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Wind Breaker (satoru Nii) - Blog Posts
fun fact about togame, his voice actor also voices a jojo character named "Weather Report" (you see where i'm going with this?)
i want to believe that the one singular contact number in sakura's phone is not in fact his piss poor attempt to use a phone, but rather a well-kept secret point of contact between him and one certain togame jo. after the showdown with shishitoren and the rooftop celebration, togame and sakura remain... curious about each other. it starts off surface-level enough. togame wants to find a way to repay his debts somehow -- keep an avenue available to someday prove to sakura that he isn't so lame anymore.
he's eternally thankful to sakura for snapping him out of whatever fugue state choji's mistakes put him in and wants to actually befriend sakura because of it. make sure he hasnt changed and all. meanwhile sakura contemplates it, because umemiya WAS right in the grand scheme of things and he did somehow "communicate" with togame in their fight. he wants to keep talking to togame, sort of. learn all the things he couldn't gather with his jabs and kicks. so they both find themselves at the tunnel a few days after the fight as complete coincidence.
its complete fate they ran into each other without meaning to, but togame wastes no time in warmly greeting sakura and chatting him up. night begins to creep up and at that point sakura knows they've gotta start getting home if they both don't wanna start shit sitting out at night on territory boundaries while wearing their respective recognizable uniforms. he's hesitant to pull away from the conversation though and togame seizes the opportunity to ask for sakura's (barely used) phone and write himself into sakura's contacts. (he doesn't even have a password btw)
"Wow~ Not a single person on here, Othello-kun."
"Hah? What th' hell would I even need it for? If I need something, I can just go ask in person. None of that slow, boring texting crap."
"You really live life too fast, haha. What if it's too small for the effort? Or you can't come find me in time? Shishitoren territory is quite far from Furin's campus, after all."
"What would I even need'ta ask you that isn't urgent enough to come here, scraggly?"
Togame simply laughs under his breath. "Anything you can think of." he hands the phone back to Sakura, screen lit up with a single new contact under the name 'Weather.'
That's stupid.
The older boy continues to tease Sakura. "Call me to ask about the weather, if you really can't come up with anything at all. I promise I'd pick up; it's the least I can do for you after everything."
They part ways, and even if neither of them mention it -- Sakura keeps this encounter close to his chest. Thinks about it when his classmates make fun of him for it the very next day, even as he says nothing and lets them tease him. With 5 new names in his list of contacts, he remembers to go home and scroll to 'W' and asks about the weather tomorrow. Asks a whole lot of other things too. All until he falls asleep.
(He never changes Togame's contact name after that. Not even months later, stranded on a bridge and staring down an army of enemies and another black-haired tall douchebag to humble. What will the weather be like tomorrow? Clear motherfuckin' skies, baby.)
i miss you togame jo 😔 (delusional)
There is something utterly beautiful about the way Nii-sensei conveys emotions through their drawings and I will never get tired of admiring it...
kiryu appreciation post cause we love him.
I was kind of confused watching the scene where Umemiya was having his announcement and mentions the beach, and Suo thinks, "Wow, I couldn't care less!" Bcs his lips don't move.
So I thought, "must be an animation error," BUT NO!
IT'S ACTUALLY A THOUGHT BUBBLE!! THIS IS (I think) THE ONLY TIME WE SEE INTO HIS THOUGHTS!! AND ITS HIM BEING AN ASSHOLE💀
okay but when sakura does eventually become the top of bofurin he is going to be absolutely adored by the whole community??
with umemiya its a little different because umemiyas charm comes from his friendly, head empty demeanor. little old ladies are charmed by his good looks and big heart that cares about nothing but the happiness of his town and his potted green peppers.
sakura, however, gains the EXACT SAME LEVEL of popularity for entirely different reasons.
im obsessed w the idea of no. 1 badass fighter and leader of the most powerful gang in the city sakura who has everyones respect yeah sure but also. also its an olympic sport for everyone everyday to try and make him blush. umemiya had the kinda raw charisma to help lil old ladies cross the street for no reason, but with sakura the little old ladies LOVE to goad him to giving piggy back rides... if only because he acts like he hates it the whole time and then proceeds to fold and do it every single time.
LIKE IDK. theres something so funny about bofurin leader Sakura being so ready and down to fight and protect bofurin's honor 24/7 only to find that most other faction leaders would rather compete to see who can make him combust from affection first. sure yeah shishitoren loves having their monthly spars with bofurin but right now they are locked in an INSTANT DEATH deuce with roppo ichiza on who can get sakura to say the cutest most sappiest shit about the power of their friendship.
YES everyone has a healthy fear of god and would never want to actually piss off and fight sakura. YES bofurin is still the scariest group this side of the city if they really want to be. YES sakura fills out umemiyas legacy perfectly and they couldn't have chosen a better successor — BUT
its way funnier like this
Saw the sports au in the wind breaker week prompts and this art immediately came to my mind
Gonna try writing some Archer Suo content he looks so good ♡
friends, tumblrinas, countrymen... today? i offer you WIND BREAKER propaganda, tomorrow? who knows (it'll probably be more WIND BREAKER propaganda)
WBK twitter extras (and more) translation master post
WBK brainrot has taken ahold of me and I will be translating some official content! This post will be regularly updated as more translations are completed. (if there's no link, it's still a WIP)
There might be some mistakes, so do feel free to let me know if I've gotten anything wrong!
All posts are tagged with #WinBreTLs !
⚠️ Please ASK before using my translations. There are several that I do not feel comfortable being used. ⚠️
Any of my translations used on X or any other platforms posted after 7 October 2024 DO NOT HAVE MY PERMISSION.
