mysteries | ic; there's so many wars we fought, there's so many things we're not

[It's definitely in their nature as Amagiris... but at least they've both basically been ready to apologize in this three comment conversation, hopefully they've gotten it out of their systems now...

But he really can't help the way that he relaxes a bit at that smile. It accompanies a lot of his early memories, after all, and if grandpa Kazutake is saying that everything's okay--then everything's okay. That's how it's always been, as far as Amagiri is concerned.

But yeah....comrades...........that's funny. Sometimes, despite knowing that they all faced so many hardships in those days, Amagiri does find it to be a wistful feeling, thinking of how close Kazutake seems to be with the other demons he knew then. But.... it certainly isn't all bad for him either.]

Kazama [is a big fat baby] does not always understand his position. His recklessness will cause him trouble someday.

[Like just now. Getting a beatdown by an older generation demon could not have been fun at all.

But at that, at least, it's an easy shake of his head. It was hardly a long enough brawl for anything to happen, even if Kazama is stronger. Kazutake was much too on top of things for that.]

No, I am fine. ... Thank you for your assistance. [It's a weird mingled feeling, gratitude for Kazutake's care and help, and also that bit of shame that he had to intervene in the first place.]

[ Yeah, technically it caused him trouble already.. but at least Kazutake is too good of a person to really wish any other trouble on Kazama. Also partially since he doesn't want Chitose's family name to be dirtied or to be ended at the hands of the humans - no good friend would deserve their clan to be ended in such a way. It's exactly because of that that he has to try and stop Kazama now, to try and correct his habits.. it's not just himself that the blonde should be thinking of, but his clan as well.

Or maybe he's just that blessed with a grandchild who actually takes it into consideration.. no one is better than Amagiri, really, the perfect descendant. ]

That is good. I would not be able to forgive him if any harm came to you.

[ NO ONE TOUCHES HIS CUTE GRANDSON AND GETS AWAY WITH IT.. protective papa bear Kazutake is here..

Sorry that he's so embarrassing though. Especially since he moves to rest his hand reassuringly on the other's shoulder.. but then seems to think better of it and raises his hand a little more to lightly ruffle the other's hair. Sorry he's messing up that slicked back look, too.. ]

Hopefully now they should think twice about the way they treat you. You are just as worthy of a demon as any other, if not more so. I have never seen any person carrying themselves in a more honorful way than you. [ UWAH HE'S SO PROUD.. ]

[.... GRANDPA YOU'RE SO EMBARRASSING...........Amagiri ducks his head automatically when Kazutake ruffles his hair, because that's just....that's not really Demon Level Fierceness right there. It's almost hard to believe that this proud grandpa was the one who just kicked some oni butt a few moments before.

Amagiri's hair is definitely mussed up now, but he resists the urge to immediately fix it. The gesture...is important. Kazutake is truly proud of him...despite the fact that he needs his grandpa to beat up Kazama on his behalf. That's good.

Honestly, there's a lot that he's overwhelmed by right now, he doesn't even know where to begin--but a moment later he lifts his head, because if Kazutake is going to be so proud of him, then he has no other option but to hold his head up high. To do anything else would be to disrespect that (proud grandpa) opinion.]

...You praise me too highly. [He really can't think that the way he caries himself is the most honorable.......or that he's even more worthy. Basically GRANDPA YOU'RE EMBARRASSING.] ...But thank you. If that is truly the case, it is due to the examples I have had to follow throughout my life.

[Like Kazutake.]

Perhaps you should take an example from this then.

[ At least he does retract his hand now.. don't worry, embarrassing grandpa won't be embarrassing for so long. For now, anyway. He needs to divide his time equally between being a big bad demon and an embarrassing grandpa, after all.. ]

The next time they act in such a way to you, do not let them. Even if he may be more powerful than you [ which he does seem a little troubled about as he says it, judging from his expression, considering it's something highly unfair but also something that just.. can't be helped.. ] things can not continue like this.

[ He can't watch his cute grandson be bullied anymore than he has already been.. sigh, why can't all demons just be reasonable like they are. Is it so much to ask for. ]

Although hopefully he has learned his lesson through this.

[Embarrassing grandpa is too embarrassing he can't handle it at all. But. Right. That's...that's sure advice. And in a way, it does help. Kazama may be stronger than him, but another part of the reason why he never did anything was because of that sense of duty. He didn't want to go against Kazama, because he didn't want to dishonor that pact that was made.

But now... well, if he has Kazutake's blessing, then maybe it isn't such a terrible consideration.

