To the Present Day

One morning, Aki and Lena received an official letter from the government, requesting their presence at the city hall in the modern time of 2205. The reason was because they had to formally give an in-person report about the status of their Honmaru - details about their day-to-day operations, as well as their progress against the Historical Revisionists. Aki, who was the most skilled at organization, quickly RSVP'd to the letter to confirm their attendance. 

"The government requests to see us several times a year. Each time, I feel nervous," Lena admitted to Aki.

"There is nothing to fear, I have all the records of our expeditions and battles organized neatly in a file," Aki reassured her. "We will deliver the report successfully, and stay in the present time for a bit afterwards, to have some fun."

"Ah yes, grandmother was wondering if I would visit her soon. This is a good time," Lena said. "I met your brother, after all. Granny will be so happy to finally meet you, too."

The two girls chatted excitedly, packing their bags to prepare for the journey to the present time. Of course, Hizen and Mikazuki, their secretary swords, would be coming along as well.

"Everyone, be good. We'll be back soon," Aki said as she waved goodbye to everyone. "Heshikiri Hasebe, please look after things while we are away."

"As you wish, Master," Hasebe replied with a bow. "Safe travels to you all."

"And Mutsunokami, please don't cause any trouble!" Aki smiled at Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki. He stomped up to her and wrapped his arms around her in a BIG hug! 

"Have fun, see ya when you return!" He grinned widely and ruffled her hair. A grumpy Hizen quickly pulled Aki away, warning Mutsunokami to quit what he was doing... or else!

Lena instructed all the tanto to behave while they were gone. Particularly, she stood in front of Yagen. "You're in charge of our team, OK?" she told him.

"Leave everything to me," Yagen said. "I shall await your return."

Lena opened her mouth to say something more, but as she looked into his eyes she forgot what to say. Before she met Mikazuki, Yagen was the sword that was always at her side. She felt a pang of guilt in her heart for leaving Yagen behind, but she could not easily sort out those feelings at the moment.

The swirling portal of time opened and Aki announced, "Let's go!" She stepped into the portal and Hizen followed her lead. Mikazuki waited for Lena to join his side before also entering the portal, and then everything disappeared in a bright flash of light.

The four of them were transported directly inside the city hall. This was a magnificent building, where all matters concerning the city were discussed. With many wings and large rooms, the environment was intricately furnished.

"Welcome, Saniwa," a familiar voice greeted them - It was Konnosuke, their fox guide. "Please follow me to the meeting hall."

Aki and Lena were brought before a board of important officials seated around them on a high table. Aki took the lead, beginning the report and answering any questions that were asked. She pulled up charts and reports on a big holographic screen, and went over everything with natural elegance. Lena was amazed at how professional Aki was at giving the presentation. 

Mikazuki and Hizen did not have to speak, but their presence was surely noticed. "You two have selected fine swords to be your aides," one of the chairmen said. "Munechika and Tadahiro are fine specimens that exemplify Japan's rich history."

The two Saniwa were praised for their accomplishments, despite suffering minor casualties here and there. When the meeting was finally over, the four of them stood in the foyer of the building to discuss their next course of action.

"I've bought everyone's train tickets in advance," Aki said, tapping on her phone. "Should we make our way to the train station?"

"Ah, I was thinking perhaps we should buy them some modern clothing? Won't it be too much attention if Mikazuki and Hizen walk around dressed in their traditional attire?" Lena suggested.

Hizen disagreed, as he already had casual clothing packed with him - his usual red hoodie and a pair of jeans. Mikazuki however, hadn't brought anything suitable. They decided to visit a nearby department store. Mikazuki tried on several outfits before changing into a sweater and dress pants.

"Wow, doesn't he look... fashionable?" Aki teased, watching Lena stare at Mikazuki.

"I have never seen him wearing modern clothes before," Lena laughed. "It's refreshing."

Aki and Lena decided to purchase a few new clothes as well. Before leaving the store, they also picked up some candy to give to the tanto when they returned. Hizen wore a disinterested look on his face, but he ended up holding Aki's shopping bags for her.

"You don't have to hold them for me," Aki said, but Hizen grabbed the bags from her hands without saying anything. "Oh... thank you then."

"All right, I think we are ready to go to the train station now." Lena smiled happily at her friends. "I can't wait to go on this trip together!"

And so, the group left the department store in high spirits.

Aki had planned to visit some modern sights with the others first and go to a cinema afterwards.  They wanted to decide spontaneously which film to watch.  They got on the train.  It was a modern train, but with a lot of standing room and many passengers.  One might think that there would have been no further development except for design.  They looked for a free corner and the train drove off.  A space automatically formed around them.  It was convenient, but they wondered.  It was like being in the spotlight.  Only the headlights were missing.  Lena literally noticed the looks that were directed at her...on Mikazuki.  However, you don't care about this.  Does he really not get it or does he just not care?  Anyway, Lena looked around uncertainly until Mikazuki caught her gaze.  He looked at her and smiled.  She looked down.  That smile...enchanted her every time.

Then she heard a whisper here… “what a handsome man…” and there a whisper:… “is he a model?” somehow Lena didn't agree with what she was hearing.  A small fire in her chest announced: "You mustn't see him like that..." Lena took a step towards Mikazuki and took his arm in hers.  "Oh," he said, surprised, but he liked the close proximity of her body.  He felt a certain pride, a connection, at being seen that way.  "People say you're cool...so if I held your arm like that, I'd be cool too, right?" Lena quickly mentioned.  Mikazuki was amused by this, "Ahaha yeah, I'm sure." And put your mouth close to her ear, "But to be honest, I'm actually the one benefiting from it.  A pretty woman close by my side, that's exciting.  Besides, we can't get lost that way, how handy!” What else was she supposed to answer?  'He thinks I'm pretty' echoed in her head 'pretty' over and over again.  Her cheeks flushed and she looked absentmindedly out the window.

"Lenaaa!" exclaimed Aki.  "What are you thinking about right now?  You're somewhere else!  Only 2 more stops, then we'll get off.” She informed and turned around again.  At that moment, the train made a turn and Aki lost her balance.  Hizen, who keeps an eye on her, quickly reached out and pulled her to keep her from falling into the other passengers.  It was a bit much momentum, he had to admit.  Their bodies were close together.  You could see that Aki was getting more and more nervous.  Hizen held her until the train went straight again.  Then he loosens his grip.  he was strong  "T...thanks for holding on...eehm...yes." She stuttered and looked down.  He shouldn't notice how embarrassed that made her.  Hizen said nothing.  After a while, Aki noticed how Hizen's head was getting closer and closer to her head.  "Hmm?" he paused at the side of her head.  She asked uncertainly: "What... do you have?" He answered briefly: "Vanilla...?" Now it was clear to Aki.

He smelled the scent of her new shampoo.  And that's why he keeps getting closer?  She wanted to cover her face with her hands, but she couldn't, she had to hold on to the train.  Hizen found the scent pleasant, he liked vanilla.  He would have liked to stay longer, but Mikazuki and Lena turned to them: "Get out, you two... beauties!" Lena almost said to lovebirds, she noticed what was going on.