#᛭ — [IC] a tiger's eye aids the dragons above [KUROKO USAMI]

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Pinterest Quotes - @ofdraiocht​

 “  If I can still breathe, I’m fine.  “

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   “ That’s the spirit. “  A gentler smile crosses her fact at that, pleased to see him more positive again.  “  I will hold the title with great care. “

   He’s not jealous, that’s absurd nonsense.

"You're right. If he says it first, it'll never be sullied by anyone! You're a genius Kuroko. This is why you're my favorite!"

Jealous he has someone and Seiroku is all aloooone.

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@yeonban said: "thanks for believing in me." It's rare for Naotora to be this open to someone that isn't Tatsuomi or Naoe, but the Uesugi have become more of a second home than a simple allied clan to him & it's Kuroko who's repeatedly put her trust in him for the plans she's drawn up - or even centered them around his help entirely, at times. That alone requires more trust than half of his own nobles have ever put in him, and he's grateful for it.

It isn't terribly often she finds it to be just her and Naotora outside of a brief moment here or there. This is more extended, although she doesn't put too much attention towards it. Not until he speaks up first, earning her entire attention not simply by speaking, but by the words that were given to her.

Kuroko knew her clan and its allies relied on her and were thankful for her work. But in some ways, it became expectation. They expected success after success from her, which she was happy to deliver. Yet such blatantly thankful words were seldom heard by her. More often than not it was That's our strategist! or similar phrases, or agreements to do as she instructed. Nothing like thank you for believing in me.

It's a sad phrase.

It's also one she's said in the past. It is one she still holds close to her heart, always thankful for the trust people give her. They rest their lives in her hand and entrust her to guide them.

Kuroko bows her head slightly in both acknowledgement and respect. " And I to you. It is only thanks to you that some of the plans have been a success. " All true words she thinks he deserving to know ( albeit of course she had alternative plans ) , but she also accepts his own words rather than brush them off. It is not always so easy to say words of thanks. " You're welcome. You're a good man, and dependable. I know it cannot always be easy, that which you carry. But you have people who do believe in you. " She tilts her head slightly, a small smile resting on her lips. " Myself included, of course. And I will continue to do so. "

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Anonymous said:  i know there are 5 of them instead of the optimal 3 but kuroko, fmk +the grand generals

FMK - send 3 names

“ The five grand generals?” And she was going to have to kill at least one of them? That…definitely wasn’t ideal. She didn’t wish ill on any of them as it stood. (That didn’t mean that she didn’t have countermeasures and plans on hand should one of the other clans move against them. It was just being prepared.) She just needed to assess this situation logically.

  “  Marry Tatsuomi, first of all.  “  This one she is at least confident in without hesitation. But things were murky with the other generals.  “…I suppose sleep with Shishikado? His knowledge with oni is extremely useful as an ally.” Which left Soma, Naotora, and Tsubasa to decide the fates of in this hypothetical game.  “ I’ve never consider such an act before, but sleep with Tsubasa. I like her approach to matters and I  think she’d be easier to discuss matters with than some others. Her reservations are usually well-founded but not immovable. “ She nods with a fairly confident gesture. Except…that meant killing at least one or both of the other two. “ Sleep with Naotora. He’s a valued ally to our band and works well with us. He was a crucial component to my plan with the black dogs and Orochi after all. “ To which she was very thankful.

 Which meant….  “  My deep apologies to him, but kill Soma.  “  Ah, that probably wouldn’t go over well. “  If it comes to a battle of wills where both sides have facts, and he is on the other side, there’s almost no chance to sway him. He’s strong, which is beneficial as an ally, but a bigger threat if he is in opposition. He also seems to be less inclined to have the adaptable nature of the Uesugi band or the Takeda band, and less likely to have common goals. So for that reason, I’d choose him out of them all. But it is nothing personal against him. Only strategic. “

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Anonymous said: Kuroko, do you think Naoe still deserves the title of Uesugi's strongest? He's failed to protect your lord, who is now missing an eye and an arm, twice now.

go wild, anons

   “  He is the strongest.  “  In face of the question, her voice is stern and unwavering in her support for Naoe.  “  By such logic, my own position should be in doubt for not considering something like that unfolding.  “  Although it wasn’t her duty per se to protect. Of course anyone in the band would do so for their leader. But still...

