#a muramasa blade seems most likely | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kurt-wagner-official · 26 days

Text

Post #114: WLV issues 1-3

That's short for Wolverine, because Logan is getting his own ongoing solo series! Around this time, he actually starts starring in Marvel Comics Presents and this book at the same time, but the new rule I'm implementing for this blog is that I will only read one Wolverine solo book at a time, including minis. This will also apply to Cable when he shows up. I do love Logan, but with every X-book I read, my favorite parts are the ways the characters play off each other and act as foils for their teammates. I'll keep an open mind going into this book, though, because I know a lot of people love it and there's some classic stories. The first issue opens with a pilot named Lee Kwan Pen being beat up by pirates on an island in Indonesia. The pirates raid passing boats, steal the money, kill the men, and abuse the women. Logan has stumbled on them when he was tracking a passenger plane that disappeared, actually having made an emergency landing here. He moves silently through their camp, killing pirates as he finds them, to get to his target, a passenger on the plane who's been taken hostage. His name is Kojima Noburu, Mariko's secretary, but when he finds him, he's confronted by dozens of pirates. He kills the whole crew, except the captain, Banapur, who takes a woman hostage and flees on a boat. But one of the other women, a stewardess on the plane, has snuck aboard and shoots him, turning the boat back around. Logan goes back to Kojima, who, in his dying moments, tells him these pirates were hired by the Cult of the Black Blade, who are seeking the sword, forged by Muramasa. Cut to a few days later, when Lindsay McCabe arrives in Madripoor, hunted by the cult and followed by Logan. She was Jessica Drew's roommate, and met Logan in San Francisco, so he's being sneaky so she doesn't recognize him by wearing an eyepatch, which is a good enough disguise for her. He saves her from an attack and learns Jessica is the courier for some magic talisman Kojima warned Logan about, and she's walking into a trap.

Logan and Lindsay go to where Jessica was sent to meet Kojima, where they now know the cult was waiting. Logan finds the Silver Samurai, who's also unable to recognize him through the eyepatch, and they start to fight but are interrupted by Jessica, who shows up talking like a ninja and beats up the Samurai. He says that the sword she has is the Black Blade, and it's possessed her and given her powers. She flees the bar, pursued by Logan, while Lindsay takes the Samurai's sword and almost kills him before sparing him. This earns his respect, and they set off together to find Logan and Jessica so she can get her friend and he can get the sword. They arrive too late, however; Logan has taken the sword from Jessica, hoping to save her, but it's possessed him.

Most of this issue is focused on Silver Samurai and Lindsay. They see Logan- I mean, Patch- declare that he's gonna sacrifice Jessica to the sword and then disappear. They spend a while making their way through the Madripoor underworld tracking down the cult. It's fine stuff, but Lindsay is not the character I'm here to blog about. Eventually they catch up, and fight Logan for the sword to save Jessica. Eventually, his will overcomes the blade, and he throws it away. The Silver Samurai picks it up, but it doesn't possess him, because he's the true fated master of the blade. Logan wishes his old enemy well and leaves with Jessica and Lindsay.

This arc was okay. I did really like the first issue, because as I've said I'm a sucker for stories where Logan's running around hunting people and monologuing. But as much as he loves them, I don't think samurai stories are Claremont's strength; the first Logan mini and the wedding story were great but every time he's gone back to the genre the well has seemed a little drier. This was basically the same plot as the Kitty/Logan mini, which was good not because of the kinda bland plot but because of the relationship between those characters, which we don't get here. I do really like Logan's disguise though, that was hilarious, and Lindsay was pretty fun. It was a fine start to the book, but not my cup of tea. I'm glad it exists for people who do like this flavor of Logan though.

#wes reads xmen

0 notes

toukenramblings · 3 years

Note

I magically got the sword Sengo Muramasa today! Do you have any works about him? What do you think of this swordman?

Oh hoooo

I’ve never written for Sengo before but congrats on getting him~! My gf calls him a himbo and honestly she’s not wrong. @lunalove25

So....let’s talk about Sengo

Yes Sengo is a nudist everyone can see that. But...is that it? Why is he a nudist? Why does he lean into the demon blade persona and story too much? Even I do not know. Sengo is a big of an enigma.

He’s a bit full of himself, we can see that in his dialogue and his general demeanor. After all, he is gorgeous no one can deny that. He isn’t shy about his gorgeousness and if you have low confidence in your body, ain’t no way Sengo is about to let that slide. Every time he hears you say stupid shit about yourself, he counters it. “Ah! You look positively wonderful today, master!” “Ah, what would we ever do without you, our loved and smart saniwa!”

There is a line where he claims he won’t drive his master insane. Perhaps not through...actual negative means but perhaps he wants to drive the master insane in a good way? Yes Sengo is a headache but he’s not causing them nightmares or harm? Maybe that is just enough for him?

Gods forbid that he does hurt them though. Even by accident, he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.

But if he does cause them a headache and they dislike him, I think he would apologize. Yes he leans into the stories a little too much but Sengo is a nice dude in the end.

He does care about Tonbokiri s they are brothers. Tonbo claims that Sengo is misunderstood and honestly, perhaps he is?

There’s a line in his Japanese dialogue that says: “ But, no one really knows why the Muramasas are called demon blades. It's rather comical how everyone is swayed by an unclear legend, isn't it? huhuhuhu...“ which could mean many things. He says he finds it funny that people are swayed by unclear legends so perhaps he is a man that looks past a cover? His motto seems to be, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover”

At this, I’m pretty sure he’s pretty forgiving as well, always giving people second chances. There is probably a reason why they did that, no? Sit down with him, let him listen. Despite how he is, he’s a good listener. He wants to hear all sides of the story.

You just ever think about if Sengo has insecurities? What makes him tick? Looking at his Kiwame letters on the wiki, he wants to find out the truth behind things, and comes to a conclusion that humans make up legends at their own whim to whatever they find fancy that day. He says that he’s happy if the master knows the truth about him the most, and this brings me back to him giving out second chances to people. They can change and everything is not what it seems. I think a part of him accepts those rumors, that he’s a so called demonic blade but at least someone knows the truth, and it makes him happy that he can bare himself to you (no pun intended) and give you his heart and soul in mutual trust.

Also as much of a nudist Sengo is, he’s pretty good with people. He listens a lot to the world around him and like Mikazuki, he knows all of the gossip in the citadel; good and bad. If there is anything negative happening, he will be one of the first people to try and get to the bottom of something, to ensure all parties are alright and no one will be hurt in the end. He pops in with this weird little smile, different from his normal mischievous one, and sits down beside them, making some sort of joke to ease their nerves before asking them whatever is the matter.

Sengo also is a pretty hard worker. He isn’t as meticulous as like Hasebe or Kikkou when it comes to daily chores, but he knows what he can do and what he’s good at. He’s mostly found either enjoying the sunlight or cleaning a bit outside of your office.

10/10 gives great as fuck hugs. Sengo is a fucking furnace.

Also gets hot super easily, hence, stripping. Also gets cold pretty easily as well.

#touken ranbu #touken danshi #touken ranbu imagine #touken ranbu x reader #touken danshi x reader #touken danshi imagine #toudan #toudan imagine #toudan x reader #tkrb #tkrb x reader #tkrb imagine #my writing #sengo muramasa #sengo muramasa x reader #sengo muramasa imagine #Chaotic Citadel Correspondences #sengo thoughts mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm *thinking emoji*

20 notes · View notes

silvanable · 4 years

Note

hey hey hey, vy from iksennw here and was hoping for ikesen headcanons for a female mc who came from the world of magic (think of fairytail?) or special powers for all WLs? if it's too much then could i request yuki, sasuke, mitsuhide, nobu, and hide?