Weekly seiyuu questions (Season 1)
Weeks 1-7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Boufuurin chat talk (Season 2)
Week 1 - Pictures of sakura
Week 2 - Candy
Week 3 - Skincare
Daily character questions (Season 1)
Sakura Haruka
Nirei Akihiho
Sugishita Kyoutarou
Tachibana Kotoha
Suo Hayato
Hiiragi Touma
Sako Kota
Togame Jo
💙Umemiya Hajime💙 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Tomiyama Choji
Kiryuu Mitsuki
Tsugeura Taiga
Kaji Ren
Daily character questions (Season 2)
Sugishita Kyoutarou
Kiryuu chan Mitsuki
Tsugeura Taiga
Character song translations
「Aim for」 - Sakura Haruka
「fortitude」 - Sugishita Kyoutarou
「Navigator」 - Nirei Akihiko
「Mind's eye」 - Suou Hayato
Tokuten voice cards
Tokuten voice cards - Umemiya ① and ②, Hiiragi ②
Tokuten voice cards - Sakura ①, Nirei ②, Sugishita ① and ②
Tokuten voice cards - Sakura ② and ③, Suo ① and ② and ③, Nirei ① and ③, Sugishita ③, Hiiragi ① (all remaining cards)
Other translations
Wind Breaker x Abema Collab
Wind Breaker omikuji
Character Q&A (2023 set)
Wind Breaker Drama CD vol. 1 – Fuurin, Memories of a Summer - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Wind Breaker Drama CD vol. 2 – Oedo-style Fuurin Story - Sample, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Wind Breaker DVD/BR Vol. 6 bonus content – Boufuurin Vs Shishitoren Maruhi ㊙ Talk and Battle - Part 1, Part 2, WIP
Wind Breaker Special Stage Event: Tonpuu-machi Halloween Matsuri Afternoon show special reading drama - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Other content
Wind Breaker Exhibition Kyoto Review
WinBre x Sanrio, Natori's concert (Wind Breaker opening), Shizuoka's tea fields (the place Suou wants to visit)
LQD: WINDBREAKER S2.04 "growth"
✧₊⁎honnii☀︎
advice from suo, take it or leave it
WAS I KIND OF WRONG??? WILL HE BE HERE NEXT WEEK??? WILL WE MEET HIM OFFICIALLY NEXT WEEK???
Okay. So! Each episode of windbreaker is about 3-4 of the manga chapters. This latest episode (s2ep3) ended with chapter 55.
Insanity incoming, as well as spoilers for non-manga readers.
So my rough estimate is that Tsubakino’s little intro will be at the end of episode 5?
Pretty sure next episode (ep4) will have sick Sakura, then after that him and Kaji’s talk. Feel like ep4 will end with Kaji’s “Everyone can see you’re terrified of rejection” bit.
Ep5 might pick up after this, (I cannot wait for Kaji’s freak out when being caught being a good senpai) then lunch at Kotoha’s which is when Sakura sees Tsubakino through the window!
Which MEANS if that’s right Tsubakino will be fully introduced in episode 6! Which would be airing on like May 8th. Which feels so far away. And the dub for that episode will be May 22nd.
Alright as s2 continues I’m being very Normal about it. So regarding the dubbbb…
I still want Ernesto Jason Liebrecht should voice Endo, if you don’t know who I mean my only reasoning is he voices Dabi in BNHA.
Tsubakino is harder for me… mostly cause he means the world to me and if it isn’t perfect I’ll die. But I have ideas. J. Michael Tatum, he has a lower voice and Tsubaki canonically has a deeper voice. (he voices Iida from BNHA, Erwin from AOT, Eneru from OP)
Seiryu Sakaki… Micah Solusod. Just kinda based on vibes. Coby (glow-up) from OP, Soul from Soul Eater, Yurio from Yuri on Ice.
Other people I think could be voices in the show, somewhere; Ian Sinclair, Daman Mills, Zeno Robinson. That’s all for now. Ta-ta.
Okay. So! Each episode of windbreaker is about 3-4 of the manga chapters. This latest episode (s2ep3) ended with chapter 55.
Insanity incoming, as well as spoilers for non-manga readers.
So my rough estimate is that Tsubakino’s little intro will be at the end of episode 5?
Pretty sure next episode (ep4) will have sick Sakura, then after that him and Kaji’s talk. Feel like ep4 will end with Kaji’s “Everyone can see you’re terrified of rejection” bit.
Ep5 might pick up after this, (I cannot wait for Kaji’s freak out when being caught being a good senpai) then lunch at Kotoha’s which is when Sakura sees Tsubakino through the window!
Which MEANS if that’s right Tsubakino will be fully introduced in episode 6! Which would be airing on like May 8th. Which feels so far away. And the dub for that episode will be May 22nd.
Windbreaker Boys + The Pet You Two Adopt
incl. Umemiya, Tsubakino, Kaji, Sakura, Suo, & Nirei
Umemiya Hajime: Dog
No surprise: you two are adopting a dog together. I'm talking: a Japanese spitz. They're smart, loyal, playful, affectionate, and white, fluffy things.
Both Umemiya and your newest family addition are the cuddliest things ever. you wake up with Umemiya wrapped around you and your fluffy baby curled up against your chest-- you're literally never moving from the bed.
Both follow behind you like shadows. You're going to the kitchen? They're coming too! Bathroom? They'll wait outside for you (not patiently). You're going outside? Family walk! You don't truly get alone time anymore.
Umemiya would have trained any pet to protect you, regardless of size or temperament. Which works, cause despite this breed's size, they are so loyal they're natural guard dogs. You have scary dog privilege with your boyfriend, and (attempted) scary dog privilege with your son.
They make the same facial expressions sometimes. You're in a bad mood, storming around the apartment? Both are silently watching you, eyes wide as they wait for a lull to come to you. They're confused? Matching little head tilts. You stand no chance against their duo puppy eyes.
During holidays, he's buying matching couples and dog sweaters to take pictures. He sends them to all his aunts and uncles around town, as well as to his brothers and Kotoha. (she pins the pictures on her fridge, but no one is allowed to ask her about them)
Having a furry child with this man makes you start thinking about what it would be like seeing him as an actual father... O.o
Tasuku Tsubakino: Bunny
First: y'all can't adopt a white rabbit because Tsubaki will be placing little kisses on its head, and the lipstick will stain.
Anyways, y'all would get a little lionhead rabbit, they rarely get to even a foot long and weigh maybe up to three pounds? Y'all have a little carrying companion for a while!
These types of bunnies can be timid when you first meet them, but once you gain their trust, they're playful, friendly, and very social little creatures. No offense to you, but I have a feeling Tsubaki is the one gaining her trust first.
Imagine the most spoiled, pampered pet you'd ever seen. Now triple that. That's the life your bunny lives with the two of you as parents. A bed in every room. Snacks and treats at her leisure. There are puzzles and toys, stairs so she can climb onto things (like your sofa), it's basically her apartment, you two just live there.
