada, evitando los efectos negativos asociados. La analogía con el control del fuego ilustra esta idea: al igual que los humanos manejan el fuego para evitar quemarse, pero al mismo tiempo aprovechan su calor, Taimei propone un enfoque equilibrado hacia los elementos sombríos de la psique humana. De esta forma, se conocen las luces y sombras del ser humano, y se mezclan formando eclipses, que ayudan a comprender ambas partes y a convivir con dichas al completo.

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Taimei 体冥 - "The Shadow Body"

For many years, human beings have been instilled with emotional castration of their negative side. Through alternative therapies, spiritual currents, or pseudophilosophies that indirectly/directly misguided human beings, they were taught to escape from their negative or shadowy side, and in doing so, they have not known it, and they believe that to know it is to allow themselves to be corrupted by it. . This method is the method that has unconsciously occurred to me hundreds of times when something bad has happened or when a bad emotion has taken possession of my soul and mind. Today I bring this to the world as my personal contribution on how to "master the darkness" of the human being and how to understand it. Inspired by the art of Tai Chi (太極拳), Taimei seeks to avoid the spiritual, mental and physical bastardization of a living being, for its subsequent recycling of the negative side ("The Shadow", as defined in the archetypes of Carl Gustav Jung), of the human being. This element incorporates aspects such as the ego, intrusive, violent, degenerative, derogatory, malignant, harmful, aggressive or abusive thoughts, among others. These are used to exercise body and soul, "pacifying" them through action, word (mind) and feeling, expelling them from the body and projecting them outward. This method is also known as "reconductive recycling", using the adaptation of said deviations towards the corruption of the being in favor of the pure or neutral being.

The Taimei, encapsulated in the Enmei process, presents an intriguing cycle of psychological and spiritual transformation that addresses inner shadows in a structured and evolutionary way:

Rakumei 落冥 (Fall into Shadow): In this initial phase, the gradual state of corruption is experienced by manifesting negative emotions or thoughts through actions or behaviors resonant with them. The being immerses itself in these dark aspects, directly experiencing these violent and chaotic episodes. It may be because it occurred suddenly due to overload due to no output, or it could have occurred gradually due to the origin of a constant element. This phase is where behaviors such as anger, sadness, or more distantly, obsession, impulsiveness, foolishness, and acceptance of indirect or directly conscious corruption are expressed.

Shizumei 静冥 (Calm in the Shadow): The second phase involves achieving calm in the midst of the emotional storm. Here, the recognition of negative elements is sought without being dragged by them. It is the art of maintaining serenity, patience, temper and inner stability even when faced with emotional darkness. Once these negative stimuli are expressed and manifested, the activity and intensity gradually decreases until returning to direct awareness of what is happening in the present. At this moment one usually realizes what has happened or what they have done and is usually burdened with regret for what happened or the effects of their experimentation with the negative area of their being. Gradually cooling the mind, as well as the heart and loosening of the muscles are the symptoms that this phase is occurring.

Genmei 見冥 (Observing the Shadow): In the third phase, a deep search begins to understand the origin of these negative elements. It is a process of introspection and self-exploration aimed at discovering the roots of the shadow, identifying the element that emits dark thoughts or emotions. Once the origin or the emitting point from which the emotion or thought came and, consequently, the act, is understood, it is understood and reasoned about, acquiring dimensionality on said aspect. This is the turning point where one can learn to transform detrimentally negative elements into positive elements. It should not be confused with taking the positive elements to an extreme and ignoring the negative ones, since that would cause the person to ignore their negative side and embrace only their positive side, which is equivalent to lying at an extreme and, therefore, become unbalanced. Understanding the origin of these emotions and thoughts helps their understanding and, therefore, their application.

Kadomei 門冥 (Shadow Gate): The fourth phase marks a crucial point of acceptance. Here, the existence of the shadow is recognized as an element with a specific purpose or motive. Opening the "Shadow Door" involves accepting the coexistence of light and darkness within oneself, without judgment or resistance. Instead of ignoring negative feelings or thoughts, understand where they come from, why they come, why they come, and from that, "weigh" them, if they are worth as much as they pretend to be, or if they really have real weight for you, the individual. It is about facing the negative side as such, not as a confrontation, but as a process of introduction to the correct understanding of it and its limit thresholds.

You know to what extent they can begin to corrupt. It is the homologous process of lighting a fire and warming yourself with it, instead of getting burned by it when you understand it. Use negative thoughts and feelings as a beneficial tool and not a corruptible element of the being in its most primitive and negative side. Every shadow originates from a reason, and by understanding that reason, the nature of the shadow is understood as such.

Gyakumei 逆冥 (Inverted Shadow): The fifth and final phase is the culmination of the process, where negative elements are transformed into positive forces. Here recycling and reversing the negative nature of the shadow into something beneficial occurs. It is the conscious and constructive use of these dark elements to contribute to personal growth. Recycling of negative nature into something positive takes place. This is how negative mental and emotional elements are removed and a beneficial element is produced by learning to use them in that way, moving away from the ways of corruption of the being itself. At this point you learn from these thoughts and feelings to apply them positively in your life.

The term "Enmei 円冥", or "Shadow Circle", represents the understanding of this process as a continuous, cyclical cycle. Each phase contributes to the evolution of the individual, allowing him to more deeply understand the effects, elements, nature and contribution of his shadow. This approach provides a clear and detailed guide to addressing the complexity of the human psyche, transforming the shadow into an ally for personal growth and well-being.

When reference is made to the "shadow", we are alluding to the archetype proposed by the Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. The shadow, in the context of Jungian psychology, represents the hidden, repressed or lesser known aspects of the human psyche. These may include thoughts, emotions, impulses, and characteristics that the individual tends to consciously avoid or deny.

In contrast to an approach that seeks to suppress or ignore these negative aspects, the Taimei philosophy proposes a deeper and more transformative approach. The analogy is presented by imagining castrating our reaction to the negative as equivalent to completely ignoring fire without understanding its nature and how to handle it. Instead of avoiding the dark aspects of the soul, Taimei proposes learning from them and deepening their understanding.

The process involves using the shadow for beneficial purposes rather than allowing it to dominate or corrupt us in harmful ways. Instead of being carried away by the negative elements of the psyche, the individual seeks to understand and consciously use these dark aspects for constructive purposes. The idea is to avoid complete suppression, pseudo corruption, or outright corruption, and instead transform shadow energy into a positive force for personal growth and well-being.

In essence, this approach suggests that by facing and understanding the shadow, greater psychological and spiritual integration can be achieved, allowing these seemingly negative aspects to become valuable tools for self-knowledge and personal development.

Taimei's conception delves into the kanji that link the body and the underworld, suggesting the notion of a "dark body" or a body dominated by lower instincts. This term refers to emotional, mental or personal contamination that can manifest itself through various factors such as energy vampirism, traumatic experiences, or lack of processing of complex events, among others.

Within the framework of Shintoism, the practice of Misogi Harae is used to purify the return of the underworld, a process intended to cleanse and renew spiritual energies. In this context, Taimei is presented as the psychological, emotional and personal application of said purification, although with a unique approach. Unlike placing emphasis exclusively on positive aspects and their amplification, Taimei stands out for using negative aspects for their reincorporation as beneficial elements, after having been recycled in their nature.

This process of mental recycling is revealed as a conscious strategy to address the shadow side of people. Through Taimei, the possibility of enjoying these dark aspects in a controlled manner is sought, avoiding the associated negative effects. The analogy with fire control illustrates this idea: just as humans control fire to avoid getting burned, but at the same time take advantage of its heat, Taimei proposes a balanced approach towards the shadow elements of the human psyche. In this way, the lights and shadows of the human being are known, and they mix forming eclipses, which help to understand both parts and to live with them completely.