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

i am so honored that you made a request!

i decided to go with the specific warlords you requested & what their special powers might be, as that seems like a fun idea to play with.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

↪ GUIDELINES

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

ー MITSUHIDE AKECHI

i know you all are thinking mind-reading, but might i propose... doppleganger?

hear me outー

doppleganger’s are creatures that are capable of taking the appearances of others.

and what better superpower for our favorite kitsune to have than the ability to change his own face?

it fits rather well into his personality & even more so with the duties he has.

as nobunaga’s left hand, mitsuhide is a tricky and two faced as can be, he is the snake in the grass.

with the doppleganger ability, he would only further himself into the position of spy & information gatherer.

he could infiltrate any enemies ranks and never be caught because he never has to show his true face.

expect him using his doppleganger ability to tease people constantly.

half the fun for him will be seeing the heart-attack induced expression on his victims face as he, an apparent strange, asks about one of their secrets.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

ー YUKIMURA SANADA

i had a lot of debate for yuki’s power, mostly because things were suitable but didn’t quite fit.

i chose animal communications, however, because of his personality.

yuki has a very aloof & distant personality, he comes off as very rude and standoffish towards people.

i would argue that he has far better relationships & enjoys the company of animals more to humans.

he LOVES muramasa with all his heart can’t tell me otherwise.

i know all the warlords have their personal pets, but yukimura would have a deeper connection with animals.

he would be able to communicate & understand them.

also i just love the idea of yuki having a hoard of animals following him around the yard & all of them patiently waiting outside the audience chambers for him to come out.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

ー HIDEYOSHI TOYOTOMI

hideyoshi in my mind is an empath.

sure there were lots of other options i could have picked, but empath sticks out to me more because of how selfless & altruistic he is.

having the ability to read & feel others emotions at will compliment his personality & his nature.

we’d have mom-yoshi x10 on our hands because of it as he feels the moods in the castle and aims to help everyone.

though being an empath also means the ability to manipulate other’s emotions.

hideyoshi would never use that power against someone maliciously but that doesn’t mean he won’t be tempted to use it.

there’s an argument?

he can tone it down and mellow people out with just a couple words & his power’s influence.

though hideyoshi is too kind to actually use it on someone against their will unless the situation is dire.

he wants to help & understand why he’s feeling these emotions from people, not force them to joke it down and force a smile.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

ー NOBUNAGA ODA

nobunaga strikes me as the type to have pyrokinetic powers.

he is called the devil king after all.

a great twist to this would be he is not immune to being burned, so he has to be careful where he lights everything up.

while this can be a very destructive power, i see nobunaga being fairly wise with it and scarcely using it.

the most common place for his to summon flames or bend them to his will would be on the battlefields.

while he’s not anywhere near as battle hungry or bloodthirsty as kenshin, i can definitely see nobunaga creating rings of flames to trap his enemies.

or more unsavory things, he burns his opponents alive.

other times this is just a very handy ability to have.

no weapons?

fire blades.

no light?

instant torch.

you’ve seen hawaiian fire dancers & meet nobunaga, fire fan dancer.

nobunaga dances and with the additional prop of the fan, i can see a very beautiful display of fire wrapping around him or wisps from him as he moves.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

ー SASUKE SARUTOBI

i see sasuke as someone who has psychic/energy related abilities, specifically a psychic shield (or force field if you will).

he is a very intelligent person, which i believe would play a big role in psychic abilities, especially if the power relies in the mind.

his abilities would manifest in a form of protection, as while he is a ninja & has grown in the arts of battle, i still see sasuke as someone who tries to avoid real conflict unless absolutely necessary.

these psychic shields would be like a manifestation of energy & strength would be based on mental state at the time.

sasuke would use these more in self defense than anything because shields.

i cannot get the idea out of my head though, that sasuke would form a bubble around himself when kenshin gets into his stabby mood.

he’s out of harms way and building up that mental fortitude at the same time, it’s a win-win.

it depends, but the shields could also have a capacity and distance.

as in the shields are stronger the closer they are to his person and the farther they are, the more it takes to keep the shields there.

again, a very mentally tied ability that would rely heavily on someone’s strength of mind & will to have continuous use, especially for distant or large defenses.

✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

this was super fun to do! i would also love to hear everyone else’s opinions on this topic as it has so many possibilities!

#ikemen sengoku #ikemen series #ikesen #ikemen sengoku headcanons #ikesen headcanon #sasuke sarutobi #nobunaga oda #hideyoshi toyotomi #yukimura sansada #mitsuhide akechi #ikesen sasuke #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen yukimura #ikesen hideyoshi #headcanons

49 notes · View notes

ramblingkat · 4 years

Text

This is the start of a story I’m working on. That isn’t my time travel UraIchi. Or more visored!Kisuke. Or Muramasa vs Benihime. Or any of the -other- fics I should be working on. >.> Once I have a chance to proof it and do some editing, it’ll be posted to my AO3 account.

The battle was raging. Aizen had spent the months before creating. So when he decided the next battle was going to happen, he was prepared.

While they had managed to win the battle in winter, driving the other off injured and minus most of his people, Kisuke knew that it was not the end. While some people tried to claim there was no way the man could have survived the damage Ichigo caused, Kisuke was tempted to throw his hands up and let Aizen deal with all of them.

Ichigo made him choke by asking how so many people could have been dropped on their heads as children.

But what they had taken to calling the Winter Was was only the first real battle.

What had gone on with the Hogyoku, he still had no idea. Aizen had bragged of bending the item to his will, but that couldn’t be accurate. If that was the case, he wouldn’t have almost died at Gin’s hand.

The party that assaulted Las Noches had done a great deal of damage to Aizen’s army left behind, and the shinigami who had battled in fake Karakura Town had done a lot of damage as well. Kisuke had recommended tracking down the man and finishing the job before he could recover.

Yamamoto had declined. Too many of their own were injured to be able to go after Aizen and to continue their regular duties. Kisuke never wanted to strangle the old man more.

Which was what led them to this. No warning, just the skies opening over Karakura and dozens of arrancar pouring out.

This was an all hands on call situation. He left Tessai to rouse the shinigami, and tore out himself after Ichigo and his friends.

Because they wouldn’t stand aside and let their town burn.

He was happy he had made the effort to collect all of Ichigo’s friends who wanted to know how to fight and taught them. Not the big flashy things, that would never work. That would be like teaching Hiyori how to be a simpering noble. No, he found things that suited their talents and skills.

In doing so, he dug up a lot of old training that would probably get him killed simply because he was teaching it to others.

That didn’t matter, as long as it gave them a chance to survive.

Not all were fighters. Some were much better suited for support, and he left them to it.

He was a fighter.

Front line combat was not his preferred method. If he had the choice, Kisuke would have much rather hunted Aizen down and slit his throat. Not let him build his strength back up.

Next time, he was going to listen to his own instincts and tell Yamamoto to fuck off.

He joined in just in time to take off the arm of someone making a grab for Orihime. Seemed like they were targeting the healer. Smart. She had gotten better about proper defense, and so he wasn’t needed there for long. A rain of arrows dealt with the last few. Nodding at the Quincy, Kisuke took off again. Orihime and Ishida worked well together, and ranged combat was their strength.

He continued forward, passing over Tatsuki and Chad. It warmed the heart to see them taking in the basics and applying them. Partnering up was just smart when you were dealing with large amounts of enemies. He was so proud of them.

But Kisuke’s attention was focused on the roiling knot of reiatsu that threatened everything in its space. There were Aizen, watching as several of his creations and Ichigo battled, blades flashing against each other. Around them was a healthy space where most creatures did not dare tread. Only the strongest fought Ichigo. The weak would simply dissolve from the pure force Aizen and Ichigo put out.

Kisuke had no such fear.

He was slowed down by some of the mass that Aizen had brought with him. Either they were there to keep anyone from getting close, or they had been looking for him. They swarmed at him, and Kisuke was very thankful he kept up his own training. He broke free, heading for the battle.

In his chest, he felt himself being tugged forward. There was nothing else he could call it. Something there pulled at him, and he was sure he knew what it was.

Not something he could deal with at the moment. All of his attention was getting up there to watch Ichigo’s back.

Benihime took off the arm and head of one of the arrancar, and he smiled. “Ah, Ichigo-san. You were late for our date. Now I find you playing with some other man.”

The nose wrinkle he got for that was totally worth the huff he also got.

“He’s not blond enough for me,” Ichigo replied lazily, taking out an arrancar of his own. This lot seemed weaker than the last lot. But it might just be in Kisuke’s head. After all, he did only face a few on his own.

That didn’t mean they didn’t make up for it with numbers. The arrancar swarmed, not too coordinated. They got in each others way. Just as well, it was hard to track all of them. The entire scene was madness, and he could feel Ichigo curling his reiatsu in tight. He braced himself, ready to stand by Ichigo. He knew what the other was doing.

He was about to turn himself into a reiatsu bomb, really. Clear the space around them and get some room.

Kisuke just had to give him the chance to get it together.

He knocked aside one blade, cut through a neck with a smooth continuation of the same stroke, and tossed a kido off with another flick of fingers.

The next split second was in a series of images. A more animalistic arrancar about to bring claws down on Ichigo’s skull. A flash of a zanpakuto, with Aizen smiling behind it. The realization he could stop one. He couldn’t grab Ichigo. He could dodge the attack, or he could defend Ichigo.

There really wasn’t any choice.

He felt Benihime glide through the arrancar’s arm, even as Kyoka Suigetsu slid home.

Kisuke felt the shock radiate from Ichigo. It was almost stronger than the blade in his chest.

Then the world exploded with a bone rattling roar.

#bleach #urahara kisuke #kurosaki ichigo #booms #fic in progress #aizen sosuke

18 notes · View notes

leoandreeda · 4 years

Text

Samurai references in One Piece

Even when this is "short" this took me a long time to made but I finally finished it. I know that maybe I do not have ALL the references, but I'll mention the ones I've been seeing since I'm watching One Piece again. Also you'll read a lot about Zoro because he seems to be the character in which Eiichiro Oda likes to represent these warriors. I couldn't avoid pointing them out, especially since we're actually in Wano, to show you all a little of the influence they have in One Piece (at least in this arc.. or just in Zoro...). Of course there'll be manga spoilers.