Tsubaki would get little accessories for her, and is the only one who can put them on her. Little bows on her fur near her ears, a little dress for Easter pictures, a harness and leash to take her outside on nice days.
Imagine coming home from work or school or shopping and Tsubaki is curled up on the couch, sleeping face mask on while taking a nap in the sun, the little fluff ball curled up on his chest, also fast asleep. New lock screen!
Tsubaki has a folder dedicated to pictures of you and the bunny, too, separate from the folders dedicated to just you and just the bunny. There are pictures of you cuddling her, of you brushing her fur, napping with her, just being in the same vicinity as her. Safe to say Tsubaki is (healthily) obsessed with his little family.
Kaji Ren: Betta Fish
He would be against having a pet at first; he would worry about hurting it on accident, worried it would just hate him, worried neither of you would be home enough, be able to afford all the things it needed (but he would also NOT tell you these things, you have to thank Hiragi for this information)
You do your research and drag him to a pet shop and look at the wall of fish. Nothing catches his eye until he sees the betta fish, you know the thing I mean, how they're all in little cups by themselves. That sight would definitely catch his attention. Some worker would come over, talking about the fish, and he'd be half listening.
He'd hear them talk about how people adopt these poor guys and leave them in crappy tanks, how their fins would tear if they weren't properly cared for, how they're smart fish and can even recognize their owners and he is just sold.
You two leave with a beautiful betta fish, a 6.5-gallon tank, and all the accessories needed, as well as food and even treats. Kaji would take it as a personal mission to have the best cared-for betta fish. He sets it up by himself, insisting on it, headphones on as he works.
Once the setup and initial stuff are taken care of, Kaji finds himself near the tank more often than not when he's home. It's near one end of the couch, so whenever you two are having a relaxing night in, you're always curled up near it.
Sometimes you'll find him silently watching him, eyes tracing his path as he swims around, sometimes he'll swim to the glass, and the two will just stare at each other. Silent communication. You've sent many videos and pictures to Enomoto and Kusumi.
You set the fish up on a well-planned feeding schedule, and Kaji just comes in with little fish treats behind your back. He wants the fish to be happy, even if it means pushing your food schedule a little bit.
It's a pet that you both love, but it's good for him in a way. He won't say it, nor can he explain why, but just watching him swim or float about is calming. Even better if you're curled up next to him. In those moments Kaji feels like any violence he has in his past is nothing more than a bad dream he's started to forget.
Suo Hayato: Cat
You have to stop him from adopting a tuxedo cat and naming it “Sakura”. Even if the idea was tempting.
You end up adopting a maine coon, and it’s the most pampered pet you’ve ever seen. Maine coons are great family cats; they’re friendly and gentle, sociable and playful.
Suo somehow manages to never once get scratched by this cat. Not on purpose, not on accident. Even when he’s riling the cat up or just playing with him, the cat has never once left a mark on Suo. He says he’s a cat whisperer, “Afterall— I managed to befriend Sakura-kun!”
Doesn’t matter how big your cat gets, Suo has trained him to believe he is and always will be a lap cat. You swear he also trained the cat to be the most annoying, cutest menace ever.
Doing work on your laptop? He’s laying on your keyboard, purring up a storm, eyes closed and content. You finally move him off? Suo’s hugging you from behind, somehow pulling you away to the couch to watch something and cuddle.
Your cat and him look so smug about it you know the planned it.
We’ve seen how Suo sleeps, so I can very much imagine waking up, turning and seeing the cat laid out on his chest, both fast asleep. The bigger your cat gets the more you wonder how he hasn’t suffocated your boyfriend.
He has pictures of your cat that look professionally taken, like the lighting and angles are absolutely insane. He has similar ones of you too, but he more often shows you the pictures of you that are… unflattering.
He enjoys calling your cat “your son” when you two are out and anyone asks how you two are doing. The older aunts and uncles gush over how cute your baby must be, and by this point you’re too embarrassed to correct them or Suo, whose just smiling.
Akihiko Nirei: Ferret
At first I was going to give Nirei a hamster, but then I saw a tiktok of ferrets when they get excited and knew he’d adopt one.
He’s so excited when you bring the ferret home, vibrating the whole way. You can literally see stars in his eyes.
He does so much research you’re not surprised when you get shipment after shipment of things. Long sweaters, plastic balls, noodles, boxes, food, treats, etc.
The ferret follows him around, trotting happily behind him. Once Nirei trips and nearly steps on him, and he decides to start carrying him on his shoulders all day.
The ferret loves to burrow into Nirei’s curls, and you always have to be the one to detangle his hair at night. He always says he’ll stop it, but he never does.
He starts buying shirts with pockets on his chest, large enough that your ferret can rest in them. It’s adorable to be talking to Nirei and then the little face pops up from his pocket. Scares the crap out of Sakura the first time it happens. And every time after that.
You’ve gotten used to the ferret trying to climb your pants whenever he sees you— both Nirei and the ferret get so excited when you come home. With Nirei’s thousand watt smile and the ferrets excited wiggles, how can you not look forward to going home every day?
You buy little glasses for the ferret that match Nirei’s. They last only but so long, but it was your favorite purchase for him ever.
Sakura Haruka: Hamster
First! And! Foremost! Don't let this boy read any posts about how people's hamsters have died. He will lose his sanity.
He's already so terrified cause of how tiny the hamster is, terrified someone will step on it or sneeze while holding it and it'll fly out of your hands, so any horror stories revolving around hamsters' deaths can not be seen.
Sometimes you find him just crouching down near his enclosure, watching him move, watching him eat and drink. You have to approach the scene slowly, or your boyfriend will run away and flee. There was once where the hamster was eating and you saw Sakura mimic the way his cheeks were puffed out— it’s a memory you hold close to your heart.
Sakura holds the hamster so gingerly every time he holds it. Palms cupping the little thing, eyes wide, breath is being held, hands trembling. He doesn’t blink, too scared if he looks away for even a second the hamster will fall or disappear.
As he gets more comfortable with the tiny pet, he’s so soft around it. We all know Sakura’s soft inside, but you get to see it in person. Whenever he runs up to the sides of his enclosure when Sakura’s there, he bends down and so gently scratches the hamster’s head. You’re sure if hamsters could purr, yours would be.