    Her arms fold across his chest, expression serious in the face of someone DOUBTING their clan.  “ There is no one who can do what he does as efficiently, and our lord still clearly thinks well of him, or do you doubt our leader?  “ She sighs, though it comes out more as a hiss. “ There’s no way we could have expected those filthy black dogs to make an appearance or their techniques.  “  It was, however, admittedly, concerning. She still remembered the face all the warriors, even Naoe, had worn before she’d barked commands in place of their leader.

   “  Do you think the strongest have never tasted defeat? Failure? Those people aren’t the strongest. Those who still get up even AFTER that are the strongest. Naoe did all he could, and he didn’t let it crush him. He’s more than deserving of his title. I would trust him a thousand times over.  I would place my own life in his hands without so much as a moment of hesitation. I think that should make my feelings plenty clear. “

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Anonymous said: Kuroko, if you couldn't serve under Tatsuomi anymore but had to choose another grand general to work under, who would you prefer? What would your rankings look like?

" One of the other grand generals? " Her lips press together in a slight frown of thought. There's many implication to her not being able to serve under him for some reason. She can think of a dozen right off the bat. But it isn't abnormal on occasion for one party to have to join another. Who would she prefer? That wasn't a question she'd ever contemplated.

" That is quite the question. " She doesn't have many direct interactions to pull from in regards to how she might work alongside them. " Perhaps Tsubasa Tokugawa? " Kuroko considers it for a moment. " I would be interested in learning how she approaches her role and how her band functions. I can respect her approach to matters, and while she is often firm in her standings, she is not immovable and can change her opinion or stance as new information comes into play. " So then, where did she go from there?

" Naotora Takeda next. I am familiar with working alongside him after all and he has been of vital help in the past. I appreciate his willingness to go along with my plans and work with me despite not being a member of his band. I think it would overall be fine between us. Third would be...Shishikado Hojo. His knowledge is unparalleled when it comes to Oni and it would be a valuable experience. That said...I am not particularly inclined to those customs. " Or a living castle. That and his sleeping would probably annoy her. " Last would be Soma Date. Not out of any dislike or disrespect. " It's a quick note that she adds as soon as the name has left her lips. " Merely that I feel like I would not be as useful to the Date as I would be to other groups, and I dislike the thought of simply being present and playing no role. It feels like freeloading. " It leaves an appalling taste in her mouth. " Perhaps if he said otherwise, I might adjust my ranking, but as a whole, the Dates are already extremely well trained and organized. " And while Kuroko was known for her strategies, they seemed to be flourish completely fine on their own.

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@ofdraiocht​ said: A wild Naoe appears. "Kurokooooo I require drinks! Come drinking with me! I'll even pay!"

   “  Naoe  ?  “  Kuroko lifts her head in surprise when Naoe suddenly appears unannounced.  Although not without some amusement at the reason behind it.

   And on his dime? Kuroko gives a grin as she puts down the scroll in her hand.  “  Alright! Drinking the night away it is then!  “  She agrees cheerfully while standing up to join him.  " Lets have ourselves a good time!  “  As if they didn’t every time they went drinking together.

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....Uh oh.

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Anonymous said: 👀 + Kuroko, didn't you have a crush on Kanetatsu? How do you feel about him now?

send 👀 + a question for my muse to answer truthfully

   Oh dear, that came up again. It wasn’t unexpected, but she had rather HOPED the boys would keep taking the heat and not have it turned to her. Or some of the ridiculous fashion choices of trying to catch his eye. (  Although it had not all been for naught! She’d gotten several cute pieces out of it or accessories at the least. And it had been rather fun despite the disappointment of failure.  )

   Having to say it though? She sighs behind her hand, before speaking.  “  I did at one point, yes.  “  One of the few she can say to have had. Although.......Not a single one of them had ever gone in her favor.  “  If you mean to inquire as to my romantic interest, it’s no longer present. Probably for the best, truthfully. But that does not make him any less important to me. On the contrary. It’s harder to find someone you can genuinely count on without such attachments. He is someone I trust and care for, and who the clan counts on, though he never needs to carry that burden alone. “

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@yeonban​​​​​ said: ❛  you’re  relentless .  ❜  naotora  &  kuroko,  except  it's  a  compliment  about  her  plans  for  the  awaji  operation,  said  with  a  smile!

there’s always a downside starters

   “  Oni aren’t the only thing to be feared or be relentless.  “

   Her lips curve up into a smile as she accepts the offered compliment, chin resting against the black lace of her glove as she eyes the current set up she has. Loss of lives is inevitable, but she can at least minimize the number with this plan. Of course, what was key was keeping those in the know to a minimum. People behaved in certain manners. Her plan was designed around this fact, and many of her plans remained hushed even to those close. But Naotora was going to be an essential part of this.