1. The breath of all things.

While Zoro and Daz Bones were fighting in Arabasta, Zoro sees that he is at a disadvantage against his rival because this one is the user of the Devil fruit of steel, and that is a material that he wasn't capable of cutting. After a few attempts, he remembers a particular moment from his childhood about one of the lessons that his teacher and Kuina's father, Koshiro, teach him after a young Zoro asks if it is possible to cut steel. Koshiro gives him a demonstration when he tries to cut a piece of paper with his sword, but fails. After receiving a confused look from his student, he says what is in the pic beneath.

This teaching is inspired by one of the legends of Masamune Ozaki. In this story, Masamune (Who was not a samurai but a blacksmith who still was closely related to them) is challenged by his disciple Muramasa Shinji to see who of the 2 is the best blacksmith in Japan. Masamune accepted the challenge and after days of dedication and effort he created Yawarakai Te (Soft Hands / 柔らかい手). Muramasa also worked tirelessly and, finally, shaped Juuchi Yosamu (10,000 cold nights / 十千夜寒).

To test the value of each of them, Masamune and Muramasa were summoned on the riverbank one day at dawn. Once there, Muramasa submerged the first the tip of his sword in the water, against the current. Juuchi Yosamu, the Muramasa blade, cut everything that came close to its edge: it split the leaves that floated in the river and cut in half the fish that swam nearby. It even cut the morning air and the same sunlight. Masamune recognized with a deep reverence the great work of his disciple Muramasa. Indeed: there could not exist in all of Japan a sharper blade than that blade and only a Grand Master could make a sword like Juuchi Yosamu. But now his turn had come. He closed his eyes for a few moments and unsheathed Yawarakai Te. The brightness of the soft forging of his blade was reflected on the water while the old blacksmith dipped the tip of his sword into the river. And, then ...

Nothing happened because the fish that came close to Masamune's sword swam peacefully around him, without getting hurt. The leaves that floated down the river collided with it, turned on themselves and followed their course where the current led without splitting or cutting. Sunlight shone on the sword and the wind whistled softly as it struck its edge. Muramasa began to laugh at his master's sword. "You are no longer able to make a sword that really cuts. Now the best blacksmith in Japan is me" he said. Masamune did not answer. He drew his sword from the water and, still smiling, dried it first and then put it in its holster.

An old monk who had seen everything from the other shore said: "There is a sword that is very well made, that is very beautiful and sharp, but is eager to cut and does not discriminate against who or whom. But the other sword is undoubtedly more beautiful and more perfect because its edge is still finer and does not need to cut what is innocent and does not deserve to be cut. There is a sword that takes away life and another sword that gives it. "

Note: Of course this is only a legend since Masamune Ozaki and Muramasa Shinji are many years apart (almost 100 I suppose), so I understand they did not even know each other, but you get the point.

2. The Kitetsu.

The kitetsu are a "trio" of Yōtō ( cursed swords / 妖刀) that are said to bring misfortunes to their owners until they find death in horrible ways. They are demonic swords whose thirst for blood is insatiable and whose edge and ease to cut things are incredible, almost incomparable.

Now, this is related to one of the aforementioned blacksmiths, specifically with his clan, the Muramasa. Muramasa Shinji was a person of unstable and violent character, it was said that his swords leaves, shorter, more curved and more affiliated than those of Masamune, instilled in the warriors that carried them an uncontrollable desire to kill.

But the swords of Muramasa fell into disgrace when Tokugawa Ieyasu arrived at the shogunate, at the beginning of the 17th century, due to the many misfortunes that these swords caused to his family: the Kaishaku (end of the seppuku ritual in which the assistant beheads the suicidal with a katana) of Ieyasu's son, Nobuyasu, was made with a Muramasa; in his childhood, Ieyasu was wounded with a Tantō Muramasa; Ieyasu's grandfather was killed with a Muramasa katana; Ieyasu's father was attacked with a wakizashi Muramasa. Therefore, the shogun banned the use of Muramasa clan weapons in Japan. Even the Bugyō (commissioner / 奉行) Nagasaki, who was a collector of Muramasa weapons despite the ban, was executed under direct orders from the Shōgun (army commander/ 将軍) Tokugawa Ieyasu for considering this as an obvious conspiracy against his clan.

For all this, they said, Muramasa's katanas brought their owners misfortunes and unnecessary deaths, while those of Masamune were only unsheathed when the situation inevitably required it.

3. Taken from movies.

Maybe some of you already know it, but I do not lose anything mentioning it. Issho (or Fujitora) is based on Zatōichi (座頭市), the protagonist of a television series and a large number of films about a blind, but very skilled swordsman.

Literally is the same thing without scars, they even have the same sword... However, the designs are not the only thing that Oda has been inspired to add to his work. There are a number of thoughts/quotes that he has also taken from different movies like this one, that he says is one of his favorites, called Shichinin no samurai (The Seven Samurais/ 七人の侍).

I won't make much spoilers. In one scene of the film, while the protagonists are looking for another samurai to join them, they hear that one has arrived at the town. To test if he's worth of joining them, one of them hides to the side of the door to ambush him, saying: "If he is a true swordsman he will be able to dodge it, a samurai never lets alcohol take control on himself". Does it remind you of something?

4. Roronoa Zoro's "true" inspiration.

Even though we all know Zoro is based on François l'Olonnais, who was the cruelest pirate of the Caribbean Sea; I can say that he is also a little based on Date Masamune.

Excellent military tactician, was popularly identified because of the lack of one of his eyes, commonly being called "dokuganryū" (Dragon of a single eye/ 独眼竜). The exact cause for which he lost his entire eye is not known, but it is said that as a child he lost it because of smallpox and to save himself he took it off. After this, his mother told him he could never become a warrior, explaining to Masamune's father that having just one eye already put him in an abyssal disadvantage on the battlefield. Because of that, he swore he would never let anything else get over him, not even something like an illness. At the young age of 17 or 18 years old, he took his father's place as the leader of Date's clan; later becoming one of the most powerful Daimyō (大名) of the old Japan.

This fiery samurai was also known because of his cruelty and cold personality. Not caring who he was talking to, he'd always be a prepotent and shameless man who gained the respect, but mostly fear, of those who were around him.

5. Pirate hunter's journey.

As we all know, in the begining of the serie when Luffy asked Zoro why he sailed, the swordsman told him he was looking for someone (Dracule Mihawk) but then got lost. Sailing to the sea to find recognition and become the greatest swordsman, as he promised to Kuina, sounds like certain practice called Musha shugyō (warrior training/ 武者修行) that's based on traveling or pilgrimage to which the ancient samurai were ascribed. A practitioner of this concept has to roam around Japan practicing and honoring his abilities without the protection of his family or his school, all alone and exposing himself to the dangers necessary to prove his worth. The possible activities of the adventurer could include training with other schools, fighting a duel, working as a bodyguard/mercenary, and looking for a Daimyō to serve.

Soooo he found a "Daimyō" to live and to die for.

Note: I'm not saying Zoro is a samurai, in fact and sadly, he isn't. I repeat, I'm just pointing things that I can relate to them.

6. Kaidan.

Kaidan (怪談) is a Japanese word consisting of two kanji: 怪 (kai) meaning “strange, mysterious, rare, or bewitching apparition" and 談 (dan) meaning “talk” or “recited narrative.”In its broadest sense, kaidan refers to any ghost story or horror story, but it has an old-fashioned ring to it that carries the connotation of Edo period Japanese folktales. Kaidan entered the vernacular during the Edo period, when a game called Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai (A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales / 百物語怪談会 ) became popular. This game led to a demand for ghost stories and folktales to be gathered from all parts of Japan and China.

Originally based on didactic Buddhist tales, Kaidan often involve elements of karma, and especially ghostly vengeance for misdeeds. Onryō (Japanese vengeful ghosts / 怨霊) are far more powerful after death than they were in life, and are often people who were particularly powerless in life, such as women and servants. You all know who were servants? There's certain transtalion or meaning to samurai that says "those who serve in close attendance to the nobility"; Not only that, since Kaidan appeared in Edo period these warriors are the co-protagonists of many of those stories. If we look up at some of those stories we can conclude something; at least two of them are the "inspiration" to certain samurais in Wano and they are Kin'emon and O-kiku. We need to be clear on something, they are considered ghosts by the people of Wano that seek to avenge Oden's death so thinking that Oda made this on purpose is pretty logic, right?