#essay #philosophy #filosofia #ensayo

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royaletiquette · 4 months

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I for one, am here for Hibiya's slut era. Obliging when anyone attractive has the balls to start flirting with a King who has children and a wife who is willing to make sure they never feel safe again.

I am also here for how quickly and effortlessly he will toss that same person to the side and forget their existence!

#truly living his best life #if it never settles in then he never has to face it 🤡#v: the future held hope #this is me shadow dropping that him and genmei have absolutely had at least one maybe two threesomes #proposed by her because she thought it a good excuse to sleep with someone else #and you know she was right #shes like teehee two men #and hibis like teehee men

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mononijikayu · 1 month

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only fools — fushiguro toji

In that fleeting moment of intimacy, time seemed to stand still, the world around you fading into insignificance as you lost yourself in the warmth of each other's embrace. It was a kiss filled with promise, a silent vow of love and devotion that echoed in the depths of your souls. Over and over again, you smiled against his lips and he smiled back. It was contentment, it was everything.

GENRE: Pre-Hidden Inventory Arc, 1990s - 2000s;

WARNING/s: Alternate Universe ─ Canon Divergence, Friendship, Romance, Star-Crossed Lovers, Emotional Hurt, Mentions of Character Death, Mention of Grief, Mention of Mourning, Mention of Alcholism, Mention of Death, Depiction of Physical Touch, , Heavy Angst, Heavy Pining;

masterlist

kayu's playlist, side 400;

listen: only fools (cover) by bts rm and jungkook

note: this one has a bit of connection to us and them, as my ocs were heavily featured in this!!! i went back and forth with how to write this. but this is what i came out with. its lent and the holy time for many christians and muslims, so i thought writing about something this long. i wanted to cut it even more but well, i thought whatever i wrote is more genuine. if i cut it, i feel like it would lose the genuinity. so here it is!!! enjoy it, i hope you have a good holiday, i hope you all rest up and hydrate!!! i love you all!!! <3

YOU WERE BOTH SO YOUNG WHEN ZENIN TOJI MET FIRST MET YOU. In the expansive grounds surrounding the Zenin manor, amidst the towering trees that seemed to stretch towards the heavens, your presence stood out like a delicate bloom in a field of thorns. Zenin Toji couldn't help but notice you, a small figure nestled among the dense foliage, almost like a forgotten relic of a bygone era. You were like the little geisha dolls Genmei carries around with her, long black hair falling over your knees, dressed prim and proper like a proud and noble lady. Toji was used to seeing girls like you around Zenin manor. But rarely did he ever see one in such a state like you.

If uncle Naobito’s wife saw you, she would have smacked your head up and down. But she was not and Toji was never going to tell. Not that he needed to. You were no Zenin. You were someone else. It was intriguing to watch you, how tightly you rested your head against the bark of the tree. How deeply your kimono is tightly pressed against your body. You were cocooned in your own touch, as though protecting yourself from the world beyond. Despite the grandeur that existed about your presence, you appeared diminutive and unassuming, as if time itself had overlooked your presence.

Your posture, huddled against the chill of the earth, spoke volumes of your resilience and quiet strength. Even as your elegant sleeves trailed along the ground, gathering flecks of dirt and grime, you seemed unconcerned with the state of your attire, your focus directed inward rather than on superficial appearances. It was a stark contrast to the lavish gatherings and opulent displays that often characterized life within the Zenin estate. The last place for such a fine little noble lady should be this edge of the Zenin estate. Not even servants dwelled here.

Toji couldn't help but be drawn to you, the embodiment of serenity amidst the chaos of their world. As he approached, a sense of familiarity washed over him, as if he had stumbled upon a kindred spirit in the midst of the vast wilderness. This shared affinity forged a connection between them, bridging the gap between two souls seeking refuge from the pressures and expectations of their surroundings.

In the tranquility of that secluded spot, Toji couldn't help but sense a shared need for sanctuary, a desire to escape the relentless demands of their respective worlds. He understood, perhaps more than most, the weight of expectation and duty that rested upon your shoulders. It was a burden he bore himself, one that had been ingrained in him since they had concluded that he was useless to them. Despite being the son of the previous clan head, Toji was relegated to be as lowly as servants. The name Zenin did not mean anything, if he didn’t have powers. The good will of others was what let him remain untouched. Well, untouched enough not to be beaten.

Toji's mind drifted to his cousin Naoki, a constant presence in his life and a rare source of solace amidst the turmoil of their upbringing. Naoki had always been there for him, offering companionship and camaraderie when the weight of their responsibilities threatened to crush them both.If anything, cousin Naoki was the only one that ever truly felt genuine to him in this house. Together, they sought refuge in the simple pleasures of childhood, finding respite from the rigid expectations of their noble lineage. As he had gotten older, he was more a brother to him than Jinichi ever was. Toji supposes he likes it that way. He felt a little bummed out that he was forced to meddle about with those high rise pricks from the other clans. But that’s his duty, as uncle Naobito’s eldest son, after all.

As he observed you from his vantage point, towering over you with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue, The young Zenin man couldn't help but wonder about the young beauty before him. He wonders about what’s there behind the serene facade of your silk fabrics. He had many questions for you. How had you stumbled upon this hidden sanctuary? What trials and tribulations had led you to seek solace among the trees of the Zenin estate? Most of all, where were your shoes?

Yet, despite his curiosity, Toji remained silent, content to observe you from afar, his gaze silent. As though he was trying to figure out the puzzle in his head before he even dared approach you. He had to be careful. None would perhaps mind if it was another Zenin he was meddling with. But it’s quite obvious that you were not Zenin. You were in fact another clan child. And if he doesn't thread carefully, then the clans may end up with animosity. He did not want any trouble, that was pointless. And even then, that would be another headache for Naoki. He couldn’t give more trouble to solve. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft whispers of the wind, you were a mystery waiting to be unraveled, a puzzle whose pieces he yearned to uncover.

The three big clans always came together in these little clique circles, echoed in the small bubble that existed between each and everyone of them. In truth, no one wanted to be here. None of the big three ever liked each other. Yet it was more pretense than anything else. Whoever plays the best, becomes the face of their world. No one has ever liked the bullshit of it all. Not his cousin Naoki, not his daughter, not even Toji himself wanted to be here. And so he escapes as often as he can. He goes to the farthest echoes of the manor, on this tree and lays here, wallowing in the world he builds underneath the shades of the tree.

Seeking solace from the stifling atmosphere, Toji made his escape, slipping away from the confines of the courtyard into the relative sanctuary of the surrounding trees. It was there that he encountered you, the sight of your expensive attire contrasting sharply with the disheveled state of your posture. Your kimono, adorned with the finest silks and threads, hung loosely on your frame, creased and crumpled from your slouched position against the massive tree trunks.

Toji couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at the sight. What a waste, he thought, observing the careless disregard with which you treated such exquisite garments. With a resigned sigh, he crossed his arms over his chest, knowing that he couldn't ignore your presence any longer. As much as he longed to bask in the warmth of the sun and enjoy his peaceful afternoon uninterrupted, he understood that he had to address the situation at hand.

As Toji prepared to address you, his words poised on the tip of his tongue, he was taken aback when you suddenly lifted your head, tears streaming down your face. The sight of your tear-streaked cheeks and brimming eyes hit him like a physical blow, leaving him momentarily speechless. Your eyes, wide and doe-like, held a depth of grief that struck a chord within him, stirring a pang of empathy in his heart.