   “  I won’t allow for our steps to falter.  “  Not on her pride as a tactician, and not for the sake of the clan and everyone that this would affect. 

   Still, there was something off. Kuroko was not one to place blind faith into hunches, but nor did she completely ignore the instinct that had her focusing on potential interferences.  “  I’ll work on some backup plans and inform you of them when they’re compiled, at least those most relevant to your section in case something should come up. I’m no fool to believe I can predict everything, but it will give you something for the most likely situations, and I’ll trust you can make adjustments based around them and your experience as you see fit.  “

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@ofdraiocht​ said: ❛  you’re  not  listening  to  a  word  i’m  saying ,  are  you ?  ❜ naoe @ Kuroko

there’s always a downside starters

   Kuroko was beginning to wonder how long it would take for Kanetatsu to realize she wasn’t actually listening to a single thing he was ranting about. A little longer than last time by her estimations, so evidently her nod at two minutes into the lecture conversation had impacted the length of time before he inevitably came to the conclusion she was not listening to what he was talking about when it came to the paperwork.

   It wasn’t as though she COULDN’T understand what he was saying if she put her mind to it. Her efficiency in strategy was proof enough that numbers weren’t a problem to deal with nor the complexity required for other conversations. She simply......was not interested in listening to his endless complaints about so and so not doing this right and so and so not doing that right and something about labeling and organization. 

   “  No.  “  Kuroko admits, allowing for a thin smile on her features.  “  You’ve been hard at work with all this again as usual I see. It won’t fall apart if you take a small break you know.  “  Although could she say she was much better? It was infuriating to have to wait for those black curs to do something - always a battle of defense. It’d been bothering her after everything (and had, admittedly, led to the impulsive purchase of some new boots - but within her budget ! )

   She taps the table twice, sitting up a bit straighter.  “  You can take a break long enough for a meal, can’t you?  “  No work. Frankly, not likely to be an entirely successful mission without alcohol given who they were, but even a brief respite might be good. 

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No messing around when she’s giving strategy meetings or else.

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@undescension​ said: "Dried lavender is good for helping with sleep problems. Um, it can also help if you get headaches, and it can keep bugs away." Tsugumi seems proud of herself: self-assured in a different way than when she's on the front lines, or helping the boys (this is something small and personal, cultivated for herself; this, and taking care of people, are things she knows she's good at). The ribbons that tie the bundle match Kuroko's eyepatch -- deep purple, trimmed with lace edging; a careful selection made by consideration, a mundane act of talent. "Plus, it tends to keep its smell for months, so you won't have to worry about replacing it soon!" 

   It comes as a surprise when someone comes to visit her with a gift rather than more work or requests to be made of her. But it is both speaker and gift itself that add additional, unexpected surprise into the moment. She wouldn’t have expected the girl to come here - she never seemed to be far from the boys and was rather flighty by nature it seemed. So to be graced with such a gesture is sweet. It’s also rather nice to see her seem proud by her own work.

   “  You’re quite knowledgeable on plants it seems.  “  Kuroko mentions with a calm tone as she accepts the gift with a composed smile.  “  That’s not something many have. And sleep can certainly be something I’m in need of.  “  Of course she did sleep, but sometimes it was too light and delicate to really make her feel refreshed rather than having wasted away some of her time.

   Attentive as she always is, Kuroko certainly doesn’t miss the way the ribbon matches her style - both in color and aesthetic. She’s always been a rather big fan of lace after all. And then the fact that this wont be something she’ll have to worry about replacing? It adds another considerate gesture on top of everything else that she has already done. 

   “  Thank you. This is all quite considerate of you.  “  The tactician smiles as she observes the dried lavender again before lifting her eyes back up to the younger girl’s beaming face.  “  I truly appreciate the gesture.  “

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Anonymous said: Kuroko, do you ever get jealous over Naoe’s happiness with Naotora?