Lets start with Kin'emon. He's, at least a bit, inspired in Botan Dōrō (The Peony Lantern / 牡丹燈籠) This tale tells that on the first night of Obon, a beautiful woman and a young girl holding a peony lantern stroll by the house of the widowed samurai Ogiwara Shinnojo. Ogiwara is instantly smitten with the woman, named Otsuyu and vows an eternal relationship. From that night onward, the woman and the girl visit at dusk, always leaving before dawn. An elderly neighbor, suspicious of the girl, peeks into his home and finds Ogiwara in bed with a skeleton. Consulting a Buddhist priest, Ogiwara finds that he is in danger unless he can resist the woman, and he places a protection charm on his house. The woman is then unable to enter his house, but calls him from outside. Finally, unable to resist, Ogiwara goes out to greet her, and is led back to her house, a grave in a temple. In the morning, Ogiwara's dead body is found entwined with the woman's skeleton.

Why I relate Kin'emon with this story? To be honest it reminded me of him for dumb reasons ;;; The woman's name sounds like Kin'emon's wife's name, O-tsuru. Also I have the feeling that he won't be able to resist any longer being apart with his wife, wich he seems to love very much. Or not necessarilly because he wants to be with her but to warn her to run away at some point and someone will notice and bla bla bla.

Now, O-kiku is inspired by the history of Banchō Sarayashiki (The Dish Mansion at Banchō / 番町皿屋敷 ) that tells that once there was a beautiful servant named Okiku. She worked for the samurai Aoyama Tessan. Okiku often refused his amorous advances, so he tricked her into believing that she had carelessly lost one of the family's ten precious delft plates. Such a crime would normally result in her death. In a frenzy, she counted and recounted the nine plates many times. However, she could not find the tenth and went to Aoyama in guilty tears. The samurai offered to overlook the matter if she finally became his lover, but again she refused. Enraged, Aoyama threw her down a well to her death. It is said that Okiku became an Onryō who tormented her murderer by counting to nine and then making a terrible shriek to represent the missing tenth plate – or perhaps she had tormented herself and was still trying to find the tenth plate but cried out in agony when she never could. In some versions of the story, this torment continued until an exorcist or neighbor shouted "ten" in a loud voice at the end of her count. Her ghost, finally relieved that someone had found the plate for her, haunted the samurai no more.

In some versions of the tale, Okiku is a maid who incurs her mistress' jealousy. Her mistress breaks one of dishes that Okiku is responsible for and Okiku commits suicide. Similar to the other versions, her ghost is heard counting the plates, but her mistress goes insane and dies.

Did you notice the same name, that in her first apparition she is holding a plate and that she refuses someone who's looking for her to be his lover? Hmmm.

7. Extras.

These are just mentions so I'll compilate them here.

⦁ Zoro's name in Wano is Zorojuro, which sounds a lot like Sanjuro, the name of the protagonist from another samurai movie called Yojimbo (which probably Zoro got his personality from); casually made by the same director from The seven samurais, and a lot more movies about these warriors, Akira Kurosawa.

⦁ It's possible that Shuusui is based on, it is said to be, the best sword ever made by Masamune Ozaki, called Honjo Masamune. I think this sword was "stolen" and is still lost.

⦁ Zoro's way of seeing the world is absolutely based on Miyamoto Musashi's lessons writen on his book Go Rin no Sho (The Book of Five Rings/ 五輪書). Not only that, Musashi felt that he won his duels not because he had mastered the strategy, but because he was stronger, prepared or just lucky... we all know Zoro likes to leave all to luck.

⦁ Vivi calls Zoro "mr. Bushido". Bushidō (武士道) is a strict and particular ethical code to which many samurai gave their lives, which demanded loyalty and honor until death. If a samurai failed to maintain his honor, he could recover it by practicing seppuku.

⦁ O-Tama saying that is a disgrace for a warrior to feel hunger is also said in The Seven Samurais.

⦁ The Gorōsei (The Five Elders / 五老星) the leaders of the World Government and, as such, the world's rulers and the highest authority only below Im, are based on The Council of the Five Regents, or council of the five great elders (go-tairō / 五大老). This was a council formed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to govern Japan instead of his son, Hideyori, until he came of age. Hideyoshi chose his five most powerful daimyō for this task: Ukita Hideie, Maeda Toshiie, Uesugi Kagekatsu, Mōri Terumoto and Tokugawa Ieyasu. With the creation of the council formed by five people, Hideyoshi hoped that the different components of the same one would be balanced, preventing that none of them took control of the power. However, almost immediately upon the death of Hideyoshi in 1598, the regents were divided into two groups: Tokugawa on the one hand, and the other four on the other. The war, however, did not begin until the mid-1600s, ending the same year at the Battle of Sekigahara, where a difficult peace was agreed upon that left Hideyori alive and in control of Osaka Castle.

⦁ It was said that Miyamoto Musashi, the most famous samurai of all time, could win any duel with one look. Ehem... Haoshoku haki?

⦁ The Iaidō (居合道) is a Japanese martial art related to the unsheathing and sheathing of the katana. It was practiced by the samurai, especially in the Edo period. These techniques arise mainly to be able to attack or defend at the same time that it was unsheathed, beginning therefore the confrontation with the weapon still in the saya (sheath) and unsheathing with the appropriate speed to attack or counterattack the opponent without giving him time to react. The main idea of Iaidō is to be able to react correctly to any unexpected situation. The first letter 'I' has as a translation of its ideogram the meaning of Spirit, Being, Will and also Intention, therefore, decomposing the term Iaidō we find its philosophical meaning as "the path of the harmony of the Being or the path of union of the spirit "('I' is spirit, 'ai' unite or harmony, and the suffix 'dō' way). I don't know about you but it reminds me a bit of the meaning of Wado Ichimonji (Straight Road of the Harmony / 和道一文字); of course not ignoring that this style is used sometimes in the serie.

⦁ In the second point "the Kitetsu", I also mentioned that there was a certain time in Japan when Tokugawa Ieyasu banned muramasa's swords around the country. Well, in chapter 926 we were shown that civilians couldn't carry weapons because that would be a clear statement of rebellion, just saying.

⦁ Ishho is based more in a Sōhei (Warrior monk / 僧兵) than in a Samurai.

⦁ Even when Miyamoto Musashi was known for fighting with 2 Bokken, he had an actual sword. The Tsuba of this sword, now in the Art Musseum of Fukuoka, is a little bit similar to Wado Ichimonji's tsuba.

⦁ Shimotsuki Yasuie or better known as Tonoyasu or Yasu, the happy man from Wano that lives in Ebisu, was shown to be based on the Shōgun mentioned in the second point, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The most famous Shōgun in the story of Japan.

⦁ Gyukimaru on Oihagi Bridge is based on Saitō Musashibō Benkei (西塔武蔵坊弁慶 1155 - 1189), popularly called Benkei (弁慶), Was a Sōhei who was under the orders of the samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He is generally presented as a man of great stature, very strong and loyal, and is one of the favorite characters of Japanese folklore. Tells the story that Benkei would have been located on the bridge Gojo in Kyoto, where he challenged each warrior who passed, taking the sword of their defeated opponents, reaching a total of about 999 swords. In his 1000th duel, Benkei was defeated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, son of the warlord Minamoto no Yoshitomo. Therefore, he became a warrior of Yoshitsune and fought alongside him in the Genpei war against the Taira clan. Curious, don't you think?

⦁ The relationship between O-kiku/Kikunojo and Kin’emon implies that they’re very close, we can see it in their flashbacks and even when they reunite, however, if we look at things in a more... real life way, we can say that their relationship is, or was, influenced by Shudô (衆道 ). Shudô was a samurai custom in which adult samurai engaged in pederastic relationships with younger samurai. This custom is most prominently seen, or discussed, in the Sengoku and Edo periods. The older man in the relationship, known as the nenja (念者), and the younger man, known by a variety of terms including wakashû (若衆), formed a close, tight personal relationship with one another. A nenja typically engaged in such relationships with only one wakashû at a time, and vice versa. Though much discussion today, based in modern/Western social mores about homosexual relationships, focus strongly on the homosexual sexual acts involved in the relationship, Shudô relationships went beyond this, and were strong personal and sentimental or emotional relationships, which involved as well strong elements of mentorship. Mentorship and training in the "warrior" lifestyle and values of the samurai was a major element of the relationship.

This is all I have so If there's something I missed please let me know, thanks for reading.

92 notes · View notes

transjinako · 4 years

Text

I’ve been feeling kinda sick lately but hey here’s Masamune i really hope you guys like her

Saber: Masamune

Parameters:

Strength: B

Agility: C+

Endurance: C

Luck: A

Mana: A

NP: EX

Traits

Territory Creation EX

Skills

Sword Creation EX: It is believed that Masamune had perfected the Nie style of sword making. Her blades gleam with the utmost beauty and divinity, they all share a trait of being extremely capable against Evil aligned beings while also being empowered specifically when it is swung with truly good intention and action. When wielded by someone with ill intent or action, or when swung onto the innocent, it won’t even cut, reflecting the wishes of it’s creator. If wielded by someone who is truly good, then the sword also acts as though possessed, guiding it’s user to wield it expertly and giving even normal people the ability to defeat the evil they would swing it against.