Once when Sakura is on the couch, watching something he lets the hamster sit on his shoulder. He burrows into his shirt and sleeps, and you’ve never seen Sakura sit so still for so long.
You don’t have to fear a horror death story for this little guy, Sakura is so paranoid and anxious about those he loves getting hurt your hamster lives for so long you start to think it’s immortal.
A/N: some are longer than others, my brain kept sparking out.
the more episodes of s2 we get the more i feel like this
TSUBAKINO IS ON HIS WAY
every glimpse I get of him in the intro/outro has me actively sobbing each time
I feel like a victorian person who just saw an ankle for the first time
I’m really so hoping with windbreaker s2 coming out the writing gods give me the drive, time, and energy to write more 🙏🏻
two screenshots that I took that mean so much to me I forgot to post about
first— look at him: he suffered so much being teased like that
SECONDLY my son is a cat… this poor boy is going through so much 😭
I’m only mildly losing my mind at Windbreaker s2ep1 (read: I’ve already watched it twice)
lowkey as an oldest sister who often turned our mom’s anger towards myself whenever my siblings got in trouble… i’d kill a man for the kiryuu siblings
i’m gonna assume and claim this is a Gojo cat plushie. Kiryuu has a Gojo cat plushie
that is all
I’m finally getting caught up on the Windbreaker manga— and I just!!!
he’s! adorable!!! he reminds me of a puppy!!!
what I wouldn’t do to protect this baby
mama a girl behind you—
how the roles have reversed sugishita
making friends 2.0
this was also my face when I saw this precious panel
i can’t tell if sakura is confused or disturbed
so many more things i’m excited to see animated!!!
Would You Fall in Love with Me Again?
Umemiya Hajime x Reader
You often heard the saying ‘time flies’ as a child, and you rarely found yourself believing it. Adulthood and the freedom you sought appeared so far away, and now, you realized how true that statement was.
It felt as if once you grew old enough to learn to balance freedom with responsibility, your aging never stopped. One moment you were a child, listening to fairy tales from your mother, and the next you were betrothed.
Your husband was a sweet man, he was kind and he made you happy. He was strong and fierce, and you, along with your country, saw and knew this. You had met at a party, hosted by some nobleman your family knew. There had been nothing romantic about it, the stories you fell asleep to spoke nothing of a man falling out of a tree mere inches in front of you.
You hadn’t even been able to feel anything other than panic— but luckily the worst he had was a sore back, and a bruised ego. Once your adrenaline had died down, the first thing you noticed was how blue his eyes were. The next was that his hair, as tangled with leaves as it was, was as white as the sugar cubes your older brother snuck for you.
That night of conversation led to more, and it felt like one day you woke up as the wife of Umemiya Hajime, the crowned ruler of Furin. Your meeting may not have been magical, but your wedding night had put stories to shame.
“Your Highness?”
You hummed, not tearing your eyes from where you were watching your daughter run around the garden, chasing a butterfly as the creature fluttered from flower to flower.
“Some of the suitors are requesting an audience with you, madame.”
Hajime had built this garden for you, every fruit grown was one of your favorites, every flower he had planted had meaning. Baby’s breath, red camellias, pink carnations, chamomile, white clovers, forget-me-nots. You had refused to ever plant anything else, the garden remained unchanged for years.
“Shall I turn them away?”
How you wished to say yes, to demand her to tell them to just leave. To take their sorry-hides and leave your kingdom, your land, your country, to never return. How you wished even more to tell them to gouge out their leering eyes, throw themselves into the sea they claimed took your husband.
Instead you stood, brushing your dress to lay flat, turning to your hear lady-in-waiting, sending her a small smile. “No, I shall see them.”
“Are you certain?”
For years men had come to your kingdom, your home, to request your hand. They acted as if the empty space in your bed was an opportunity for them, that the ring you still held onto was merely decorative. For years you turned them down, for years you held onto hope that your husband would return to you.
But men grew impatient, and your people became weary. You had to begin to entertain them, all the while your heart screamed for your husband, begged you to give him more time to return to you.
Your daughter, seeing you stand, left her butterfly hunt to rush over to you, the smile that matched her father’s painting her face. “We’re going inside now?”
You brushed her hair out of her face, the wavy curls that reminded you so much of Hajime, but the color that matched yours. Her smile was contagious, and you sent her one back, “Yes my dear. I believe you need a bath.”
At this, she made a face, cheeks puffed in an exaggerated pout. She hated bath time, she hated all the pampering she faced during and after. She was a free spirit, opting to play in the gardens. Hajime had left for war while you were pregnant, and the pair had never been able to meet, but every night since she was born you told her stories of her father. Of the man he was, the man he is.
You often woke in tears, dreams of your husband and daughter laughing in the gardens ringing in your ears. You only hoped one day they may come true.
“Now,” You turned back to your lady, “Have them gather in the foyer, refuse them any wine or ale they ask of, however. I don’t wish for any of them to be drunk when hearing what I have to offer.”
“Of course, my lady,” She bowed, heading inside, the worry in her eyes apparent.
Your daughter tugged your hand, “When can I have wine and ale?”
At this, you laughed, reaching to bring her to your chest, “Not for a long time my dear, I highly doubt you would enjoy them.”
She grumbled as the pair of your made your way inside, unknowing of the pair of eyes that tracked the two of you moving.
You had a small group of women working for you that you trusted with your life, of women you knew were faithful to you, and you alone. Years ago that number had been larger. You handed your daughter off to them, cited to have her bathed and ready for her afternoon nap, as unhappy as she was about this plan.
You took a moment for yourself, steeling the courage you needed. You held power, you could command armies worth of men should you need it, but you so often felt afraid without the comfort of your husband with you. But you refused to show this to these men. Once your main lady returned to you, you made your way where the entourage was awaiting you.
The doors opened, and whatever conversations that had been had paused. All eyes were on you, and you felt your skin crawl at the disgusting thoughts you could feel pouring towards you. But you kept your head high as you walked, making your way to the front.
You said nothing as you took your seat, refusing to stand when speaking to anyone. They didn’t deserve that, half of them hadn’t even waited for you to give birth to your daughter before showing up, seeking your hand, claiming your husband had no doubt perished at war.