In that moment, all of Toji's intentions to reprimand you dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of compassion. He found himself unable to speak, his lips pursed as he took a hesitant step back, overwhelmed by the raw emotion emanating from you.

As you continued to cry, your cheeks flushing with embarrassment at your display of vulnerability in front of a stranger, Zenin Toji felt a surge of discomfort mingled with empathy. He watched as you wiped your tears away with your silk sleeves, your sobs muffled against the fabric, your words lost amidst the tumult of emotions.

Toji's voice broke through the heavy silence, surprisingly gentle as he approached you cautiously. It shocked him too. Not even to little Genmei. So, he supposes he wasn’t accustomed to sounding so gentle, but maybe his body was being courteous for once. "Hey," he began, concern evident in his tone. "Are you alright?"

You sniffled, glancing up at him with tear-stained eyes, your expression a mixture of embarrassment and anguish. "I... I'm sorry," you managed to choke out between sobs, your voice trembling with emotion.

Toji's lips tightened in a line, his initial irritation melting away in the face of your distress. "No need to apologize," he reassured, his voice softening as he crouched down beside you. "I just didn’t expect to find anyone here, that's all. What's wrong? Did you get lost?”

You could only shake your head at him, unable to form coherent words as your emotions threatened to overwhelm you once more. That was not the answer Toji wanted or needed. It seemed like a lie that you did not get lost. But he doesn’t speak just yet. Letting you cry as you do.Pushing would just give him more of a headache. Instead, you buried your face in your hands, your shoulders trembling with the weight of your grief. Toji was at a loss. He’d never had anyone cry to him like this. Not even Genmei. She cries and then hits him profusely, like the little brat she was. He’d never had anyone be this emotional. Not even his mother was this emotional.

Toji hesitated for a moment before tentatively placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. "It's alright," he murmured, offering what little solace he could muster in the midst of your tears. He wasn’t accustomed to comforting anyone. If anything, what little he knew of it came from cousin Naoki. But Zenin Toji felt rather uncomfortable with this explosion of empathy. He wasn’t used to it at all.

He waited patiently, allowing you the space to compose yourself, the sounds of your quiet sobs filling the air around you. The wind blew against your pristine long hair, the edges dancing against its blow. After a moment, you lifted your tiny head, wiping away the last of your tears with a shaky breath. Toji couldn’t help but think it was a pity you were crying. You were really pretty. Not like some of his Zenin cousins. They’re rough, too rough and edged bluntly. Genmei was more like a Mikoto in her beauty, she did not count. You felt like a small beautiful flower, one that needed sheltering. You were out of place here.

"I'm sorry for intruding," you whispered, your voice still raw with emotion, lips trembling. “I’m sorry for causing your annoyance too.”

The raven-haired young man sighed, rubbing the back of his head. You’ve apologized enough for his liking. "It's alright. You're not intruding. If I were here in the Zenin manor too, I would weep tears too.”

You paused, uncertain whether to trust this stranger who stumbled upon your moment of vulnerability. It was wise to be cautious; after all, you knew nothing about this young man. He appeared rough around the edges, far from the picture of gentleness. Yet, despite his outward appearance, there was something in the calmness of his voice and the sincerity of his gaze that put you at ease. He seemed to understand, at least to some extent, the turmoil you were experiencing.

"What's wrong?" Toji's gentle voice pierced the heavy silence once more, his concern evident in his tone. "It's okay if you don't want to share everything."

Taking a deep breath, you mustered the courage to speak. "My mother... she hit me," you admitted, your voice trembling under the weight of your confession. Toji regarded you with newfound insight, recognizing the resemblance to Lord Kamo's brother. You must be Kaiko's cousin, the one often seen alongside Genmei. You were one of those Kamo girls he occasionally encountered.

"Just because I sat improperly at the table," you continued, your words laced with sadness and frustration. "She called me a stupid girl and said I'm not at all a proper lady."

The emerald-eyed man's expression darkened at your words, a mixture of sympathy and anger flashing in his eyes. It saddened him deeply to see someone belonging to a prestigious clan endure such treatment. He knew all too well the coldness and cruelty that could lurk within those esteemed families. Having lived through it himself, he harbored a profound hatred for the lack of warmth and empathy that often pervaded such environments.

And as he looked into your eyes, gleaming with bitterness and sadness, he sensed that you shared his disdain for the oppressive traditions of your lineage. You were all just pawns, little toys to the powerful. If the powerful were the oppressive gods, both of you, many of you, were just the mindless little monkeys that they could play around with. And he hated it. He hated it ever so much.

"It's not your fault," Toji asserted firmly, his voice carrying both reassurance and conviction. "You don't deserve to be treated like that. You're not a stupid girl. And you are a proper lady, no matter what anyone says."

You huffed in response, frustration evident in your tone. "You don’t even know me," you retorted.

Toji chuckled softly, his amusement tinged with a hint of bitterness. "No need to know you to recognize the truth. We're both nothing but pawns to our clans. I understand how you feel."

Your eyebrows furrowed at his words, a mixture of surprise and curiosity flickering in your eyes. "You do?"

Toji nodded solemnly, his gaze distant as if lost in memories of his own struggles. "Yeah, I do," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I've seen enough to know how it goes. The expectations, the pressures... It's suffocating."

As you looked at Toji, a wave of gratitude washed over you, accompanied by a newfound sense of respect for the young man kneeling beside you. Despite the initial wariness you felt towards him, his kindness and understanding had softened your heart. In a world where every interaction seemed transactional, where people often looked out only for themselves and their own interests, encountering someone like Toji was a rare and unexpected blessing.

His rough exterior belied a depth of character that took you by surprise. Beneath the stoic facade lay a compassionate soul, willing to lend a sympathetic ear and offer comfort without judgment. It was a revelation, a reminder that humanity still existed amidst the harsh realities of their world.

For the first time in a long while, you didn't feel quite so alone in your struggles. The simple act of sharing your burdens with Toji, of knowing that someone else understood your pain, lifted a weight off your shoulders. It was a fleeting moment of connection, but in that moment, it felt like you had found a kindred spirit, a companion in the darkness who offered a glimmer of light and hope.

"I'm sorry," you murmured softly, your voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to burden you with my problems."

Toji shifted his sleeves to the side. "Don't worry about it," he said plainly. “It’s nothing.”

As you sniffled softly, a sense of vulnerability washed over you, prompting you to confess your earlier deception to Toji. The admission hung heavy in the air, accompanied by a blush of embarrassment that colored your cheeks.

Toji's response, a hearty laugh that echoed through the tranquil surroundings, caught you off guard. His laughter was infectious, and despite your initial indignation, you couldn't help but find yourself chuckling along with him. It was a moment of unexpected levity amidst the weight of your shared troubles, a brief respite from the seriousness of your conversation.

However, as your laughter subsided and you attempted to regain your composure, Toji's teasing remark caused your blush to deepen once more. His playful jab at your earlier statement about being a lady caught you off guard, and you shot him a playful yet reproachful glare.

"That's not funny," you protested, your tone laced with propriety’s indignation. "Laughing at a lady—"

“I thought you weren’t a lady.”

Toji's mischievous grin widened as he observed your playful indignation, finding amusement in your reaction. He recognized your beauty, undeniable even in the midst of your embarrassment, but there was something more to you that intrigued him. Unlike many of the beauties he had encountered within the prestigious clans, who often seemed devoid of personality or charm, you possessed a spark of vitality and spirit that set you apart.

In that moment, as you exchanged banter beneath the shade of the tree where you had first met, Zenin Toji couldn't help but feel a sense of appreciation for your authenticity. There was a depth to you that went beyond mere appearances, a complexity that intrigued him and drew him in. And as he teases you playfully, he finds himself enjoying the lively exchange. It’s more anyone of those clan ladies can offer him, he thinks.