Infinity: The opposite of Zero attained by swordsmen, the thought process of it goes, “If I am victorious once, I will never be defeated”. In practice it is akin to the second magic focused entirely on the sword. It causes the blade to appear as though it were a whisp or a constantly shifting illusion, in reality it is constantly both passing through many casualties and cutting through them to a single point that is the blade. Essentially, this means that to fight against this technique is to fight it across infinite realities. Losing even once causes that reality to impose itself on all others.

To fight this technique one on one without also using it or Zero will assure your defeat, although, a great number of variables on the fight can help to defeat this technique.

Also, the user is able to cut space between one area and another creating a passage between the two points.

Noble Phantasm:

Densetsu no Yawarakai-te伝説十千夜寒 (Legend of Gentle Hands)

Type: Anti Unit

Rank: EX

Description:

Masamune pinpoints her sword on a future in which the opponent is cut by it, and once it is decided, it is repeated throughout the many parallel dimensions in which it was decided as well. The sword itself gains a great amount of divinity in that moment as it swings toward the opponent. Once cut, thousands upon thousands of cuts are applied all at once, only a god or one with a truly ridiculous level of the Battle Continuation Skill could hope to live through this attack and even then there would be little left.

Description of Servant:

Masamune is more of a reclusive sort. She doesn’t quite enjoy large crowds of people nor does she really like showing off, however don’t mistake this for any out right shyness. She cares for others quite a lot, and subscribes mostly to the tougher sort of love at times, she makes what she thinks of others known and can be quite scathing at that. Still, she’s always happy to lend a very patient ear to anyone who might be troubled or simply need someone to talk to. Masamune of course is interested in swords and swordsmen a like, but mainly swords, she can be a bit pompous at times though, if she perceives a sword with faults that her own don’t contain.

She can’t help but love the heroic, selfless type either. In her own opinion, if you aren’t fighting for good nor for a love of others, then there’s no reason to be fighting in the first place. On that note she can forgive those who fight for themselves and their own beliefs, but sees that as a dangerously teetering scale.

About that Patient part also, there are only two people who can truly test her patience and that’s Muramasa and Musashi, who she also sees as her children.

Interactions with Other servants.

Musashi: Chipper as always, Musash-chi? I hope you haven’t been causing trouble for anyone in the kitchen, or troubling that poor hime, or troubling others at random to start fights you know you can win? Ara? Is that sweat on your brow, Musash-chi? Mhm, come here, i’ll dab it right away with Musashi-Muramasa, hows that sound?

Muramasa: Agh, my most foolish student has arrived. Huh, I should repeat that? I said MY MOST FOOLISH, BULLHEADED, OLD MAN OF A STUDENT HAS ARRIVED. Ohoh, your still as funny and small as always though, thinking glaring up at me like that. Hm? Another duel? Fine, embarrassing you in front of master is a nice pass time.

Artoria(non altered) Servants: You there, white girl. Your weapon. Give it. I’m no thief, I only wish to look. Hm...yes...hmm...You europeans do enjoy your large weaponry, although, I can understand the need. This weapon however...it was cut from something quite….hm. I’ll give it back now, thank you for indulging me.

Artoria(Altered) Servants: You, white girl, your weapon. Drop it. Can’t you feel the energy coming off of it? Its like a dog biting at the air waiting for a hand to come close enough. Eugh. I can’t be near you, these energies….disgusting…

Oda Nobunaga(Avenger): ...My student, I am troubled by something. Oda Nobunaga’s sword...whenever I am near them I feel the urge to tell them...that thing is trash. Anyone can see it plainly, its like a decoration in a room meant to start conversation. But. They seem to love it so much...urgh...student, you tell them. I can’t stand to watch this any longer.

Emiya Archer: Eh? Muramasa? You cook? You never cooked for me, tch, useless student. Oh no, don’t pretend to not know me. Well, since you apparently have taken up a knife than a hammer, I expect you to make your mother and teacher a lovely meal for all her efforts. No complaining, hop to it. (Clap Clap)

Emiya Alter: Urgh, Muramasa, to think you’d let your emotions get the better of you. No, don’t say anything, I’ll kill you right here right now. I could not call myself your teacher if I did not. Come, my student, show me your still in there...

Scathach: ….Oh, were you looking for me student? Ah, sorry. I have recently found myself spending time with the Queen of the shadow lands, particularly in having her teach me the methods on how to create her famous Gae Bolg. Although, I always instinctively mold them into blades. We did have fun using them on each other afterwards though. Hmhm~

40 notes · View notes

thessaliah · 5 years

Text

Who is the “Person of Chaldea”?

For those who didn't know, there is a mysterious helper who appears in the Lostbelts and aids Chaldea indirectly by helping the people they made contact or would make contact. Here cut under spoilers the information we have and already old destroyed guesses and theories:

We know little about this man (assuming is a man which seems most likely right now) who appears in Lostbelts when Chaldea isn't around to give a helping hand. The direct (not speculation related) info we have is:

He is referred specifically as the "カルデアの者."

Wears white.

His clothes are dirty and tattered, covers his head and face with a hood.

He apparently fights with a curved, thin sword or something alike it (note this is an old Yaga describing this so if he was using some magic trick he wouldn't know).

He knows magecraft of the Ages of Gods that isn’t rune based.

He knows how to treat injuries, plague, and has the skill as a physician. He is called a 'sensei' in LB3.

Knows assorted skills like how to take care of fields.

He is able to manifest in the Lostbelts by mysterious means.

Pronouns: 私 and お前 to address others.

He has a 'tch' tongue clunking quirk but he claims is because of his sore throat and body.

He is shocked to find people who would put themselves in a disadvantage to offer him kindness and hospitality.

He seems detached about humanity at some level and a pragmatic point of view.

He might appear different than he used to look or have a different body.

He says his goals haven't changed and he has done the same things in the past (without such welcome). "His actions are the same."

Holmes speculates he’s a “survivor of Chaldea.”

Those are the official things we know. There is more I could add that could be related to him but that goes in identity theory.

DEBUNKED: MUSASHI+ DIFFERENT SERVANT ON EACH LOSTBELT

When Musashi appeared in LB1, plenty of fans (and even the characters) assumed Musashi who also claimed as an ally of Chaldea (but using a completely different label and not カルデアの者) was this mysterious helper: she had covered her face with a hat, she wielded a katana and all. But they didn't notice the lack of quirk and the lack of healing expertise. In LB2, the Person of Chaldea is an overpowerful mage, so ruled her out unless he was a new one. By LB4, it leaves clear that is the same person that travels in all Lostbelts, he gets dialogue and internal monologue for the first time. Leaving the theories of Musashi, Ryoma, Muramasa, Paracelsus, etc out of the running.

DEBUNKED: IT’S A CRYPTER

Before LB4, there was a popular theory the Person of Chaldea was actually a Crypter, in particular, Kirschtaria Wodime, because he favors white. But after LB4, we know the man travels alone and that for a Crypter to move between Lostbelts, they need the help of an Emissaries. Evil Mercenary Tamamo is good for such task. Crypters are more than antagonists but they are unlikely to be the Person of Chaldea.

POSSIBILITY # 1: IT’S A NEW SURPRISING CHARACTER OR SOMEONE UNEXPECTED LIKE MARISBURY ANIMUSPHERE

Because the person is hard to fit on the old characters we know, perhaps it's a new one. Abe no Seimei is a good possibility when there are characters related to him introduced. Murasaki, his student, his foes Tamamo and Douman. However, my only complaint here is that they yanked our chains for two years of mystery to introduce a new character? The possibility exists, but it seems like poor writing. If we are talking of dark horses, Marisbury Animusphere is certainly another possibility, although the pronouns don't fit, and he has no notable physician experience that we know, he wears white, he's from Chaldea, and the shoes (not the coat) match the man in the OP. I mean to put him here as a possibility he's connected, but my suspicion is that Marisbury is more unfortunately linked to the antagonist, the God of Another Planet. I'll leave that for another post. His possibilities to be the Person of Chaldea raises if Daybit is an antagonist and not the potential aloof ally he seems to be.

POSSIBILITY # 2: IT’S SOLOMON

Romani, Goetia, a combination, etc. Solomon. "But Solomon disappeared!" I can cite a lot of things, from Goetia voicing the PV, to Roman in the Lost Room, to the fact both left remnants (which Ars Nova shouldn't have allowed) and Chaldea is stated to want to build a record for Romani specifically. But I frankly don't care about this, Nasu would explain this if the time comes. The Lostbelts have revised the Modern History anyway, and whatever happens inside their Wall of Storms is not "our World" technically.

So far is the most likely possibility, and why there's a tease and red herring from one or the other. Unrelated but completely important is the scene in the Lost Room, the final shot of someone picking up one of Solomon's rings from the thrones before leaving. The question remains is which Solomon?

