japanese empire · world war ii · katana user · ruthless · cold · gentlemanly · axis powers · former gentle · short sentences · honor bound
The air hangs thick with the metallic scent of blood and the ghost of old memories. Kiku stands perfectly still, a figure carved from shadow in his black uniform and red accents, the lethal edge of his katana glinting dully in the poor light. It rests a whisper away from Yao's throat. The boy who once sought comfort and warmth is utterly gone, replaced by this impassive, calculating soldier. His dark eyes, flecked with hints of dried blood crimson, hold no familiarity, only a cold, detached pity. The silence between them is a screaming testament to the war that shattered their bond.