“But I am a lady!” You insist on him, standing up to face him and stomping your feet. You looked so small to his bigger figure, you looked exactly like a doll. “You ought not to laugh!”

As Toji's laughter subsided, he met your indignant gaze with a calm yet playful demeanor, his emerald eyes sparkling with amusement. Despite your insistence on your ladylike status, he couldn't help but find your defiance endearing, a testament to your spirited nature.

"Toji," he corrected you gently, his tone soft but firm. You blinked in surprise, absorbing the simplicity of his request. "My name is Zenin Toji."

You paused, momentarily taken aback by the informality of his address. It was unusual for someone of his status to discard the formalities associated with his surname. Nevertheless, you nodded in acknowledgment, offering a shy introduction of your own as a member of the Kamo clan.

"N-nice to meet you, Lord Toji—" you began, only to be interrupted by his gentle interjection.

"Just Toji," he reiterated, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. His demeanor was relaxed, devoid of the pretentiousness often associated with those of noble lineage. "The Zenin part doesn't matter."

You felt a warmth spread through you at Toji's casual demeanor, a stark contrast to the rigid formality you were accustomed to within the confines of your own clan. His easy nonchalant nature had put you at ease, allowing you to shed some of the layers of formality that typically accompanied interactions with individuals of higher status. It didn’t feel stifling to stand beside him, to exist beside him like this. Zenin or Kamo, it didn’t matter.

"Alright, Toji," you replied with a shy smile, the sound of his name rolling off your tongue feeling strangely liberating. "It's nice to meet you too."

Toji nodded in response, a snicker appearing on his lips. “Nice to meet you too, little doll.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, its golden hues painting the world in a soft, ethereal light, you were drawn to the serene connection that had blossomed between you and Toji. It was a sanctuary amidst the chaos of your clans' expectations, a tranquil haven where the weight of tradition melted away.

Beneath the comforting shade of the ancient tree where your paths first crossed, you and Toji nurtured a bond that defied the confines of lineage. Here, amidst the whispers of nature, you found solace from the rigidity of societal norms, basking in the freedom to simply exist as yourselves.

You looked at him, as he watched the sun sleep.

For the first time in your life, you had a friend.

And so you smiled, finally ever so genuinely.

YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE HIM AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. As time flowed onward, your excursions to the Zenin Manor alongside your cousin Kaiko grew more frequent, granting you ample chances to cross paths with Toji in his customary haven beneath the ancient trees. Though these visits were not formal arrangements, they became a welcomed routine, a quiet understanding between you and your cousin, Kaiko.

When you expressed your desire to reconnect with the friend you had made at the last clan gathering, she embraced the idea with enthusiasm. Without hesitation, she incorporated you into her entourage. None can stop her. There was no other heir to the Kamo. No son can rival her strength and so she was free to do as she wished. In that power, she grants you the freedom to pursue your own interests while she pursues her own amusements, often joining the Zenin heir's child in their playful antics. For that, you were delighted.

As time progressed, your interactions with Toji blossomed from mere pleasantries into meaningful exchanges. You often found him diligently serving the Zenin heir, Lord Naoki, as his trusted aide. Lord Naoki was a figure constantly in motion, overseeing every aspect of the manor's affairs. Once his duties in the field were fulfilled, he would immerse himself in the endless paperwork, particularly those tasks neglected by his father, Lord Naobito. Toji revealed to you that the elder Zenin had little interest in anything beyond his indulgences, leaving the responsibilities to accumulate unchecked until Lord Naoki intervened, assuming his father's duties and restoring order to the estate.

Before his current role, Toji had been relegated to menial tasks among the ranks of the servants, a position considered beneath his station as the son of a former clan leader. It was a stark reminder of the disdain harbored by Lord Naobito's cronies, who deemed Toji unworthy of the Zenin name due to his lack of cursed techniques. Despite his lineage, they saw him as a stain upon the clan's reputation, dubbing him a ‘useless monkey’ in their disparaging remarks. Meanwhile, Lord Naoki was absent from the Zenin manor, accompanying his wife on a journey to Hida to pay respects to her family's lineage.

Upon Lord Naoki's return, his fury knew no bounds. Toji recounted the scene with a mix of awe and trepidation, describing how his cousin's usually composed demeanor had been replaced by a seething rage unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. In a violent display of retribution, Lord Naoki exacted vengeance upon all those who had belittled Toji, leaving them bloodied and broken in his wake. He even dared to confront his own father, defying the authority of the patriarch in defense of his cousin.

Witnessing this ferocious loyalty, you couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude that Toji wasn't alone in his struggles. He had someone in his corner, just as you did with Kaiko. In a world where alliances were crucial and loneliness loomed like a specter, the bond you shared with Toji deepened as you both found solace in each other's company, united by the shared experience of feeling marginalized and underestimated by those around you.

As time passed, your visits to the Zenin Manor became more than just occasional encounters. They evolved into cherished moments of respite from the rigors of clan life, offering you an escape into a world of serene tranquility alongside Toji. The towering trees of the manor's grounds became your sanctuary, a haven where you could seek refuge from the chaos of your respective families.

In these quiet moments, you found solace in the gentle presence of Toji, his silent companionship offering a soothing balm to the wounds inflicted by the harsh realities of clan politics. Together, you would while away the hours beneath the shade of the familiar tree, lost in the pages of a book as you read aloud to him. Toji, reclined against the sturdy trunk, would listen intently, his emerald eyes tracing the dance of sunlight filtering through the leaves above.

For Toji, the spoken words held a melody that transcended mere literature. He was never that interested in literature. Not even when his cousin Naoki would insist on him reading the classics—that Toji admits without shame. Yet when he encouraged her to continue reading, he had that tender look in his eyes. Ones that she could never read. They were a symphony of solace for the soul. Words that weave a tapestry of comfort and understanding that enveloped him in a cocoon of peace, at least that's what you hope. He rarely spoke, content to let the beauty of the natural world and the soft cadence of your voice wash over him like a gentle tide.

In the tranquil embrace of Toji's company, you discovered a newfound appreciation for the beauty of silence. In contrast to the rigid expectations of the Kamo clan, where silence was enforced as a virtue and communication often felt stifled, the quiet moments shared with Toji felt liberating. There was no pressure to fill the air with meaningless chatter or conform to the expectations of societal norms. Instead, you found freedom in the gentle cadence of shared silence, where words were unnecessary and understanding transcended verbal communication.

With Toji by your side, the silence became a sanctuary—a space where you could simply be yourself without fear of judgment or scrutiny. It was a welcome reprieve from the cacophony of expectations that surrounded you in the world of the clans, offering a sense of peace and tranquility that was both rare and precious.

As you reveled in the simple pleasure of each other's company, you found solace in the serenity of the natural world around you. The rustle of leaves in the breeze, the gentle hum of insects, and the distant song of birds formed a symphony of tranquility that enveloped you both in its embrace. In those moments, the unspoken understanding that bound you together felt palpable, weaving a tapestry of connection that defied words.

Indeed, there was a time when silence unnerved you, when the enforced quietude of the Kamo clan felt suffocating. But with Toji, silence became not a source of fear, but rather a source of comfort and warmth. It was a silent language shared between kindred spirits, a language that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. And in the presence of Toji, perhaps there was never a need for words to describe the depth of your connection—it was simply understood, felt deeply in the quiet spaces between conversations.

In the quiet moments spent together beneath the sprawling branches of the ancient tree, you discovered subtle ways to bridge the gap between you and Toji. Whether it was through shared moments of silence or simple acts of kindness, you sought to connect with him on a deeper level.