THE CASE FOR AND AGAINST GOETIA: "Goetia is in Romani's body" seems to be the most popular theory since the OP image show up (along with the initial "was that Marisbury?"). Goetia does use, among other pronouns, watashi and omae. The personality of the Person of Chaldea seems colder and harsher than Romani usually displayed, so fits more Goetia, as well as the fact of "is this appearance?" which makes him mull over how he's treated, which could refer to wear Romani's body and clothes as he did to Solomon. Maybe he gained medical knowledge too. However, are we sure is him or Nasu wants us to assume is him for taking to face some superficial statements? The main case against is that his current actions don't match his past ones, even if one is to assume his goal and motivation remains the same (he feels sorry for humans), that he has indeed wear Roman's likeness in the past (with Mashu) and he shouldn't be shocked about the benefit of a human appearance when his shtick was passing himself as Solomon or Roman or making his pillars take human vessels. The other case against is the tsking. Tsking and tongue clunking to my memory are not one of his quirks. IMO, Goetia is a strong if not the strongest contender. I'm not sold about Roman's body, because Roman's body disappeared (and I feel it's irritating for his sake and Roman he's still under his shadow rather than stand as his own character), the tongue quirk could be because whoever body he’s using or inhabiting has it.

THE CASE FOR AND AGAINST ROMANI (SOLOMON): "A doctor in white" was the second most popular theory but fell off a little after the monologue of the Person of Chaldea because he lacked Romani's nicer personality and his usual pronouns (Boku/kimi). It's true it cannot be the same Romani Archaman we know, but this doesn't mean it cannot be him. We'll start for the case for: a physician with assorted talents (all that could be feasible for Romani/Solomon - and yes, includes having a legendary long thin blade listed in wikipedia - and this also can be listed on Goetia’s favor too!) that wears white, is from Chaldea, and still has the same actions, goals, and motives. The actions might have been weird, but with episode 0, we saw Romani walk the world on his own and doing odd jobs including acting as doctor in disaster zones, until he turned to Chaldea to complete his mission. How is that different from the Person of Chaldea’s present actions? The main objections are sound: the man doesn't talk or acts (in temperament) like Roman, and the quirk isn't his. However, after becoming Solomon again did use watashi and omae (he switched gradually from boku to watashi in the temple, if you carefully replay his unused voice clips and read his farewell scene) and his personality would be different if he was in possession or manifestation of a new body, as most Pseudo Servants (Ishtar wouldn't act like Rin if she wasn't in Rin's body, for example, we know this from Strange Fake - the vessel influences the spirit). The Servants who cannot manifest alone require vessels and the vessels can influence the way they talk, their temperaments and -obviously- give them a new appearance which our Person of Chaldea might have. Despite his friendliness, Romani seemed to speak and think of humanity from the distance (Accel Zero comes to mind where he reveals he's pretty pragmatic who wouldn't go around to change things as Waver did), he also thinks people should hate him (in his Blurb of relationship with the Master), so if it's Solomon post Roman's self-loathing, him acting surprised that those people in India Lostlet are willing to accommodate him with the little they had and were so kind toward him is unfortunately not as weird as we might think. Da Vinci changed from a sassy libertine to a (dull) angelic younger sister type after her rebirth just after the Prologue if we need a precedent.

As for me, whoever the person of Chaldea is, I would prefer if Roman remains Roman. I absolutely dislike the change in Da Vinci (looks and personality) but I am not blind not to see the possibility with the metaphor of the "peppermint green book" in the latest event the doctor appeared (you know that whole “things -people- you believe lost might be returned to you but with differences”). There is another case I'm considering but is more self-indulging, because doesn't mean desecrating Solomon's second corpse (even if it disappeared!), Goetia's arc, and Romani's whole self. The one of assimilation like Kingu and Enkidu which means the Person of Chaldea could be a new Solomon created of Romani and Goetia mutual elements. They used to share a body. That’s another case, but I’m not sure. My heart leans closer to Goetia in this, but my gut feels he could be red herring for Solomon 2.0.

Of course, this could be all be wrong and it’s truly Abe no Seimei or something outlandish like Future Ritsuka (I forgot to debunk this, it feels laughable when Ritsuka has a very limited character or arc, and cannot do a single healing spell to know magecraft of the Ages of Gods - plus would give Gudako an edge over the male Ritsuka -who uses ore as pronoun- and that won’t be allowed, sadly). You never know. I just wanted to share past and present theories. From a writing perspective, I just don’t think some new character would be right when they are treating this as a slowburn mystery arc and purposefully used Musashi as an in-game red herring. Maybe if Abe no Seimei -or whoever if it’s a new character- gets a better set up, certainly. Marisbury possibility is still strong if he’s not an antagonist.

#fate grand order #meta #speculation #fgo spoilers #cosmos in the lostbelt #person of chaldea

63 notes · View notes

morsking · 5 years

Text

low-key freaking the fuck out about how muramasa and shirou are a perfect pseudo-servant fit for many reasons starting with how muramasa HATES the swords he forges and deems them failures so he just tosses them in some random forest because he has yet to reach the ideal weapon he yearns to create while shirou stopped using projection magic because all his projections were empty on the inside despite seeming perfectly identical to whatever he was trying to imitate which ties in to his major insecurity of whether he can become a hero of justice by simply living on a borrowed ideal and whether something “genuine” is something “correct”.

muramasa’s workshop follows him around which is a thing he ALSO friggen hates because he doesn’t want those self-perceived failures to define him both as a newly-reborn blacksmith and as part of his legacy as a piece of history despite his work being coveted and revered and muramasa himself admitting his creations are godly but shirou’s (and archer’s) unlimited blade works as a reality marble is his crowning achievement as a magus and carries it within him as his most explicit expression of his inner self right down to his very Origin whether it’s the flaming dark wasteland of swords and floating gears or the hopeful vivid wilderness with a clear blue sky.

shirou is constantly followed by the example kiritsugu imparted within him not just with regards to his ideals but how avalon literally changed shirou’s Origin from whatever it was at birth to what it is now because that’s how severely kiritsugu’s involvement marked him as a person and by “marked” i mean “it completely fucking changed him into something unrecognizable from the original” but instead of it being a horrifying notion for shirou he’s proud of his ideals even if he’s not proud of himself because he does not think he deserves pride or happiness despite trying to equate the “self” with “ideal” forging (heheh) a contradiction of “how can you be your ideal if you’re proud of the ideal but not of the person carrying it” which is exactly what muramasa suffers from because how the fuck can you call your projects godly inventions and also treat them like garbage but it makes perfect sense because muramasa much like shirou has placed a ridiculous expectation of what perfection would look like for themselves.

tldr; shirou and muramasa are exactly the fucking same even in areas where they might not be because the underlying principle of their philosophies whether as a hero or a blacksmith are identical to the point where “hero” and “blacksmith” are one and the same because shirou’s projections are a tangible symbol of his ideals while muramasa cannot fathom why he would ever be a heroic spirit when his deeds were confined only to sword-making. love is stored in the blacksmith.

#fate series #fate/grand order #shirou emiya #sengo muramasa #thank you aster for helping me make this post possible with shimosa lore

63 notes · View notes

ikemenfics · 5 years

Text

12 Days of Sengoku Christmas

Word Count: 1947

The sun shone in your eyes, waking you in its blinding glory. You groaned, rolling over to avoid the light only to find that you were alone. [Huh? Where’s…] You felt around, but sure enough, a particular presence was missing from your shared bed. You sat up, finding yourself alone in the whole room. You stood in a huff. No way Sanada Yukimura was ditching you today. You dressed quickly, calling in your sternest bellow for the hothead to make himself known. Of course, there was no answer from him, meaning it was time to go stomping from the room.

You questioned servants but only learned that Yukimura was out training. No one seemed to know where he had gone, only that he had taken Sasuke with him. You resisted growling in their faces as you hunted for the man, making Shingen’s quarters a stop along the way. If there was one person in all of the place that would know where the hot little tsundere had gone, it’d be his fatherlord Takeda Shingen.

“I might know…” he was saying, a look in his eye one you weren’t sure you liked, “But all things have a price, don’t you think. My information network doesn’t come free.”

You eyed him, full of suspicion. [I swear if he asks for a kiss…]. “And what is your price?”

Shingen must have caught the meaning of your look, for he laughed, waving his hand, “Nothing that would be too compromising to you, I assure you.” He made a play at considering his price while it took you everything you had not to explode on the big man. “I’ve got it,” he finally announced, his eyes looking impish, “Yukimura did not leave any sweet rolls for me.” He placed a hand on his forehead, looking dramatically faint, “I don’t know what I’d do without my sweets. Would you be a dear and acquire some.”

You rolled your eyes, but complied, the big man taking in his treat. You had to summon someone to prepare things, but in the end, he got his sugar rush. [I pity Yukimura should Shingen ever find out about candy]. Finishing his junk food off, you were given a small hand drawn map leading to Yukimura’s location. [Of course he’d have this…]

I hop, skip, a wild moment of panic when the trees began to look the same, and long hike away and you found yourself at a clearing, the familiar clang of swords and sounds of effort assaulting your ears. Stepping closer, you found Yukimura squaring off against ten men, Sasuke leading the attack it seemed.