“I suppose you all have waited long enough,” Was how you began speaking, pausing to allow the sneers and jeers to echo the room.
“I propose a challenge for all those still wishing for the throne, all those aiming for my hand.” Your left hand brushed your hair from your face, aiming to show how you still adorned your wedding ring, a challenge in itself.
“My husband had made many allies for us, and these allies are tough, formidable men. I have reached out to many, and have since then received my answers.” With a nod of yours, the side doors were opened, and more men filled in. For them, you stood, walking towards your husbands allies— his friends— to greet them.
“Shishitorin has been Furin’s closest allies for years, and have been a reason we have been able to hold our own against opponents who came to steal power. The only man who has ever held his own against their own leader, was my husband. No man had ever come close.”
It was a rare sight to see Togame serious, but it was even more rare to see Choji without his smile. Their letters in response had read serious, and you knew they wished to do what they could to ensure these suitors were unable to get their hands on you— or the throne.
They looked ready to kill, as did the rest of their men that arrived with them. They would play nice, as Choji stated in a letter, for you and your daughter.
“If any man can defeat their five strongest fighters, including Sir Togame and Sir Tomiyama, then they have proven themselves worthy for the throne, for the crown, and my hand.”
It appeared simple in writing, but you had been there when Furin and Shishitorin had begun their companionship. You had witnessed the blood shed, the tears, and the pain that came, and had been privileged to witness the relationship that came after. Had it not been for their strength for you to fall back on, you worry grief would have had you years ago.
“May the most worthy man win,” You nodded at the group of men, turning to nod at the guests, before taking your leave.
Murmurs broke out behind you, and for once, you heard the worry in the voices of the suitors. It filled you with a level of vindication you hadn’t known one could feel.
You knew there were very few men able to win five consecutive fights against Shishitorin’s strongest fighters, even if there was nothing on the line. But now your friends were armed with the determination to ensure your husbands place remained untouched, you felt strongly that no one would even come close to winning.
Despite the confidence you had in your friends, your heart still hammered, and you couldn’t fight the tears that filled your eyes. Silently sobbing was something you had long since mastered, you refused to appear weak in front of the men who had taken residence in your home, show fear to your daughter who looked up to you so.
You took a moment to collect yourself, eyes screwed tight as you willed the inevitable headache to leave you be. Knowing it was unavoidable, you continued down the hall, making your way to your daughter’s room. To no surprise, she wasn’t asleep.
“My dear,” You sighed dramatically, making your way to her bed, “I told you a growing girl needs ample rest.”
“I’m not tired!” The same old song and dance, truly.
“No? You woke so early this morning,” An exaggerated yawn left your mouth, “Even I find myself in need of an afternoon nap today.”
She narrowed her eyes at you, “You can nap with me, then. I guess that’s fine.”
“How gracious of you, my little princess,” You shifted to lay beside her, allowing her to move to lay so her head was on your chest, ear against your heart.
It was quiet for a bit, your fingers carding through her hair. At one point, you had thought she’d fallen asleep.
“Mama?”
You hummed, “Yes, my dear?”
“Am I ever going to meet daddy?”
It may have been less painful had she plunged a dagger into your chest, but you schooled that pain, your hand continued to brush through her hair, “You will, little princess, one day.”
“But when?”
“I don’t know,” Admitting that felt the same as admitting defeat, but you couldn’t lie to her.
She was quiet for another moment, “Do you think he’ll like me?”
That was enough to give you pause, and you moved her to look at you, noting the tears in her eyes.
“He loved you the moment I told him I was pregnant with you,” You brushed the first tear that fell away, “He often spoke to you in my belly when you moved around in the morning, he sang you lullabies every night, even before your ears had begun to form.”
You tickled the tips of her ears, her little giggles easing the ache in your chest, “He cried more than I did when he had to leave before you were born. He promised you, the day he left, he was fighting for me, and for you. He promised nothing would stop him from returning to us, that he’d destroy anything nature sent his way— every storm, every whirlpool. He’d even fight the gods should he have had to.”
“Is that where he is? Fighting gods?”
“Perhaps, or perhaps he’s commanding the storms to bring him home to us, and clouds aren’t the greatest with directions.”
She smiled, but it dimmed after a second, chewing her lip before speaking, her voice quiet, “Some of the men here said he was dead… said you were in- in denying that he was dead. They said I need a dad, that you need a King.”
The hatred you had in your heart originally swelled, and you felt anger eat at your heart, and she continued, “But I knew they were liars! I have a dad, and when he’s back they’ll have to leave!”
“That’s right,” You smiled at her, a forced feeling, “Now, my dear, a nap will do us both well.”
She laid down, her eyes fluttering shut soon after. You felt yourself drift off with her, the feeling of anger still fresh in your chest. You hadn’t realized how tired you were, until you were woken hours later. The sun had begun setting, the sky a bleeding red. Your heart was hammering, and you were holding your daughter close to your chest. Blinking blearily, you stared at the bedroom door. Why had you woken so afraid?
A muffled scream echoed throughout the building, and that gave you enough answer. Your daughter was half-awake, and you held her tight to your chest. The door was flung open, and your ladies rushed in, panicked looks on their faces.
“What is—”
“One of the men has gone mad,” One of them whispered to you, tone frantic, “The others were conspiring, ma’am, they were— they planned to—” Her eyes flickered to your daughter, but her message to you was clear as day.
The man had grown tired of waiting it seemed, perhaps some had gone to fight and lost, and they decided to act on their own accord.
“Shishitorin—”
“They took up arms against many of the suitors, but we came to find you, you two must hide,” Her eyes were frantic as she tugged at the two of you.
Your heart was hammering, your palms sweaty as you held your daughter to your chest. She had no idea what was happening, but her grip on your dress was tight.
You left your daughter’s room, taking up in a small room, one you recalled your husband saying was to only be used when necessary. Unfortunately, that necessary was here. You were all huddled close, your daughter, naturally, the most protected. You’d kill any man who entered that room before they touched her, and you would ensure if you died trying you wouldn’t be the only one.
Your dedication ladies were around you, ready to sacrifice themselves for you. But you prayed to whoever may be listening that shouldn’t happen. Hours crept by, slow as the sap that dripped in the garden during the springtime. There were screams and yells, the sound of gurgling and people choking on, what you assumed, was their own blood.