   “  What a ridiculous question.  “  Disdain drips from her voice, the tactician making no effort to conceal her thoughts on the question.  “  Of course not. I’m glad to see that he’s happy.  I hope it stays that way. “  For his sake mostly, but also for the sake of the bond between the bands. It would be very awkward otherwise.

   Though....It would be a lie to say she hadn’t needed to account for less than ideal situations potentially occurring. Humans were emotional creatures no matter how one looked at it. They could be unpredictable, or influenced more by emotion than logic. Form outside forces to inside forces, a relationship with anyone of significant influence needed to be accounted for should something happen. What if it came down to choosing between band or love? Plans needed to be calculated for either choice. If it came down to betrayal, heartbreak. As unpleasant as it was to contemplate, she wasn’t going to turn a blind out to a possibility, no matter how far fetched. She only hoped they would never be necessary. Still, in the end, such matters could not be overlooked.

    “  Naoe deserves happiness. I want to protect that for him.  “  She rests her cheek against the palm of her glove with a smile. “  Admittedly it did sting a little to hear people think romance is beneath me. But I’m not jealous over anyone for their happiness. Isn’t that what we strive for? A world where people can be happy and peaceful? We may not have peace yet, but at least people can hold fast to the happiness they do find.  “

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Anonymous said: Kuroko! What was it like growing up with Tatsuomi and Naoe? 

   “  My my, seeking out some specific information with this question?  “  A lace gloved hand hides her mouth, as if indicating the question borders on some sort of secret. But after a moment it lowers and she offers a more casual smile. It’s a cautious topic of course, but there’s no inherent harm or danger to asking nor answering.

   “  It certainly had its adventures.  “  Kuroko answers with a fond smile.  “  I suppose that’s not so surprising when it comes to the three of us and our soul colors now is it? It was inevitable. We certainly have some stories to tell. Tatsuomi always was the mother hen type. Although I can’t say that wasn’t sometimes for the benefit. I really started honing my strategy skills when we were little. Of course sometimes there were mishaps...”  Not to say seeing the chaos from it wasn’t funny. Especially when she was safe and sound. "  I once miscalculated a plan for Naoe. He got utterly soaked as a result. I did feel quite bad but Tatsuomi made sure he didn’t get a cold by getting him inside.  “

   She smiles, arm folded neatly in front of her.  “  But naturally Tatsuomii tended to spend his time with the other generals when possible. I also had my studies to tend to. It’s not easy to get to my position after all. But sometimes we’d all spar. It was very useful live practice in terms of spontaneous strategy making. And just some good fun. It was an enjoyable childhood. I am fortunate on that front.  “

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Anonymous said: Kuroko, do you think Tatsuomi would have become the Uesugi captain and a grand general even if it hadn't been for you and Naoe filling in for what he lacks? Most of the other grand generals received their titles because of their personal strength while Tatsuomi had to rely on others' help. You could argue Soma and Shishikado were born with soul colors befitting of their titles, but even Naotora became one of the strongest bushi in Hi no Moto despite having a blue soul.

   To even hear such a question feels borderline treasonous despite the fact it’s never been a thought that has ever crossed her mind. Never once has she taken any claim for the reason Tatsuomi is where he is, it is not a thought that has ever come to cross her mind. She frowns at hearing it now., her visible eye narrowing slightly.

   “  Are you doubting in his abilities?  “ Kuroko inquires in turn, a brow raising sharply at the idea of it. While it was undeniable that Kuroko’s strategies were the best around, the mere idea he was only there because of her and Naoe was appalling. 

   “  Not all leaders are the same. Unity is the key to Uesugi band. Not overwhelming strength of the individual. This is not any attack on the other generals of course. Their strength is very impressive. But when you want to promote unity and synchronization, it takes a different kind of leader.  “  She replies, careful to keep her voice calm and composed as she would in any meeting.  “  It’s more important to have people connected to one another, for everyone in the band to know they can lean on one another. He can lean on us just as we can lean on him. One person can make up for what another lacks so when united, there’s no gap.  “

   What a question. She supposes she hasn’t actually answered the question, merely addressed the remarks.  “  I am rather certain you understand my answer given my words, but yes. I do think he would even without Naoe and I.  “