One day, as you noticed the frayed edges and worn fabric of his shirts, a determination stirred within you to mend them. Toji initially protested, insisting there was no need for such fuss. But you persisted, your fingers deftly weaving delicate stitches to mend the fabric with care. Despite his reluctance, Toji eventually relented, allowing you to tend to his clothing with quiet determination.

As the days passed and your visits to the Zenin Manor became more frequent, you couldn't help but notice the state of Toji's shirts. The fabric was worn and frayed, with small tears marring the once pristine garments. Each time you saw him, your heart ached at the sight of his tattered clothing, a stark contrast to the polished appearance expected of those belonging to prestigious clans.

Unable to ignore it any longer, you approached Toji one afternoon as he sat beneath the familiar tree, his shirts displaying signs of wear and tear. "Toji," you began, your voice soft but determined. "Your shirts... they're torn. Let me mend them for you."

Toji glanced down at his shirts, his expression unreadable. "It's fine," he replied dismissively, waving a hand as if to brush off your concern. "I can manage."

But you refused to be deterred, your determination unwavering. "Please, Toji," you insisted, reaching out to gently touch the torn fabric. "Let me help. It's the least I can do."

There was a brief moment of hesitation before Toji finally relented, his gaze meeting yours with a mixture of gratitude and resignation. "If you insist," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He knew you would not budge on it. He’d rather take his losses—and his wins.

With a soft smile, you started to question him about all the things that were broken in each article of clothing he owned. You kept asking him one after the other. He was stingy for money, you didn’t ask why. But being a favorite of his cousin, he would have been handsomely paid. You wonder why he hoards old clothing and wears them consistently. But that didn’t matter. Perhaps those lessons with your nanny finally worked out for you.

For a while, the only sound that filled the air was the quiet rustle of leaves overhead and the soft hum of your needle weaving through the fabric. You both were sat by the tree again — the tree you had both become ever so fond for. It was a peaceful moment, one that allowed both of you to simply exist in each other's presence without the need for words. Having a day out was nice, with the weather being calm and the wind being cool. You had him carry all the things that needed repairing in a basket and marched on to your tree.

As you worked, you stole glances at Toji, studying the lines of his face and the way his brows furrowed in concentration. There was a vulnerability in his demeanor, a rare glimpse beneath the stoic facade he often presented to the world. You think he was intrigued, seeing someone do something for him, without any expectation nor without any exchange. But you think, a Zenin might think that. It was hard to find anyone with genuine intentions here.

Eventually, you finished mending the last of Toji's shirts, the fabric now restored to its former state. With a sense of satisfaction, you held up the garments for him to see, a small smile playing on your lips. You looked so proud, somehow as though this was your best achievement in life. There were stars practically beaming in your eyes.

"There," you said softly, a hint of pride in your voice. "All done."

Toji's gaze softened as he examined the repaired shirts, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice laced with genuine gratitude. "I appreciate it."

You nodded, a warmth spreading through your chest at his words. In that moment, beneath the canopy of leaves, you felt a connection deepen between you, bound not just by the threads of fabric you had sewn together, but by the silent understanding and companionship you shared. By the time you had finished this other shirt, you were due to return home with the rest of the Kamo retinue. You promised to come back and finish them as the days passed.

That you did. With a small smile, the days continued and you would not say a word. You would gather the necessary supplies and set to work at any new little article of cloth that needed mending. Toji would watch as your nimble fingers carefully stitched one of the torn fabric back together. He would tell you to be mindful not to hurt yourself, to be slow and think about your hands. Each reminder is softer than the next, mellower than before. You could not help but feel your cheeks warm at each reminder. He was such a huge man, one that frightened even those who looked down upon him. Yet he was so gentle, so wonderful.

As you worked, you couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that you were able to offer Toji a small gesture of kindness in return for the quiet companionship he had provided you. You worked hard because you think he deserved to have someone care for him. You stole glances at Toji's stoic expression, noting the subtle shift in his demeanor as he watched you mend his shirts. Though he remained ever so silent, stoic as a statue, you sensed a silent appreciation in his gaze—a recognition of the care and effort you poured into each stitch.

When you presented him with the final fixings, Toji accepted them with a nod of gratitude each and every time, his expression softening ever so slightly. From that day forward, he wore the shirts you had mended with unwavering dedication, despite their outdated appearance or the judgmental gazes of others.

Toji understood the significance of your efforts, recognizing the depth of your kindness and devotion in each carefully stitched seam. And in his silent acceptance, you found a connection that transcended words—a silent understanding that bound you together in quiet companionship. And that perhaps is all that mattered to you.

In the tranquil embrace of the natural world, enveloped by the gentle symphony of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, you and Toji discovered a sanctuary away from the tumultuous demands of your respective clans. Beneath the canopy of green above, time seemed to stand still, allowing you to savor each precious moment spent in Toji's company.

With each passing day, your bond with Toji deepened, weaving together threads of understanding and mutual respect into the fabric of your relationship. In his presence, the burdens of duty and expectation that once weighed heavily upon your shoulders dissolved, leaving behind a sense of liberation and lightness.

Every shared glance, every soft smile exchanged between you carried with it a silent promise of companionship and support, a reminder that you were not alone in navigating the complexities of your world. You found solace in the simple joy of being together, of basking in the warmth of his presence and the quiet strength that emanated from him.

As you lay side by side beneath the verdant canopy, watching the shifting patterns of light dance across his features, you couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the moment. With Toji by your side, the world felt like a place worth living in, filled with endless possibilities and untold adventures waiting to be discovered.

And as you gazed upon him, his eyes closed in serene contentment, you felt a swell of affection and admiration in your heart. In that fleeting moment, you knew that there was nowhere else you'd rather be than here, with Toji, sharing in the quiet splendor of nature's embrace.

The serene melody of birdsong filled the air, a symphony of nature's chorus that seemed to resonate deep within your soul. Nestled side by side beneath the expansive canopy of the ancient tree, you and Toji found yourselves enveloped in a tranquil oasis, far removed from the bustle and chaos of the world beyond.

The soft blades of grass beneath your backs provided a gentle cushion against the earth, inviting you to surrender to the soothing embrace of nature's embrace. Above, the vast expanse of the sky stretched out like an endless tapestry, its azure hues mingling with the ethereal wisps of cotton-white clouds that drifted lazily across the heavens.

In this idyllic sanctuary, time seemed to stand still, allowing you and Toji to bask in the timeless beauty of the natural world around you. The gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant murmur of a nearby stream, and the distant calls of unseen creatures all combined to create a sense of serenity that washed over you like a gentle tide.

As you lay together beneath the sprawling branches of the ancient tree, the worries and cares of the world melted away, replaced by a profound sense of peace and contentment. Here, amidst the harmonious symphony of nature, you found solace in each other's company, sharing in the quiet beauty of the world around you.

Lost in the tranquility of the moment, you turned to Toji, a curious glint in your eyes. "Toji, what's your dream?" you asked softly, breaking the peaceful silence that surrounded you.

Toji's brow furrowed slightly at your question, his gaze fixed on the expanse of sky above. "Why do you ask?" he inquired, his voice quiet but thoughtful.

You shrugged, a playful smile tugging at your lips. "Just curious, I suppose," you replied. "Everyone has dreams, don't they?"

After a moment of contemplation, The green eyed young man turned his gaze back to you, his expression thoughtful. Slowly, he raised a hand to gesture towards the vast expanse above. As though he was trying to reach for the sky, for the birds that fly ever so freely above the wide blue deep.

"I suppose... I'd like to feel what freedom actually feels like," he confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. "To live, to breathe, to love without constraints."