The silence that followed it all was deafening. None of you moved, no one shifted. You heard it then, a muffled call of your name. You felt the women around you tense, but you sat straight, “That’s Choji.”
Still weary, you ensured your daughter was safe in their arms before you stepped outside, clutching tight to a dagger you had grabbed on your way out the door.
“Choji?”
The shorter man looked frenzy, hair disheveled, blood on his clothes. But he was smiling— his eyes looked watery.
“Choji— are you—”
“He’s back,” He rushed to you, hands gripping your forearms, “Umemiya’s back.”
It was a blur, really, after Choji uttered those words. The night had shifted, darkness surrounding the walls of your home. Your daughter was whisked away, exhausted but placated by whatever you had said to her in a daze. You found yourself alone in your bedroom, as you had found yourself so many times before. It felt different now, and your wrapped your arms around you, an attempt of soothing yourself.
The door opened, and you couldn’t stop the wild beating of your heart. You turned only partly, looking at the man who entered. He wore your husband’s face, at least what you had assumed your husband would look like after eight years. This time of seasons, it was almost nine years.
He was taller than you recall, or perhaps it was how he held himself. His hair was longer, the ends curling almost identically to your daughter’s. His eyes, the same shade of blue as the ocean, were far sadder than you could ever remember.
“Is it really you?” Your voice was a whisper, but it echoed loud in your chambers, “I’ve often dreamt of you coming home to us, and I must admit each waking moment is more painful than the last.”
He stepped forward, and you couldn’t stop the step back, mirroring his closeness. The pain in his eyes intensified, and your resolve cracked some.
“Every time you reach to touch me I wake up, if this is another dream I’d wish to stay in it as long as I’m able.” He nodded slowly at your explanation, eyes staring at you, as if he was as afraid to look away as you were, “You look far different than you have when you’ve visited me in my dreams. You’d always great me with a smile.” Your voice cracked as you spoke.
He looked pained at this, and his shoulders tensed, looking as if he were hunching in on himself, “I’m not the same man I was when I left you.” His voice was quiet, deeper, but the same voice you wished to hear for years.
“I’m… different now, I’m afraid. War was not kind, and the journey home, my journey to you was unforgiving.” He swallowed hard, eyes pleading as he looked at you, “I’m not the man you took as your husband, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to love me as you did before.”
“Your journey took six years longer than you promised,” You all but whispered towards him, hands trembling as you fidgeted with your ring, “There was talk that you had died.”
He shook his head, “I had to come back to you, to— to our child. Nothing would have stopped me, not even death herself. She tried though,” His voice was thick, “I watched many men die, I took… so many lives. Their blood stains my hands, no matter how much I bathe.”
He looked at his palms, as if searching for the stainage.
“When I returned there were so many men here. They spoke vilely of you,” The words left his lips like poison being spat, “They spoke of your body as if it were a prize they sought after, one they would’ve taken if it were not given. Their fight with Shishitorin was a genius move on your end, my love.”
He smiled at you at that, and the tears that had been building spilled over. That smile had haunted your dreams and nightmares alike for years. And now it was here, mere feet in front of you.
“But they grew angrier. I wished to plot my arrival to be less dramatic, but the threats they spoke of. I’m only a man,” He closed his eyes, holding his breath for a moment before looking back at you, “They cannot, and will not, ever harm you. Look at you. Or speak of you again. Years ago, the blood staining our home would have had me feeling guilty, but now I see it as a means to an end. I fear my hearts turned cold, it’s closed in my time away. I fear your husband doesn’t exist anymore.”
“Doesn’t exist?” He nodded at your whispered question, a shameful look on his face.
You turned away from him, the tears still steadily falling down your cheeks. The garden, your garden, stood as pristine as it had earlier, the cherry blossom tree standing in the middle, her branches swaying peacefully in the night wind.
“If you wish to prove you’re still my husband, or worthy of being so,” Your voice was thick as you spoke, your nose stuffed, head throbbing, “Then I shall give you a task as I have the others.”
“Anything for you.” The sincerity in his voice was borderline painful.
“I wish for you to uproot the garden outside,” You didn’t turn as you spoke, “My husband planted all types of flowers years ago, said there was meaning behind them. I have never met another man who understands the language flowers hide as he, and I have done my own research.”
Truth of the matter was you had found the notes your husband scribbled years ago, lists of flowers and their meanings, which ones he felt for you and which one he swore he’d never even look at.
“Indifference. Refusal. Disappointment. Resignation. Stupidity.” You forced a mirthful chuckle, “All things I fear my husband felt for me. Towards me.”
There was silence, not even the sound of breath other than yours. For a moment, you were terrified he had left the room, and you turned.
He was crying, silent tears falling down his face as he stared at you. Anger was written in his eyes, but he didn’t move, wasn’t even looking at you anymore. His gaze had matched yours, looking at to the garden and all her loving plants.
“For you to even suggest that—” He took a breath, his cheeks red.
“Everlasting love, the flame of my heart, an oath to never forget you, promised twice, patience, a wish for you to think of me, and only of me.” His voice grew louder as he spoke, “I had wished to plant hibiscus bushes under our window, but the scent made you sick while you were pregnant, and you told me on our wedding night that roses were too simple to express our relationship.”
He turned to you, the bright fury behind his eyes unleashing a storm of emotion. “I’d have burnt any flower, any tree, any bush that even suggested I thought such awful things about you.”
You stepped towards him, your chest bubbling with anger, with sorrow, love, pain— everything you had kept in for eight years.
“And the only man who knew all this was the man I married,” You were in front of him now, his faces inches from yours, “So I suppose that means you’re still him.”
The anger wavered for a moment, before you watched his face crumble. The silent tears turned into ragged breaths, and you stood tall, the pain in your chest aching to join him.
“I fell in love with you, and I have never stopped loving you. Time, distance— nothing will ever stop those feelings. Do not come into our bedroom and state I won’t love you as much as I did all those years ago, as much as I do now.”
“I have waited eight long years, alone and worried, but as in love with you as I was when we were first married. I was waiting for my husband, for you,” You poked at his chest, the first contact you had with him for eight years, “You absolute idiot.”