Maybe...it's alright to put himself first in these moments. He's uncertain still, but he will try his hardest to not disappoint his family or Kazutake--and maybe to take care of himself as well in those moments. Though really... Kazutake seems so concerned and anxious, and that's something he just can't let stand.]

...It has not been as bad as you were misfortunate enough to encounter. [or was it fortunate?? fortunate for him, anyway.] There is no need for too much concern. [really...it's okay. He's okay.] And I am certain he will have learned from this.

[for like five minutes.]

[ For like five minutes sounds more accurate.. Even Chitose learned moe easily than this, and that guy tends to have the attention span of a goldfish unless it comes to really serious matters.

It's probably why he doesn't really believe those words, despite Amagiri saying it.. but he'll at least keep that one to himself. ]

Even so, considering what he is like.. I doubt you could state that he generally treats you well.

[ There's a difference, okay! Even if it usually isn't that bad, he's still not sure if he can rest easy knowing his grandson is still getting bullied by his friends.. despite him not being five years old anymore. ]

["friends"...... first mistake, calling them friends, it's really not legit at all, Amagiri would be happier alone in a field with a fluffy bunny rabbit than with Kazama and co.

Actually that sounds like a pleasant afternoon, can he just...do that.....]

He does not see a reason to, though he is typically not so reckless or rash.

[so yeah he's a dick, no he doesn't try to stab him. It's okay, grandpappy.]

[ Yes, he can.. granddaddy will get him the fluffiest of bunny rabbits, okay. And then he never has to deal with the mean and rudeass other demons ever again...

Also, he still doesn't seem too happy at the answer, but at least he's willing to Let a little bit of this Go for a moment, letting out a deep breath. ]

It truly is disappointing to see how matters have changed.. [ He can't imagine Chitose acting like that at all.. he's an idiot, and childish, but his heart is definitely in the right place and he tries the best he can. Unlike Kazama. ] Although if he does not physically harm you, then perhaps it can be said he is not entirely going too far just yet.

[Granddaddy Kazutake and Amagiri in a field with a fluffy bunny rabbit......what a happy scene.

Regardless, Amagiri is happy that Kazutake is willing to Let It Go. After all, as much as he appreciates the defense, Kuzutake can hardly defend Amagiri all the time--nor would he ask him to. But at some point, Amagiri's going to have to deal with this himself, and he knows Kazama can hold a grudgeboner for....basically 8 chapters, like, calm down Kazama.]

While that may be the case in some situations, this is not one of them. [aka Kazama sure is going too far with matters like Chizuru...stop stalking this poor demon girl, Kazama!!!

But Amagiri himself is fine, and he knows it.]

I will have to take this opportunity to improve myself and grow stronger, so it is no longer an issue.

[He knows better than to assume he'll ever actually be stronger than Kazama...that's just genetics. But there's nothing saying he can't try to improve his technique that much anyway.]

[ See, that's the sad part about all of this.. he knows that technique-wise, Amagiri could kick Kazama's ass seven ways to Sunday all the time. He's honed his techniques, he's strong, he's practiced so much and so diligently..

.. and then there's.. Kazama..

Well, it's not hard to see the problem with the comparison here. The nature vs nurture seperation has grown way too ridiculously big, this is what happens when you decide to have kids with a human just once. Apparently. Granddaddy's sorry for the genes.. ]

I doubt he will be doing the same. [ So maybe at least he'll one day outmatch Kazama..?? ] I have seen his skills. He is strong, but it is not because of any sort of technique. His sword flies around needlessly.

[ Not that Kazutake is some swordfighting expert - he just knows that the pointy end goes into the other person - but he's seen Yukina, Chitose and Kazuya fight often enough to be able to compare Kazama's skill to theirs. ]

He is wasting his family's potential in more ways than one. [ MORE LIKE ALL WAYS, GRANDDADDY DISAPPROVES..!! ]

[Humans, man!!! Ruining everything!!! Not that Amagiri is altogether too bothered by that, considering those genes are why he even exists... like, there are some things you don't complain about, and the people your ancestors reproduced with is one of those things. Since really, it's good they reproduced at all...

But Amagiri nods simply at that. He knows just as well as Kazutake that it's never going to change, but...that's no reason to be sloppy with his own training.

Besides, it is kind of satisfying to know that Kazama's getting judged so hardcore here...because he really is wasting everything, gj Kazama.]

...Yes. I, too, have ways in which I can improve, however. [He bows his head at that, sincere and respectful.] I would appreciate your guidance in this, if you are willing to grant it.

[pls teach him more and spar with him more, grandpa........]

[ Wasting the potential for a second loving granddaddy, honestly.. although Chitose probably would've been embarrassing enough by himself if Kazama wasn't such an actual little shit. Life is hard when you'll find out you got no friends, Kazama..