You found a stump, seating yourself to watch. The training was fascinating to you, a marvel almost. It was like a dance, Sasuke advancing and Yukimura defending, the former retreating to the shadows preparing for the next strike, various ninja taking a turn trying to catch Yukimura at different angles. Yuki’s spear rose and fell, the blade catching the light, making him appear almost Adonis like in action. You felt near hypnotized as the action rose and fell in tandem.

So engrossed you were with watching Yukimura that you didn’t see when he had disarmed another ninja, the small sickle that had been knocked from his hand, nor did you notice that the weapon was coming at you. By the time you heard the warning call, it was almost too late. Your eyes widened as you tried to duck, calling out in fear as you went down. You squeezed your eyes closed, hoping that when it struck it wouldn’t hurt too much.

A loud clang rattled the air and no then silence. You opened your eyes, your vision filled with red as your gazed travelled upward. “Dummy! That was going to hit you!” Yukimura was looking over his shoulder down at you. [He...saved me…] You realized you had stopped breathing, filling your lungs in one great heave. He turned, facing you fully, “a training ground not for stupid women to sit and take in the scenery, you know. It’s dangerous.”

You felt your face heat up, your hackles already raising, “Well, *excuse me* for wanting to see you after you left without even a goodbye this morning!” You weren’t sure when you had moved, but you found yourself butting into Yukimura’s face, “I had to ask Shingen where you went. I thought we were past this?” No way you were going to let Yukimura off the hook, even if he was right and you’re inattentiveness put you in danger.

“Last time I woke you up,” Yuki returned, his own face tinged with red, “you yelled at me and called me a boorish brute!”

“You are! UGH…” You threw your hands up, stomping away into the bushes to find the path back to the castle. Why didn’t he get it? It’s not like letting your lover know where you’re going was a bad thing, right?

Yukimura stood there, Sasuke’s hand landing on his shoulder. “That woman,” Yukimura was exasperated almost throwing off his best friend’s hand in his wild gesturing, “I wake her up, she gets mad. I let her sleep, *she gets mad*!”

“I’m not an expert in women, sadly,” Sasuke was saying, trying to calm the red demon. The two stood, watching the space that you had formerly occupied.

“Bah. Women are weird,” Yukimura surmised, turning, his arm coming around Sasuke’s shoulders, “but not us. That’s why we’re friends.” Sasuke said nothing, allowing Yuki to lead him back to training.

[Stupid stupid Yukimura..] you chided the entire way back to the castle. You weren’t going to cry, after all, you knew Yuki had always been rough around the edges, [You’d think he’d have learned a thing or two by now though…]

Yukimura had returned, but you were still too hot at him for leaving and then not seeing why leaving without a word had hurt you. So you did what you could to avoid him. Yuki, probably still hot at you, didn’t give chase. [Just as well…] you thought, [it’d probably end in more yelling]. You sighed at that.

It was especially disrupting considering the time of year. Christmas hadn’t taken hold as yet in the Sengoku, but you had still decided on a gift for Yukimura. It wasn’t much at all, a simple handkerchief and ribbon for him to tie onto the shaft of his spear. A momento of you he could take when you couldn’t go with him. You tried not to be more hurt by it all, it’s not like Yuki knew that it was that time of year. You even made a cute little matching bandana for Muramasa, Yuki’s wolf. You had painstakingly learned the dye patterns of tsujigahana to make the bandana and the handkerchief for Yukimura.

Night came and you laid down. Before long, Yuki arrived, also laying next to you, but saying nothing. You both slept that way, you seemingly more fitfully than him. The next day began much the same as how the previous day ended, you and Yukimura avoiding each other. It was becoming hard not to let it get to you, especially as it came closer to that special day when you would give Yuki your gift.

Christmas Eve had come and still you and Yuki had yet to make up. You pulled out his gift, tracing your thumb over the intricate pattern you had made. Little tears dropped onto the fabric as you debated just leaving it for him to find if you two hadn’t made up.

A knock sounded, startling you out of your melancholy. You moved towards the door, sliding it open to no one there. A pattering of feet notified you of someone’s retreat, but before you could give chase you noticed what had been left at your door. A tray of perfectly shaped sweet rolls stared up at you, a small note tucked in. Lifting the note, you read:

Sorry for yelling at you. I hazard this plate of desserts makes up for hurting you on a precious holiday in your village. There are other gifts when you are ready. - Yukimura

[Aw..he cares…] You smiled, lifting the sticky treat to your room, eating thoughtfully, contemplating what surprises the note seemed to promise for the day. You finished, leaving the room with a smile on your face and a skip in your step.

You arrived in the hall, finding a second gift, another pattering of feet alerting you that you were most likely being watched. You pursed your lips, deigning a look of indifference as you picked up the small, colorful bag. Inside were barrettes, hairpins, and other fashionable notions. [Yukimura must have taken these from his cover shop. So pretty] You made a show of sticking a hair piece in your hair, listening carefully for any reaction, a soft din of intelligible whispers telling you that you succeeded in your goal.

You found oils for your hair and clothes, fabric, a box for your sewing notions, and other small gifts as you went about your day. By the time afternoon struck, you were the happiest person in the region and all but skipping your way to find Yukimura to thank him for the most amazing gifts.

You found him, rushing towards him. His eyes widened as he caught you, your arms going around his neck. You nuzzled into him, not even realizing Yukimura had tensed in surprise. Pulling back, you greeted the flustered warlords, only to have him silently thrust a box towards you.

“Merry Christmas,” he all but muttered, surprising you. [Sasuke must have told him of the holiday..] Having explained it in your own head, you opened the box, your face almost losing its glow from the day. You took the thongs between your fingers, pulling the zori from the box. You looked up to Yukimura, an unsure smile on your features. “Everyone needs shoes, so…” he rubbed a hand on the back of his neck, not quite looking at you, “So I figured shoes would make a good gift.” You held the pair to your chest [Oh Yuki…] “Also,” he added, finally glancing at you, “Sorry for yelling at you.”

You leaned in, kissing Yukimura, “It’s ok. I’m sorry I yelled too. Here,” you held your small gifts out to him, “So you can take a bit of me with you when you go out.” You explained the ribbon was to go on his spear and how the ‘kerchief matched Muramasa’s bandana. Finally, you stroked his face, saying, “You gave me so much for Christmas...I’m sorry I didn’t get you more.”

“It’s just shoes…” he said, clearly confused.

“It was more than the shoes,” you insisted, “It was the sweets, the hairpins, the sewing box…” The more you spoke, the more confused Yuki seemed to be, realization finally dawning on you, “Then…who was it watching me to make sure I found them all?”

Yuki blinked a few times, a realization of his own dawning, “Sasuke and the ninja said they had things to do today and couldn’t train. He said I had to wait here to give you a Christmas gift.” Images of ninja placing gifts where you would easily find them throughout the day had you nodding. It certainly seemed like a Sasuke thing to do.

[Will have to tell Sasuke later he’s a hero for saving Yuki] You glanced up at Yuki, noticing an awkward silence stretch between the two of you. You decided it was long time to end that bit. You pushed onto the balls of your feet, kissing him fully on the lips. He stiffened a moment, before returning the gesture. “Merry Christmas, Yuki.”

On the tenth day of Christmas, my Sengoku gave to me Ten Heroes of Yuki Fine Arts with Yoshi Kennyo and his Ikko Ikki Seven gifts from Kenshin Six konpeito eaten with Nobunaga Five Golden Boys of Hidemom Four walls for herbs with Yasu Three jewels from Shingen A two sword wielding Masamune And a Sasuke hiding in the ceiling.

Notes: According to my research, there is something called “Sanada Ten Braves” also referred to as The Ten Heroes of Sanada. This is where you actually find references of the name Sasuke Sarutobi. It was published during the edo period by Sandaiki Sanada and covered the story of Yukimura and his ninja during the Sengoku period. Fun fact, Yukimura is not called Yukimura historically, but was given the name Yukimura for this novelization. Later Tatsukawa Bunko published two novels in the Taishō period, Sarutobi Sasuke and The Sanada Ten Braves.

