Thousand Year Old Cherry Tree

Chapter 15: The Moon and The Flower

"Mr. Smith is the forging done?" The little smith smiled saying that it was finally done by giving a nodd. I was surprised to hear that this sword's forging may take a little bit longer compared to the others I've done. Maybe even longer than Shokudaikiri's forging.

Taking my pinky, the little smith lead me over to sword waiting to be awakened. After sitting not too far from the sword, I take out a piece of paper and imbued a piece of my spiritual power by placing a kiss on it. By doing this, I don't have to kiss the sword itself. My energy won't be drained as well according to the scrolls. Once I placed the paper onto the sword a bright light enveloped the room as the sword started to have a human form.

As the light disappeared slowly, I was face to face with a man bearing crescent moons in his blue hued eyes. Combined with his outfit, the man that stood before me looked like an emperor who decided to grace the land by his mere presence. A smile formed against his lips as he lightly bowed his head to introduce himself, "My name is Mikazuki Munechika. I'm one of the five great swords of Japan, and well, I'm also said to be the most beautiful. I was born near the end of the 11th century. I guess you can say I'm an old man. Ha ha ha."

Mikazuki laughed while I just stared at him in agape. Did he just literally call himself an old man?! Then again 11th century does proves the fact that he's an old man. Who laughs while calling himself old?!

Even Kashuu doesn't admit to the fact that he's way older than me sometimes! Heck, most of the swords I've summoned never did!

Shaking my head, I remembered to grab the bag of chocolates I left in here earlier. It had a blue ribbon this time. Mikazuki tilted his head curiosity until he saw what was in the bag, "This is?"

"It's chocolates. Lately, it's become my tradition to always give them to every sword that's forged." Giving a smile I then say, "I hope you'll enjoy staying here at the Citadel."

What was once a look of curiosity soon turned into a warm smile. I soon felt myself being pulled into a hug from out of nowhere. My face started to redden as I mumbled out, "M-Mikazuki?!"

"I've always wondered if this was how skinship felt like." My eyes widened in horror of what he said.

'S-Skinship?! Aaaaah!'

I was internally screaming as I struggled. Trying to get out of Mikazuki's grasp, but he would not let go.

"Master, is the new sword-?" The door slid open to reveal my first sword, Kashuu Kiyomitsu. My struggling came to halt as I felt like I was caught in the act. He held a blank expression, but his next words sounded a bit dull. "A new ally sword, huh?"

However I was sending Kashuu eye signals to help. In return he gave a sigh, and walked over to separate Mikazuki and I. "I think Master is suffocating right now."

"Oh, is that so? Why didn't you say so, Master?" Because you hugged me out of nowhere and mentioned skinship?! Who mentions skinship nowadays, especially this day and age?!

The moment Mikazuki let go, I felt my shoulders getting pulled, much closer to Kashuu. Huh? Kashuu seemed angry for some reason? That wasn't his normal grip.

Even though his grip changed, Kashuu continued to lead Mikazuki around the Citadel to introduce the other swords. Leaving me completely confused by his strange change in attitude. Later that day, Kashuu visited me while I was in the middle of reading scrolls.

"Master?"

"Yes, Kashuu?" I replied, still keeping my focus on the scrolls. I thought he was going to answer, instead I felt some weight against my left shoulder. Shifting my gaze over, I found Kashuu leaning his head against my shoulder.