You weren’t sure who broke first, but the sobs causing your breath to hiccup broke free. His arms were around you, and you were weeping into his shoulder, as he was in yours. He was as warm as you recalled all those years ago, as solid as ever. He held you, as if he was terrified you’d move too far from his reach if he gave you the space to do so. You held him back equally as tight, if not more.
“My dear, how I have missed you.” He whispered against your hair, and the warmth of his lips against your forehead brought forth a fresh wave of tears.
“I knew you’d return,” You pulled back, cupping his cheeks, staring at the man you had loved for nearly a decade and a half.
He pulled you forward, crushing you into a kiss. His lips were rough, you could almost feel every crack in his skin against your own. But you melted into his embrace like it was your first kiss all over again. It was messy, both your cheeks still wet from your tears. You held each other, lips molded into one until you both had to pull back to breath, panting in each others space.
“We have a daughter?”
You laughed, broken and whole all at once, “Yes. She acts so much like you, I nearly named her Hajimia.”
He made a face, “Please tell me she isn’t named that.”
You shook your head, “No, Fumiko.”
Hajime echoed your laughter, just as wet and unbridled as yours, “Hibiscus.”
“I told her stories of you every night,” You traced a scar on his forehead, cutting straight through his eyebrow, “She already adores you so much.”
He grabbed your hand in his, the palms rougher and more calloused, but as warm and protecting as ever. He brought your knuckles to his lips, a kiss pressed against them, “And I already adore her, I did the moment she was conceived.”
“You fought nature and men’s deadliest armies to return to her, to me,” You pressed forward, your face in his chest, the sound of his heartbeat was music to your ears, “I love you. I never stopped.”
He took a shuddering breath, “I love you.”
a/n: so I whipped this out in one sitting, sat here and wrote for like 2 hours straight. if you can’t tell I’m a little Epic obsessed. I don’t even know if this is good or not!
⋆˚｡⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 ˚୨✧୧⋆｡˚⋆
⋆˚｡⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑼𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒚𝒂 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 ˚୨✧୧⋆｡˚⋆
"Do you think this is enough?"
You glanced up from the plates you were setting down, all paper, you didn't want to have another incident of Sakura and Sugishita bickering and breaking anymore. Umemiya was frowning at the table littered with plates of food, almost every dish including some of the late fall and winter veggies he had been growing.
You hummed, "It's more than enough Haji," Walking over to him, you placed your arms on his shoulders, turning him to look at you, "I think we'll even be able to send everyone home with leftovers."
He smiled at that, but you could still see the underlying worry in his eyes. "I know how important this is for you, I promise you, it'll go perfectly fine."
A nagging feeling in your mind told you those were famous last words, but you brushed it off. Umemiya and Kotoha had spent countless hours cooking and planning all the food, and you and Tsubakino had gone out shopping for plates, cups, napkins, and utensils that matched the 'winter theme', and also wouldn't shatter if dropped.
Or thrown.
He sighed, arms crossed over his chest as he continued to stare at everything, as if they'd just up and disappear if he looked away, "I know some people might think it's silly but... this is more than just a meal for everyone."
You felt yourself soften as he spoke, "It's a way of seeing how far everyone here has come. How far this town has come."
You turned him to face you, cupping his jaw gently, and his eyes instantly moved to look at you, the adoration so crystal clear it still made you feel all types of vulnerable.
"And that's exactly what you're doing," You smiled at him, "Everyone can see that, feel that."
He smiled, and the look finally reached his eyes. He leaned further into your hand, eyes closing for a moment as he basked in the quiet that had settled on the roof after his fretting had calmed down. The door creaked open, not loud enough to be disturbing, but the small bubble of the two of you was put to pause.
Sugishita wandered over to the two of you, carrying a few brown bags in his arms. No doubt extra snacks and sweets from some of the townsfolks. Judging by the slight red tint to his face, he got caught being thanked in the cold far longer than he anticipated.
"Ah, man!" Hajime peered into the bags, gaze eager, "Oh! Granny Kimura sent some of her anmitsu! We'll have to hide that or else everyone's going to tear into that first."
Sugishita nodded, already looking for places to hide the bags. Entering now was Sakura, Suo next to him, looking as pleased as he always did. Judging by the pink on Sakura's face, the poor boy had been teased the entire walk here.
Unlucky for him, you thought it was downright adorable.
"Hello boys," You called out to the two, Sugishita momentarily glowering at Sakura, before wandering off to hide the sweets.
"You two are early!" Hajime called out, beaming as the two first years walked closer, Sakura looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Wanted to be early enough to help if you needed us to," Suo spoke cheerfully, "Plus Sakura here was just too excited to wait."
"I was not!" The other boy yelled, voice higher pitched as he denied the accusation of being excited, and you couldn't help but laugh a bit at the dynamic of the two.
The pink on his face turned red quickly, and it didn't take a genius to figure out he was responding to the way Hajime had turned to look at you. You knew the look like the back of your hand, eyes soft, small smile on his face. Most people said Hajime wore his heart on his sleeve, and only you truly knew how true that statement could be.
"I - you - we - "
You took pity on him, feeling Hajime's arm wrap around your waist, "Why don't you two start to unwrap the plates and such? Get them set out so people can grab them as they get here."
Happy to have a task, or just happy to walk away from you two, Sakura nodded, high tailing it over to the table with all the plates and napkins and utensils. Suo smiled at the two of you.
"Nirei is on his way," He informed you two, "Kotoha cornered him to help her carry some more dishes over."
He walked over to help Sakura, the poor boy struggling with some of the plastic wrapped around the items. The door was pushed open, the blonde boy rushing in, arms carefully carrying some dishes.
He looked panicked, as if he was running late and not one of the first people to have arrived. When he saw how few people were here thus far, he let out a sigh, smiling brightly when he caught your eye.
"Kotoha says she'll be here soon! I brought the dishes that don't need to stay warm!" You could see the moment his anxiety caught back up with him, and he bowed towards Hajime, before scurrying off to his friends.
"You've got some good first years this batch," You hummed, leaning back into Hajime's hold.
You felt him chuckle, the vibrations against your back, "I couldn't have asked for better little brothers."
"Careful, if Sakura hears you say that he might blow a gasket."
He laughed loudly at that, and you couldn't help but join, hearing soft bickering stem from the now four first years, and you were glad you had invested in paper and plastic items.