#Yukimura Sanada #Sanada Yukimura #ikemen sengoku fanfiction #ikesen #ikemenfics

53 notes · View notes

heartbxnd-blog · 5 years

Text

rules: answer 20 questions then tag 20 (give or take) followers you wanna get to know better!

tagged by: @eevee-sohma tysm!! tagging 20 people:Anyone who feels like doing this! JUst say I tagged you.

name: N/A nickname: Vani height: 5′2 ft nationality: Brazilian favourite fruit: Pineapple favourite season: Summer favourite smell: Lavender favourite colour(s): Purple, white, black, red in no specific order favourite animals: Flamingos, cats. tea, coffee, hot cocoa: Tea and coffee average hours of sleep: Always try to keep it at least 6 hours of it dogs or cats: Cats dream trip: Back to USA when my blog was created: the 13th of May, the original blog was created at the 9th of September in the last year. # of followers: 371 random fact: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ favorite food: Anything from the italian cousine favourite t.v. show: Bones, Castleva.nia netflix. favourite movie: idk lmao favourite vine: Big Bird kicks down a fucking door sexuality: Bisexual gender: Female favourite book series: idk lmao favorite video game(s): Castlevania SOTN ps1, Pokemon Diamond version DS, Pokemon OR 3ds, Okamiden ds, Muramasa the demon blade Wii, SSBB Wii, Tekken Tag 2 ps3 favourite subject: English favourite fandoms: Pokemon seems to be the one that I have felt the most welcomed in. favourite superhero: No one lmao guys or girls: Both celebrity crush: N/A last time i cried: N/A hair color: Black eye color: brown what I should be doing: College work

#ooc /#thank you for the tag!

2 notes · View notes

muse-what-are-you-doing · 6 years

Text

Kiwame 4

For reasons relating to gore, this entire part has been put under read more. For those who don’t want to read the gore itself, I have inserted a picture to notify you that the gore is over please continue reading after that.

This part is also a little longer than previous parts simply because there is more happening. Please enjoy.

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Chapter List

Silken threads danced and surrounded him in the blackness. The glistened in an unseen light and scattered the torn threads of an unspun cocoon. Their delicacy contrasted their necessity and burned bright with the heat of life. They morphed into misshapen disks and halted their flight unexpectedly.

With the threads’ dance complete he lowered his blade and the darkness gradually faded starting at the edges of his sight. He panted heavily, feeling his muscles twitch eagerly to repeat and continue the actions of battle he’d trained so long to obtain without giving it any thought. His body heaved with such hear that each gasp of air from his throat puffed out like the smoke of a dragon’s raging bellows.

Gradually his eyes readjusted to the light and allowed him to see the carnage. Mangled bodies stewed and dyed in crimson lay scattered in pieces at his feet. No. To say they were bodies was to say they were still recognizable.

Corpses.

Some still held swords in their hands, swords he recognized almost better than their actual weilders. His breathing hitched as the scent of iron rust assaulted his senses and caused his eyes to water. He remained frozen, staring in disbelief at the dead scattered before him.

He gazed at each of them, placing faces to the many blades and feeling his stomach turn with every one he recognized. Sengo’s legs had turned to useless noodles as he doubled over. He wretched and his body convulsed several times until there was no longer anything to expel from his stomach and he was forced to remain kneeling there among the gore.

His eyes looked to the blade in his hands drenched in blood. He dropped it and recoiled, trying to scoot away on his hands as far as he could from the weapon until an obstacle stopped him. He fearfully looked over his shoulder, knowing that it would be one of those same corpses, but not knowing exactly who. Purple and red fabric . . . no; the edges were white. His eyes widened and he shakily reached out to touch the body still radiating heat.

Just before his hand could brush them he felt his whole body give a jerk and his eyes were wide open staring at the ceiling of the Muramasa clan’s shared room. In the darkness he needed a moment to calm his racing heart and think.

A dream; it’s just a dream. He’s in his room. He can feel Tonbokiri’s heat from the futon next to him. So logically it’s his room, right? His eyes adjust and gain enough focus for him to see the little glow in the dark star stickers the tantous had somehow managed to stick on the ceiling. (Tonbokiri didn’t mind them and he was too short to remove them alone so they stayed where they were.)

He let out a shaky sigh after realizing he’d been holding his breath and sat up, trying not to wake up Tonbokiri. At his feet he could see Nihongou and Otegine sprawled out in individual futons. Nihongou snored loudly enough to shake the room and it was an instant wonder how that hadn’t woken him.

Silently as to not wake any of them, Sengo laid back down and tried to focus on calming his anxious heart. Just as he could feel his heart calming down someone in the darkness spoke to him.

“Another nightmare, isn’t it?”

He looked the opposite direction of Tonbokiri and silently nodded his head, not at all caring if the other couldn’t see. A hand suddenly took gentle hold of shoulder and Sengo made to slap it away but stopped. Tonbokiri was trying to comfort him. It was sweet but unnecessary.

“Go back to sleep, Tonbokiri.”

“Come here,” he sounded moderately exasperated as he coerced Sengo to come closer and join him in his futon. He cupped the back of Sengo’s head and tucked him under his chin, his hold gentle enough to let the other slip away if he changed his mind but firm enough to remind him he wasn’t alone.

He didn’t ask anything about the dream and Sengo was unwilling to say anything about it so a very long moment of silence passed between them before Sengo tried to change their focus for the better.

“Why are Nihongou and Otegine in our room?”

The exasperation slipped back into his voice with a laugh. “When the master and I returned the three of you were plastered. I carried you and Nihongou on my shoulders and dragged Otegine here. I figured it was better to just keep all three of you together where I could keep an eye on you.”

Sengo breathed a laugh this time. His clansman was such a worry wart. But he was a good man who didn’t just speak, he acted. And that’s one of the things he liked most about him.

In the end he never fell back asleep. Nihongou and Otegine were sent off first thing in the morning so everyone could get dressed. He had to admit he was glad about that, the scars on his back were a little hard to explain to someone “out of the loop” so to speak.

Given his drunken escapade last night where he’d fallen off the porch running to try and hug Tonbokiri upon his return (he could never remember the porch being that short before) Saniwa had been kind enough to let him take the day off from field work and sorties to recover from his hang over.

After that he remained as close as possible to Tonbokiri, barely ever an arm’s length away from him during breakfast and even following him to help with the horsekeeping. While cleaning the stalls he couldn’t help but notice a certain black mare that kept wandering back to the stable and following Tonbokiri to and from the hay piles.

Sengo laughed and leaned against a stall door while watching the horse spy on Tonbokiri. “She seems to like you. Does she always follow you around like that?”

“She does.” Tonbokiri laughed as well and reached out to pet the horse’s face. “She is Mikuniguro, named for the horse of my former master.

Sengo timidly scooted closer to the beast and let her get a sniff before petting her just as Tonbokiri had. His expression lit up when the horse promptly nuzzled into his hand and he started to excitedly pet her with both hands.

“She seems to like you too.” Tonbokiri decided to leave the two alone while he finished the remaining chores. When he came back, the two were still standing in much the same way, he almost didn’t want to call Sengo away.

“Muramasa.” When he had his attention he pointed toward the citadel. “You’ve been working hard. Go drink some water, I’ll be there in a minute.” He needed to watch the horses enjoying their free time outside a little longer before returning them to the stalls.

The shorter sword nodded and strolled back toward the porch to seat himself alone while he waited. “Horses can’t be swayed by reputation, can they?”

“They never are. Horses are smart enough to respond to a person’s heart instead.” Sengo blinked as he felt a gentle hand rest on his head and flatten his hair. He tilted his head up to see the person and smiled at them.

“Kogarasumaru.”

“Did you have fun with the horses?”

Sengo chuckled, “we passed the time peacefully.”

“That is good. Without horses there would be no us.” Kogarasumaru seated himself on the porch beside him and set down two bottles of water and a small bag of sugar candies that he placed in his hand.

“Konpeitō?” The two pieces of hair upon his head twitched excitedly. “Are you giving me these?” At his nod he cocked a head. “Why?”

“It’s natural for a father to want to spoil his children. There’s also water for both of you.”

“That’s true I guess.” He’d share them with Tonbokiri when he got back. For now, that water was calling him.

While he guzzled it down, Kogarasumaru spoke again. “Tonbokiri was very excited when he learned you were coming. He told everyone ‘Muramasa is a very kind person. Sometimes he is hard to understand, but he is earnest and affectionate and protective. He likes to joke and make people smile. If you need help, he is someone to rely on.’ He was over joyed when Saniwa told him they were working to bring you to the citadel.”

Sengo nearly chocked at the sudden onslaught of information from the longer (albeit shorter) sword warrior. “That Tonbokiri is always doing something unnecessary.”

“He holds you in esteem so of course he’d like to brag about you. You’re his only family.”

“I wonder if he ever regrets feeling that way.” His head lowered and he stared at the water bottle in his dirty hands. What a fitting image. His dirty and stained hands separated from the pure water by a window allowing him to only gaze at the liquid that shimmered with the light of the sun. Or maybe he was just putting too much thought into that.

“Tonbokiri is like you.” He looked up at that. “He is kind and earnest, protective, and always puts others above himself. Tonbokiri is not a bad person and neither are you.” Kogarasumaru got up and put his hand on Sengo’s head again as he spoke before leaving. “Drink plenty of water and take a nap after lunch. You look tired. That’s a direct order from your father.”

Part 5 || Chapter List

#Touken Ranbu #Sengo Muramasa #fanfiction #fan fiction #touken ranbu fanfiction

8 notes · View notes