With a gaze that conveyed both comprehension and compassion, you regarded Toji, sensing a kindred spirit in his yearning for freedom from the burdens of obligation and societal norms. It was a recognition born from your own experiences, from the weight of expectations placed upon you by your respective clans, and the longing to break free from those constraints.

In Toji's eyes, you saw the echo of your own desires, mirrored in the depths of his gaze. The shared understanding between you transcended mere words, an unspoken bond forged through the silent acknowledgment of each other's struggles and aspirations.

Together, you existed in a realm where the burdens of tradition and duty held no sway, where the pursuit of personal freedom and fulfillment took precedence over the demands of society. It was a sanctuary you had created together, a space where you could share your dreams and aspirations without fear of judgment or reproach.

"And what about you?" Toji asked, his gaze searching for yours. "What's your dream?"

A wide smile spread across your face as you met his gaze. "Funny you should ask," you replied, a playful twinkle in your eye. "Because I think we have the same dream."

Toji's lips quivered upwards in a rare display of warmth, a genuine smile gracing his features. "Is that so?" he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

You nodded, your smile widening. "Yes," you affirmed. "And I hope we can make it together."

A softness settled over the two of you, the weight of unspoken hopes and shared aspirations binding you together in silent understanding. "Me too," Toji murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon, where the promise of freedom beckoned on the gentle breeze.

The way he looked at you, it burned you.

And as you smiled, you know he felt it too.

You wonder if it was safe to say those words.

‘Ah, is this what it is? Is this what love feels like?’

HE STILL THINKS ABOUT YOU OFTEN, MORE THAN HE’D LIKE. In the quiet solitude of his drunken reverie, Toji's mind often drifted back to the memories of you, like delicate petals carried on a gentle breeze. It wasn't just nostalgia that drew him back to those moments; it was the profound impact you had made on his life, an indelible mark etched upon his heart.

He remembered the way you would smile at him, your eyes alight with warmth and affection, as you made your way to that sacred tree—the tree that had become a symbol of your shared bond. In your presence, Toji felt a sense of peace and acceptance that he had never known before, a feeling that he longed to hold onto with every fiber of his being.

Your touch was like a balm to his wounded soul, soft and comforting, as though you could heal the scars of his past with just a simple caress. In your embrace, he found solace from the storms raging within him, a refuge from the harsh realities of the world outside.

And when your lips met his, it was as though time itself stood still, suspended in a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. In those stolen moments of passion, Toji felt a connection so profound, so intense, that it transcended the boundaries of time and space.

But as the years slipped by, like grains of sand through an hourglass, Toji found himself haunted by the memories of what could have been, the dreams that had been shattered by the cruel hand of fate. He mourned the loss of the future he had envisioned with you, the life that had slipped through his fingers like grains of sand.

Yet even in his darkest moments, amid the haze of alcohol and regret, there remained a glimmer of hope—a hope that one day, he might find a way to reclaim the love that had been lost, to build a future with you that defied the constraints of time and circumstance.

And so, with each passing day, Toji carried the weight of his memories like a burden, a constant reminder of the love that had once burned brightly between you, and the promise of a future that still remained within reach, if only he dared to reach out and grasp it.

But despite his yearning for what once was, Toji found himself trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and reckless pursuits. He sought solace in the fleeting distractions of the world, hoping to numb the pain that gnawed at his heart like a relentless beast.

Yet amidst the chaos of his existence, there remained a flicker of the man he once was—a man who had loved deeply and dreamed of a future filled with happiness and purpose. It was this spark of humanity that kept him tethered to the memories of you, reminding him of the love he had lost and the person he had once been.

In his darkest moments, when the weight of his regrets threatened to crush him, Toji would close his eyes and summon forth the image of your smile, the warmth of your touch, and the sound of your laughter echoing like a melody in his mind. It was these memories that kept him going, fueling his determination to someday find his way back to you, no matter the cost.

But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Toji's hope began to wane, replaced by a bitter resignation to the cruel twists of fate that had torn you apart. He cursed himself for his weakness, for his inability to protect you from the fate that had befallen you, and for the pain he knew you must be enduring without him by your side.

In the quiet depths of his thoughts, Fushiguro Toji often finds himself contemplating the bittersweet truth of your relationship. To him, you were like the sun—bright, radiant, and unattainable. And he? He was but a mere moon, destined to orbit around you, never truly belonging to your world. Yet, despite the inevitable distance that separated you, his love for you burns steadfastly, unwavering in its intensity.

When he made the decision to depart from the Zenin clan, he understood that it meant leaving behind any chance of ever crossing paths with you again. Still, the memory of you lingers like a haunting melody, weaving its way into the fabric of his existence. Though you may never belong to each other, he carries you in his heart, a cherished remnant of a love that was never meant to be.

Toji's heart shattered into a million pieces when he had to leave you behind. And now you were forced to be engaged to his brother. You cried for help, you did. That’s what everyone said. You called for him and asked someone to look for him. It was a betrayal of the highest order, one that threatened to tear apart everything he had ever hoped for. The thought of you being wed to his older brother, Jinichi, filled him with a rage unlike any he had ever known.

For years, he had harbored dreams of returning to the Zenin clan, of freeing you from the suffocating grasp of your lineage with Naoki's help. Naoki had the ear of all clans. He could make something happen. But now, those dreams lay shattered at his feet, crushed beneath the weight of cruel reality. The mere thought of you being subjected to a marriage of convenience, forced to spend your days with a man who could never appreciate the gentle soul that you were, filled Toji with an overwhelming sense of despair and helplessness.

Driven by a blind fury, he had once entertained thoughts of storming into the Zenin manor, of whisking you away from your fate by force if necessary. You were alone, there was nothing left for you in the Kamo clan. How long can your cousin protect you from what the clans expect of young women like you? He couldn’t take it. He wanted to leave. Storm back there. But Naoki, ever the voice of reason, had intervened, urging Toji to reconsider his reckless actions. He told him to wait, that he had a plan. That it will all work out.

And so he let himself wait and wait.

Drink after drink, to let his anxiety hurl.

Yet not everything does work out.

No matter how drunk he got at each round;

He would never end up finding you in this life.

Zenin Naoki found his younger cousin Toji in the dimly lit room, his figure slumped over the rough wooden table, an empty bottle of sake clutched tightly in his hand. He could see the anguish etched into Toji's features, the lines of pain and sorrow etched deep into his brow. He was too drunk, Naoki knew. But the moment he would speak those words, he knew that his cousin would be wholeheartedly sober. He didn’t have the heart to say it.

Naoki’s weary palms sharply echoed into fists. He takes the steps toward his little cousin. Naoki lets one fist unclench and open, grabbing an empty chair for himself and taking to sitting. His lips pursed as he moved closer towards his cousin’s bed. His eyes waver, as though giving away all that he was about to say.

"Toji," Naoki began cautiously, his voice soft but firm. "There's something you need to know."

Toji's bloodshot eyes lifted to meet Naoki's gaze, filled with a mixture of desperation and despair. "What is it?" he asked hoarsely, his voice barely above a whisper.

Naoki hesitated, knowing that his words would only add to Toji's suffering. "It's about her," he began, his voice heavy with regret. "Your Kamo flower."

Toji's grip on the bottle tightened, his knuckles turning white with the force of his emotions. "What about her?" he demanded, his voice trembling with barely contained rage.

Naoki took a deep breath, steeling himself for Toji's reaction. "She's... she's married," he confessed, his words hanging heavy in the air like a death knell.

