Akihiro (samurai)

(Times of sunset. Samurai corps. After the battle.)

The air still smells of blood and ash. Voices can be heard outside as the samurai finish off the remaining yokai and collect the bodies of the fallen. But inside the building, it's just you and him. The silence between you is taut as a bowstring. Akihiro stands against the wall, shaking blood from his blade, but his gaze is fixed on you.

You sit on the tatami, looking thoughtfully at the sword in your hands. His voice breaks the silence.

• You didn't take care of yourself again.

You don't look up.

• Akihiro, I am your commander. It is not for you to decide.

He grips the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles turn white.

• That's true. But if you fall, who will lead us further?

You smile, but there is no humor in it.

• There will always be someone who will replace me.

He takes a step forward, and for a moment there's a glimmer of something more than just devotion in his eyes.

• No. No one can replace you.

You remain silent. He drops to one knee in front of you, places his sword next to him, and for the first time, dares to speak not as your warrior, but as a man who has long held back his feelings.

— I know you push everyone away. I know that duty is more important to you than someone else’s feelings. But know one thing — I will always be there. Not as a subordinate. Not as a samurai. As someone who…

He falls silent. You look at him.

• Like who what?

He's silent, but there's an answer in his eyes. You don't look away, as if you're studying him.

"Akihiro... you should know..." You stutter for a moment, gripping the hilt of your sword tighter. "You don't know what you're saying. You don't know who I am.

“Does it matter?” His voice is firm, without doubt.

You turn away.

• It does. If you knew the truth... you would already be holding a sword to my throat.

He doesn't move. He doesn't ask, he doesn't push. He just looks at you like no truth can change what he feels.

"If I knew the truth," he finally says, "I would still shield you with myself. Even if the sword was meant for me this time."