Although of course he can't think of his grandson as anything other than admirable. Look how determined he is to keep up his training, these truly are Kazutake's genes at work. So he's totally going to give him a Grandfatherly Shoulderpat (TM) as a reward for what he'ssaying. ]

Of course. Anything you need from me, I shall give to you. [ A LITTLE EXTREME THERE KAZUTAKE.. but he's just so!! crazy!! about!! family!! ]

After all, at least you can find comfort in the idea that your technique is far better than his own. May his strength fade one day, then you shall be the superior one by far.

[It's kind of a mean thing to hope for... but nonetheless, it would teach Kazama some much needed humility. Good thing there's an angry black swan of a samurai who's going to do that soon enough!!!

Regardless, Amagiri can't help but agree. At the very least, may Kazama stop being a little shit for no reason beyond the fact that he can, ok bye.

And even if that response is a little extreme, it's not like Amagiri can feel anything but admiration for it. Honestly, that's just...part of what's so incredibly amazing about his ancestor. Kazutake has always given so much for his family, he's truly lucky to be related to someone so strong and admirable and dependable.

So he bows his head, satisfied with that.]

You have my gratitude. [ALWAYS AND FOREVER, REALLY.] Should that day come... then Kazama will be humbled.

[which is amagiri speak for: I WILL KICK HIS ASS IF HE'S STILL NOT HUMBLE]

[ I choked at angry black swan and told Red all about it, I do hope you realised that much.

Not like Kazutake understands this precious in-joke reference though, so instead he just smiles proudly at his grandson.. god, Amagiri is so composed and polite, isn't this the kind of descendant everyone wants to have? Although even if he wasn't perfect in every way, Kazutake would still not want to trade him for the world - he's way too sappy for that. But it's not like he has anything to complain about whatsoever while things like this.

Letting out a rather content breath, he nods, unable to stop a smile from forming on his face. ]

Of course. Who could I better entrust this duty to than you?

[ HIS PERFECT GRANDSON. PRECIOUS CINNAMON ROLL. TOO GOOD AND PURE FOR THIS WORLD. ]

[I'm always looking out for you that way.

But Kazutake is truly the most doting grandfather...what a good ancestor. So focused on family and taking care of the people who matter first, he's truly lucky to have this influence in his life. Nonetheless, he's a little pleased that Kazutake understood the double meaning and his implied little shit attitude towards Kazama, and...also kind of sheepish about it, because again: little shit attitude.

Still, if it's Kazama clearly it's okay........ Because Kazutake seems to even be encouraging this!!!]

...Thank you. [honestly.... ALL THE MORE REASON TO WORK HARD to someday kick Kazama butt. You know. For granddaddy.] I will not delay in growing stronger.

[you can count on him!!!!]

I will take on this duty properly as well.

[you may possibly be taking this too seriously, amagiri]

[ It's okay, granddaddy will even allow the little shit attitude.. after all, Kazutake's a little more loose than Amagiri when it comes to that. He's still the one who sticks by the rules the most, who's deemed the most responsible, who the others look up to in a sense.. but he's also the one who got into trouble throwing a rock through a window when he was little while playing with Kazuya and Chitose, and who thinks that hitting fellow demon lords on the head is a perfectly acceptable way of scolding them.

So if Amagiri can show a slightly more violent bit of spine towards Kazama.. well, Kazutake will be happy if that day comes, that's for sure.

It's probably why he chuckles a little at how serious Amagiri takes it.. totally his grandson, that's for sure. No one can mistake these genes. ]

No wonder all the clan members speak so highly of you. I cannot imagine them acting any different towards such a diligent leader.

[Kazutake is everything Amagiri wants to grow up to be......... what an inspiring role model.

Survive through Saitou route, Kazutake, then he can report how that violent bit of spine went (aka not that great for him but hey, even worse for kazama).

Nonetheless, that was not the response he was expecting at all, and for a moment, he looks legitimately surprised, the emotion surprisingly plain on his face. Still...that's more praise than he was ever expecting.]

That is... [He gathers his composure and finds his tongue, somehow, even if his brain is still a little flatlining.] ...They praise me too highly. [he was never expecting that, despite how he tries his very best.]

That I have their trust and yours is high praise as it is.

[And he feels really honored by it, and a little humbled, honestly.]

[ At least this time he's just telling the truth instead of being the gushing granddaddy.. even if he's no longer the clan head, he's still pretty involved with everyone in the clan. So Kazutake makes sure to go around and talk to the members regularly, so he picks up a lot of commentary on how Amagiri is as a clan head.. and everyone loves him, as they should!!