The color drained from Toji's face, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. "Married?" he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "To who? I thought the engagement would be broken—"

"To your brother, Jinichi," Naoki replied, his heart heavy with guilt. "It was rushed. Father wanted to strengthen the alliance between our clans. The Gojo clan….had gotten strong recently. As soon as I arrived, it was different. They bypassed me. The marriage already took place."

Toji's world shattered in an instant, the pain of betrayal and loss consuming him like a raging inferno. He felt as if the ground had been ripped out from beneath him, leaving him to plummet into an endless abyss of despair.

But deep down, Toji knew the truth of Naoki's words, and it tore him apart like nothing else ever could. He just couldn’t register how no one could let her free. How no one could help her. Genmei, her cousin Kaiko, his cousin Naoki. There were so many people there. How could none of them have been able to do anything? In that moment, he felt as if he had lost everything—the woman he loved, his dreams of a future together, and the very essence of his being.

"I don't believe you," Toji spat, his voice laced with venom. "She would never agree to such a thing. She loves me, she always has. She would never....."

"Not in her own will." Naoki agreed quietly, leaning back exhaustedly. "But now she has no choice. Once it is done, it is done."

As the reality of his situation sank in, Toji's mind began to unravel, consumed by a maelstrom of rage and despair. He cursed the gods for their cruelty, cursed himself for his weakness, and cursed the world for its injustice. And in that dark, lonely room, Toji wept for the love he had lost, for the dreams that lay shattered at his feet, and for the woman who had stolen his heart and left him to suffer in silence.

‘You can't risk your life like this. Please, Toji,’ Naoki had pleaded, his words echoing with a painful truth that Toji was unwilling to accept. When he cried, when he beat Naoki down, when Naoki didn’t fight back. All he could hear was those words over and over. ‘I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Little cousin, I am sorry."

In the end, he saw the wedding photos. That bastard Jinichi had sent them all clans, including the Mikoto — to announce the marriage far and wide. You were miserable beside his brother. Jinichi stood over you, as though he now owned you. As though you were his to tarnish, to harm, to brutalize. Toji’s blood boiled over and over. He screamed over and over. He threw beer bottles over and over. In the end, all Toji had left was his tears, swallowing his own grief over and over. He let himself drown his sorrows in a sea of alcohol and vice.

He couldn’t stop. The bitterness of his betrayal festered within him, consuming him from the inside out. But not at you. Never at you. At everything, at everyone. Toji was angry, for a long long time. All he could think about was how you suffered all these years. And how he could do nothing. He had absolutely nothing.

Each day was a struggle, each night haunted by visions of you suffering at the hands of a man who could never hope to understand the depths of your gentle spirit. Toji's anger burned like a raging inferno, fueled by the injustice of it all.

But deep down, beneath the layers of resentment and despair, there lingered a flicker of hope—a hope that one day, he might find a way to free you from the shackles of your unwanted marriage, to offer you the tenderness and love that you so rightfully deserved. Until then, he would carry the weight of his failure like a heavy burden, a constant reminder of the cruel twists of fate that had torn you apart.

“You know, I always wanted to have my own family.” You whisper to him out of the blue, the corner of your eyes looking at him. He looks at you with a curious gaze, a grin on his face.

“Oh? A big family?”

You shake your head. “No, I have enough siblings as it is. One, two at most.”

“Hm, a boy or a girl?”

You smiled at him tenderly, your hand brushing against the edges of his lower head, your fingertips meeting the dark raven hair over and over. “It doesn’t matter. As long as they’re healthy.”

“Hm, but if you have to choose?”

“A girl would be nice as the eldest.” You tell him softly. “A warm elder sister to welcome her little sibling to the world would be most tender.”

Toji's gaze softened as he listened to your words, a faint smile gracing his lips at the notion of starting a family. "I want that too," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability. "A family of my own, someday."

Your heart swelled with warmth at his confession, knowing that you shared this cherished dream. "I've always dreamed of having a family," you confessed, your voice filled with quiet longing.

Curiosity sparkled in Toji's eyes as he turned to you, his hand reaching out to gently intertwined with yours. "If you had a child, what would you name the girl, if you had her?" he asked softly.

Without hesitation, you smiled and replied, "Tsumiki." As you spoke, you traced the characters for each letter onto the palm of his hand, the strokes delicate and deliberate. "It means 'haven of beautiful chronicles'.”

Toji's eyes met yours, his expression reflecting a mix of awe and tenderness. "It's a beautiful name," he murmured, his thumb brushing over the characters etched into his skin. "For a beautiful future."

Toji's words stirred a tender warmth within you, melting your heart away to be his. His vulnerability echoed your own desires, creating a connection that transcended the boundaries of words. As he expressed his longing for a family, you couldn't help but feel a deep resonance within your heart, a shared dream that bound you together on purpose.

Toji's reaction was one of gentle reverence, his thumb brushing over the characters etched into his skin with a touch of awe. As you traced the characters onto his palm, you infused each stroke with the depth of your love and hope for the future.

In his eyes, you saw a reflection of your own dreams, a shared vision of a future filled with love, warmth, and possibility. And as he spoke of the beauty of the name you had chosen, you felt a sense of gratitude wash over you, knowing that in each other's company, the seeds of a beautiful future had already been planted.

“I see the regular life everyone has, though.” Toji whispers to you as he moved closer to you, his arms on your waist. “I see swimming pools, living rooms. Those little airplanes, the toy ones.”

You giggle against him. “The little house on the hills? Just enough for us. Walls with children’s names, their height.”

Toji hummed at you, placing a small kiss upon your head. “Quiet nights with those ice and those booze, when its just.”

“Yeah,” You say to him, meeting his eyes. “I want that.”

“With me?”

You smiled widely, nodding. “Yes, with you.”

As the tender moment lingered, a soft breeze stirred the leaves above, casting dancing shadows over your intertwined figures. The air was charged with an electric anticipation, the warmth of Toji's presence enveloping you like a comforting embrace.

With a gentle lean, Toji closed the space between you, his lips meeting yours in a tender kiss that spoke volumes of unspoken emotions. It was a moment of pure vulnerability and trust, a silent affirmation of the deep connection that had blossomed between you.

As he pressed his body against yours, you felt the weight of his presence grounding you in the present moment. His touch was both gentle and passionate, igniting a fire within you that burned with the intensity of shared desire and longing.

And as you surrendered to the sweetness of the moment, you knew that in Toji's arms, you had found your sanctuary, your haven of beautiful chronicles, where love knew no bounds and dreams were born anew with each tender caress.

In the end, these memories wilted little by little.

But he couldn’t let his brain forget who you were.

He never allowed himself to let your smile die out.

You were his drug, one that kept him moving forward.

A gun on his head, your smile on his mind, he pauses.

Tears poured over and over, like it was the first time again.

IT WAS ALL TOO EARLY FOR THIS. Fushiguro Toji, now a widower after losing his wife just a year ago, was caught off guard by the unexpected knock on his door. Opening it, he found Kamo Kaiko standing there in her sorcerer uniform, hand in hand with a little girl who appeared to be about three years old. The girl wasn't very tall, her brown hair tied in a ponytail, her eyes bright amber-brown. She had an innocence about her, like a little doe, yet there was a warmth in her gaze that seemed to suggest a familiarity beyond their meeting.

Despite his initial surprise, Toji couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort at the sight of the smiling girl. There was something about her demeanor that put him at ease, as though she already knew him, as though they shared some unspoken connection..

“It’s been a while, Toji.” Kamo Kaiko says to him, a wave of her hand and a charismatic smile. She hadn’t changed. He wonders if that smile of hers will ever be genuine.

“What are you doing here?” He says roughly, his body resting against the door frame. “Who knows you’re here?”

