Swords & Saniwa

End

~Ichigo Hitofuri~
一期一振

Sorry this is a tear-jerking one.. To all Ichi-nii fans I apologise >.<

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"Aruji-dono!!"

Collapsing onto the tatami mat, Ichigo shook you, shouting for Yagen to come immediately.

It was a common situation in this citadel.

It has been five years.

And yet 'those' were still not defeated, still lurking around and seizing any possible chance to change the past.

Time and strength has taken a toll on your body over the past years.

~♤~

"General, I need to call the doctors from your world. I can't-"

"What do you mean you can't?! What happened to Aruji-dono, Yagen?" The tachi lost control, unable to hold in his feelings anymore. He was anxious about his master's health.

"I will, Yagen. I need you to step out. I have something to discuss privately. Thank you."

"Understood."

With the door closing, Ichigo became even more anxious. He was too worried about you, afraid that someone he loved as his dear master will disappear, just like how he lost his memories on that fateful day.

"Ichigo.. I am sorry."

"W-Why are you apologising, Aruji-dono?"

You heaved a deep breath.

"I am leaving this world soon. Forever."

"!!"

"I knew the worst came when Yagen told me to get the doctors. I know my health more than anyone of you here."

"N-No..."

The tachi completely broke down. It was a reality, and yet he couldn't even trust himself if his master really did say that to him.

He just refused to believe it.

"That's why, let the doctors determine the day I leave."

~♤~

"Mitsu, think some new dishes. Even I am tired of eating the same few dishes we've cooked together. Go try out the recipe I gave you. Kasen and Hasebe, both of you too. Thank you for being with my side over these years."

"Atsu, don't make a mess in the kitchen again. Listen to Ichi-nii well. I trust him in his disciplining. Take care of your other brothers too."

"Curry (my nickname for nikkari), Hone is cold, but he'll warm up once he knows more about you and everyone. Take care of him."

"Naki, try to talk more. I am sure that everyone would be happy to hear your voice instead of Maru (my nickname for his pet fox).

"Juzu, see the world with your own eyes, with everyone. It's both a beautiful and cruel world."

Silence and quiet tears were the responses you got.

The doctors predicted that you only have a few days to live.

It's ending huh... Time does fly.

~♤~

"Aruji, it's time to wake up."

Fluttering your eyes, the morning sun greeted you. The tachi sat beside your futon, greeting you with his usual smile.

Except that it wasn't as warming as you've seen as compared to the past years.

With his help, you dressed yourself in the usual clothing you've worn since you came here. Taking the hair pin in your hand, the tachi voiced out, wanting to pin your hair up. Agreeing, he took the hairpin from your hand, and started twisting and pinning your hair up with his nimble fingers. When it was done, you thanked him.

"Ichi, let's enjoy the scenery."

~♤~

"Do you feel cold?"

"Nope, it's fine."

Sakura petals fluttered down from the old tree as the wind blew. Taking your hands into his, he tried to keep your hand warm, feeling the warmth emanating from his palm to your body.

Holding a sakura flower in your other hand, your body leaned against Ichigo's as both of you enjoyed the scenery for the last time. Your eyes felt like stones, wanting to close, but you kept awake and conversed with the strawberry.

"I... enjoyed my life as a sage. From punishing you guys to fighting on the same line, I feel honoured. I cherished the time I've had with everyone; every hour, minute and second."

The wind blew even stronger, sending numerous pink petals up the sky.

Tears fell.

Instructing Ichigo to turn his head, you gave a forehead kiss to him. You always did that to him whenever he was down. That always cheers him up.

But this time it didn't work.

The flower dropped from your hand, losing a petal in the process.

A voice seems to be heard vaguely as more sakura petals fluttered towards you with a peaceful expression.

Thank you.

~♤~

A few days later, a new sage was sent to the citadel. Even though she tried to cheer everyone up, they remained down and kept themselves in their rooms.

The same went to Ichigo.

Opening the door to your room, he entered and sat down, closing his eyes, remembering the times he had with you. He then went to your table and pulled the drawer out. Inside there was a letter addressed to him. Taking the letter opener, he opened the envelope and took the letter out.

Dear Strawberry,

I am sorry that I left earlier than you, but I hope everyone is fine. Reading this letter would mean that I am in heaven now! Don't cry, it's the way of life.

Anyway, I think Mitsu is serving a new dish to everyone. It's a recipe I gave him, and it's my favourite dish back in my world! Hope you guys really enjoyed the taste!! Naki should be talking more than Maru by now... If he didn't, encourage him more. I do love his voice!

A new sage must be here in this citadel. She's my younger sister! Treat her well, or I'll come haunting you guys in your dreams! Listen to her orders, and guide her if she makes any mistakes. I gave her a book about you guys, so she would know more about your personalities and habits.

Ichigo, thank you for being my exemplar to everyone, and also with me. Having you really made my life exciting! I was able to open up to you and everyone gradually, thanks to your constant guidance!

Lastly, I hereby make a request: Please take care of everyone. Don't carry the burden on yourself; Mitsu and Hasebe can help too! I am sure of their capabilities, and I trust yours too.

I love you guys!!

Love,

Harune

PS: There's a bunch of omamori in my wardrobe! Have everyone take one with them when they are going for a sortie. I made a lot, so this would be sufficient for a few months! I wouldn't want you guys to break and make my dear sister cry!

Cries were silently heard.