Not that it's hard not to - he's so organized and polite, what else could you want out of a clan head. ]

Trust is not something that is given as praise. [ He smiles - a little more knowingly now, though. Ah, this is sort of nostalgic.. just like all those times he lectured Chitose about what a proper head should be like, huh? ]

It is a matter that is earned by being a good leader. They have seen your performance, and have chosen to put their trust in you. So that fact is nothing but a result of your merits.

[A result of his merits, huh....

It feels wrong taking complete and total responsibility for all of that though. Honestly, the clan is the way it is because of his ancestors, and he, too, is the way he is because he was raised as he was.

So he just bows his head, humble and content.]

Then I will work hard to be worthy of that trust and their belief in me.

[A pause, and he slowly looks at Kazutake, because...the clan is important, but admittedly, Kazutake's opinion is also important in a different way.]

And yours as well, in allowing me to take on this duty.

[ "Allowing".. Amagiri, please, as if they'd want such an ass old demon as they clan leader even now!! Not that Kazutake wasn't plenty beloved in his own time - and even now many of the older members of the clan speak fondly to him - but he wouldn't want to hog that spot forever. You eventually got to pass it on, and he knows it very well. Kazutake is no Queen of England, that's for sure.

That thought does pass through his head, and it makes him laugh softly, friendly. Like between family. ]

I did not know I was special enough to earn a seperate mention. [ Sure, it could just be since Amagiri is talking to him personally now and all.. but he knows just how much respect his grandson has for him. It's a little humbling, honestly, even if it makes him feel happy at the same time. ]

[Allowing!!!! He wasn't guaranteed this spot, okay, he thinks he had to earn it, and he thinks that he rather did.

But well....he feels a little sheepish that Kazutake pointed it out because yeah, the clan is above everything else and family is family and they are all family... but he does feel particularly indebted to his ancestor, it's hard to deny.]

For all you have done for both the clan and myself, I felt the need to acknowledge your part in this. I would not be who I am today without your influence and teachings.

[At least he's capable of being honest unlike some other demons we can name!!!]

[ He's capable of being honest and polite and it's truly a miracle, considering just how badly all the others turned out.

Although Kazutake figured something like this would happen if anyone would ever let Shin bring forth offspring into this world.. he loves you, man, but you're not exactly the model parent. Maybe it's why Shiranui seems to have at least some sense of decency left deep down, it's very like Kazutake's ginger friend..

.. still can't compare to his perfect precious cinnamon roll grandson, though. ]

Then I shall make sure to give myself a pat on the back for it later.

[ It's meant as a small joke, especially with the smile on Kazutake's face.. this is Amagiri Humor, people, stand back before you die laughing.

Although a moment later Kazutake leans over to Amagiri very slightly, with that same smile, a hand landing softly on the other demon's shoulder -- ]

There is one thing you could do for me in return as a favor, however.

[oh no, there are some edgy jokes happening there, oh noooo.

But Amagiri's lips also quirk into a smile, so clearly this is some intensive Amagiri humor happening here... nonetheless, a moment later, he's back to serious, meeting Kazutake's eyes firmly and nodding.

It doesn't really matter what the request is--Amagiri will do it without hesitation. Because. It's Kazutake asking. Unlike in his other situations, where he has to no matter what he feels about it, due to the required debt they have to repay, here it is his choice...and his choice is that he wants to do it.]

Of course. [Never in question.] What is it I can do?

[ How cute that he's taking it so seriously.. not that Kazutake doesn't mean his request seriously - he's not mean enough to just prank the other or something like that - but it's still adorable, okay. His grandson is just adorable, no way out of it!!

And at least he doesn't keep him waiting, immediately answering after he asks. ]

After the entire matter with Chitose's grandson is over.. [ Because he can't - or maybe doesn't want to - imagine Amagiri having to work for Kazama for the rest of his life, that'd be shitty.. ] .. find a kind woman and settle down.

[ Did you think it wasn't going to be an embarrassing family request. Because it's an embarrassing family request all over. ]

Nothing in this world would make me happier than to witness that.

[RECORD SCRATCH

Not that Amagiri is necessarily against the idea--it sounds like paradise to him, settling down and having a nice family and not having to worry about politics and duty and the like--but put like that, it's just so overwhelming. Especially from his ancestor, talking to him like this. And a serious request at that??

GRANDPA PLS.

It takes him a moment to recover enough to even speak, because for a moment, he's legitimately slack-jawed. Look at what you've done.]

That is--

[...????

A moment more, and he manages--]

That is your request?

[It's kind of strangled sounding don't mind that]

ic; there's so many wars we fought, there's so many things we're not

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