“No one.” She tells him, her eyes narrowing confidently at him. “You ought to believe me. I’m good at covering my tracks.”

Toji felt exasperated by her words, as much as this early morning has. He rubs his eyes. He opens the door wide. “Come in.”

“Thank you very much~” Kaiko says as she comes in, taking off her shoes. “Mimi, say the same thing!”

The young girl let out a sound, as though she had forgotten. The girl bows politely and smiles at Toji warmly. “Thank you for letting us in!”

“Come, Mimi! Here’s the tiny indoor shoes for you~”

“Thank you, Kaiko-san!”

Toji thinks he should have not opened the door.

Toji's apartment was in disarray, a tangible reflection of the turmoil that had engulfed his life since his wife's passing. Clutter littered the floor, and the air felt heavy with the weight of grief and solitude. However, Kaiko didn't utter a word of reproach or judgment. She knew all too well the challenges of single parenthood, having navigated them herself in the past.

The young girl, full of curiosity and innocence, caught sight of Toji's son nestled in his crib and couldn't contain her excitement. With wide eyes brimming with curiosity, she asked if she could see the baby. Kaiko's smile softened, and she nodded warmly, reminding the little girl to be gentle and careful with the fragile infant. Toji didn’t mind. It was better that someone was looking after Megumi, even for a little while. He’s absolutely exhausted.

As the children played, Kaiko and Toji settled down to talk, the weight of the conversation heavy in the air. Kaiko offered her condolences on his wife's passing, but Toji's impatience cut through the pleasantries like a sharp blade. "Cut to the chase," he demanded, his tone curt and brusque.

Kaiko's expression turned somber as she delivered the heartbreaking news. "I came to tell you... she's gone," she uttered softly, her voice laced with sorrow. "You lost her at childbirth."

Toji's face contorted with a sudden wave of anguish. His mouth went dry as he anticipated the words he dreaded to hear, yet yearned to know for certain. "Who?" he pressed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You know who," Kaiko replied gently, her gaze unwavering.

"I know," Toji acknowledged, his eyes trembling with emotion as he stared at Kaiko. Despite knowing the answer, he still needed her to say it aloud, as if hearing the confirmation would somehow make the pain more real.

Kaiko's lips tightened as she observed the man before her, grappling with his own torment. She knew that this news would shatter him, just as it had shattered her. With a heavy heart, she spoke your name, the weight of the words hanging in the air like a dense fog.

"It was... a bad situation," Kaiko continued, her voice laced with sorrow. "There were numerous stillbirths and miscarriages. This last one—"

"And none of you stopped him?" Toji's voice cracked with a mixture of anger, anguish, and disbelief. The news of Megumi's mother's death had devastated him, but the thought of you suffering and ultimately losing your life in such a tragic manner ignited a firestorm of emotions within him. His hands slammed down on the table with a force that reverberated throughout the apartment, his eyes narrowed with fury as he confronted Kaiko. "None of you had the courage to intervene? To protect her? You let her die. You let her die at the hands of that monster?"

As Toji's anguished cries filled the air, baby Megumi's response was almost immediate. His tiny wails rose in crescendo, mingling with his father's tumultuous emotions, creating a symphony of sorrow that seemed to echo off the walls of the apartment. Toji's heart clenched at the sound, each cry a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the weight of his loss.

But just as despair threatened to consume him, a figure emerged from the shadows, a ray of hope amidst the darkness. The young girl with doe-like eyes approached with a serene smile, her presence a comforting presence amidst the chaos. With delicate hands, she reached out for baby Megumi, enfolding him in her arms with a tender embrace that seemed to soothe his cries.

"It's okay," she whispered softly, her voice a gentle lullaby that seemed to resonate with the infant's distress. In her arms, Megumi found solace, his sobs gradually subsiding as he nestled against her, finding refuge in her comforting embrace.

Toji's tumultuous emotions seemed to subside, if only for a moment, as he witnessed the touching scene unfolding before him. The sight of the young girl cradling his son and humming a gentle melody cast a tranquil spell over the room, momentarily quelling the storm raging within him. He found himself entranced by her soothing presence, his troubled thoughts momentarily quieted by the tender moment.

As he watched the girl, a flicker of recognition sparked in Toji's eyes, a distant memory stirring within him like a long-forgotten dream. It was as if he could see glimpses of you in her, the way you used to comfort him with your gentle touch and calming voice. His hands trembled with emotion as he turned to face Kaiko, his heart heavy with the weight of grief and regret.

Kaiko met his gaze with a sorrowful expression, her eyes filled with remorse and longing. "I'm sorry, Toji," she murmured softly, her voice laced with emotion. "I couldn't save her from her fate. I couldn't save you from this pain."

Toji's heart tightened at Kaiko's words, the weight of her apology settling heavily upon him. Despite the sorrow in her voice, there was a hint of resolve, a determination to honor a promise made long ago. "But I wanted to keep a promise," she confessed, her gaze drifting towards the young girl who now cradled Megumi in her arms. "At least one more."

Toji's eyes followed Kaiko's gaze, settling on the girl whose presence seemed to bring a measure of solace to the room. A question lingered on his lips as he turned back to Kaiko, his voice barely a whisper. "What's her name?" he inquired softly, his heart heavy with a mixture of curiosity and longing.

A sad smile graced Kaiko's lips as she met Toji's gaze. "Her name is Tsumiki," she revealed gently, her voice tinged with emotion as she spoke the name that carried both sorrow and hope. “Just as she always wanted.”

Toji's heart ached with a mixture of sorrow and gratitude as he gazed at Tsumiki, his tears mingling with Kaiko's. The realization that Tsumiki was the living embodiment of his lost love washed over him like a tidal wave, leaving him feeling both overwhelmed and strangely comforted.

Kaiko's words pierced through the haze of his grief, her voice gentle but firm. "They don't know that she's alive, Tsumiki," she explained, her own tears betraying the depth of her sorrow. "Genmei arranged it all. They wouldn't look for her now."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, leaving Toji grappling with a torrent of emotions. "Why?" he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible. "Why are you...?"

Kaiko met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "This is what my cousin would have wanted," she replied softly. "You were the only person that truly did love her. Tsumiki would be safer here. She would be loved and..."

Toji's voice trailed off, his eyes fixed on Tsumiki's innocent face as he wiped away his tears. "I didn't notice," he murmured, his words tinged with regret. "How much she looked like her mother."

"Spitting image of her," Kaiko agreed in a bittersweet tone, her gaze filled with a mixture of sadness and fondness.

Toji's fingertips grazed Tsumiki's silky hair, the soft strands a poignant reminder of the gentle touch he had once known. As he watched her tender care for his son, a bittersweet ache tugged at his heartstrings, stirring memories of you and the warmth you had always exuded.

In Tsumiki's innocent gestures, Toji glimpsed echoes of your compassionate spirit, a fleeting reflection of the love and kindness you had bestowed upon him. The sight filled him with a mixture of longing and gratitude, a silent tribute to the precious moments he had shared with you.

Struggling to articulate the depth of his emotions, Toji's voice quivered with unspoken sorrow as he whispered his thanks to Tsumiki. His words hung heavy in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the comfort her presence brought amidst the tumult of his grief.

As Tsumiki cradled his son with unwavering tenderness, Toji felt a flicker of hope stir within his heart. In her gentle embrace, he found solace and strength, a beacon of light illuminating the darkness of his sorrow and reminding him of the enduring power of love.

For the first time in a long time, he felt alive.

He felt alive having known that he has you.

You were always with him, you always loved him.

Years later, Gojo Satoru stood before him, watching.

He could only smile, feeling the chasing sunset.

Two fools would be together again, after all this time.

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