No shattered dishes today.
Slowly, more people trickled in. Various extra sweets and snacks being brought from townsfolks, Kotoha finally arriving. She and Tsubakino were carrying more trays of food. The aroma of the rooftop smelled amazing, and once everyone had settled in with warm drinks, the food was uncovered.
It didn't take long for a lot of it to go, people taking piles of food and wandering to sit and talk. You finally had a free moment from helping to wander off to your boyfriend, and he moved, instantly making room for you to sit on his lap.
"So," You leaned back against his chest, accepting the warm cup of cider from him, "You still worried there isn't enough food?"
He let out a small laugh, "I'm more worried everyone's going to enter a food coma at this rate."
"It's a good thing Shishitoren agreed to keep watch for you all to do this," You muttered, mostly to yourself, "I saved them some plates of food as a thank you."
Hajime sighed, leaning so his chin was rested against your head, "What did I do to end up with someone as perfect as you?"
You were glad, for this moment, that he was behind you, cause you were sure you were blushing as much as Sakura with his words.
You shook your head in response, "You were just you," You reached up, albit a bit awkwardly, but managed to poke at his nose, "And I decided I wanted to spend my life with you."
"And I am thankful for that everyday."
Before you could respond, there was a panicked yelp, and it took you a moment to realize it came from Nirei. Looking over, you saw a spilled drink on the ground, and Sakura and Sugishita facing each other, both annoyed.
"I'm really glad we went with plastic," Was all you said, shaking your head at the two first years as they started arguing, knowing full well Higari was seconds away from pulling his trouble makers apart.
꧁✬◦°⋆⋆°◦. 𝓗𝓸𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓬𝓸𝓪 ◦°⋆⋆°◦✬꧂
꧁✬◦°⋆⋆°◦. 𝓢𝓪𝓴𝓾𝓻𝓪 𝔁 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 ◦°⋆⋆°◦✬꧂
Winter had settled in rather quickly, the air still and cold. It had yet to snow, but the painful chill in the air made you think it would start sooner than later. You pulled your coat tighter, gloved fingers still warming up slowly. The wind nipped at your cheeks, at your nose, and you held the thermos in your hands, balancing it with the bag of snacks. You had someone waiting for you— you couldn’t let the weather make you late.
The sidewalks were nearly empty, save for a few people tidying their store fronts, and the park was completely empty; save for one person sitting on one of the swings. Sakura was bundled up, clad in proper winter gear that his friends had given him, claiming them as hand-me-downs. Snowflakes clung to his hair, as he still refused to wear any hats. You understood, but you still worried about him catching a cold.
“Hey,” You called out, the frozen ground crunching under your feet.
He looked up, squinted eyes softening when he saw you. “Took you long enough,” His voice was gruff, though it lacked bite.
You rolled your eyes, holding the thermos forward like a trophy, “Hush, I come bringing gifts,” You shook the plastic bag for emphasis.
He frowned, eyeing the items in your hands, and you could have sworn you saw his cheeks grow more pink, “I didn’t ask you to bring anything.”
“You didn’t need to,” You said, sitting in the swing next to him, “I wanted to get you something to keep you warm before you went back on patrol.”
He turned away, making a noise of disbelief, “You’re impossible…”
“And you love it,” You teased, unscrewing the top of the thermos.
He made a face, but made no move to argue with your statement.
He took it, his fingers brushing against your glove clad ones, and even through the fabric you could feel the little tingles from where you touched. He took the lid, staring at the cocoa like it was some alien object, before bringing it up to his face, taking a small sip.
He looked almost surprised, “It’s good.”
You smiled, feeling a little smug, “I know, it’s my specialty.”
He scoffed, no bite in the sound as the two of you sat in silence, him sipping the cocoa and you watching him. You were glad you two had gotten to a point in your relationship where silence like this wasn’t unnerving or uncomfortable, and you knew part of that showed you how far he’d come since first arriving to town.
When you two had started dating he’d been closed off, as expected, his walls so high that you worried you’d never be able to see what was on the other side. Bit by bit, though, you climbed them, his defenses and hackles lowering as he grew to trust you more and more. Now you felt you saw parts of him no one else ever had the chance to see, and you loved every part of him, even if you loved to tease him on occassion.
“Why’d you bring me this?” His voice was quiet, breaking through the silence as he stared down at the cocoa.
“It’s cold,” You shrugged, thinking that was enough of an explanation.
“But… why? I mean, yeah it’s cold but,” He paused, as if trying to understand why he was even asking you this, “But you should be at home, not out here giving me hot chocolate. It’s not worth it.”
I’m not worth it, he didn’t need to say that part for you to hear it, and your heart clenched at the question. No matter how much you and his friends worked to gain his trust, to show him you all loved him, he still had such an overwhelming feeling of lonlieness attached to him.
“Because I wanted to,” You turned to him, still seated on the swing, “Because you’re my boyfriend, and you’re out patrolling when it’s below freezing, and I wanted to give you something, to show you that I was thinking of you, that I care about you.”
Because you’re worth it, to me, and always will be.
He scoffed, but refused to turn, and you knew he was trying to hide how easily his emotions could be seen on his face, “You’re… way too good at saying crap like that.” He flailed one of his hands around, as if trying to wave away the flustered feeling, “Saying crap that…”
“What?” You kicked one leg out, nudging his foot softly, “Makes you feel all soft inside?”
“Oh shut up,” You laughed, mentally imaging a cute little cat, hackles raised as it grew flustered.
“You’re cute when you’re all flustered.”
“I’m not cute!”
“Alright, alright,” You raised your hands, fake surrender, “Whatever you say.”
He huffed, bringing the lid back up, taking another little sip, trying to hide his embarrassment behind the cocoa. His shoulders relaxed, though, the edges of his lips turning up with the faintest of smiles on his face.
“Thank you,” He muttered, quiet, as if worried his thanks would ruin the mood, “For this. And… everything else.”
You smiled, kicking yourself on the swing a little bit, swaying gently, “Anytime, Sakura.”
You meant it too, and you didn’t have to say it, not anymore. He knew, he grew to know, that you truly adored him, that you’d brave freezing weather to bring him hot cocoa and snacks. Hell, you’d do almost anything for him.
HE'S SO PRETTY GRAH (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄)