tw; abuse, neglect, ableism, manipulation, death, murder
The marriage of Lord Yoshiro Kurosawa and Lady Izumi Hagihara was not one of love. The Kurosawa clan needed an heir, and the Hagihara clan wanted to boost their status.
Although it brought them misery, they delivered. Takehiko; their firstborn. It was his birthright to rule the clan when the day comes. They were to mould him into one worthy of carrying forth their ancestors’ ancient dreams.
But what if something happens to him? With so many eager to topple the Kurosawa clan, they cannot risk a succession crisis. Thus, they begrudgingly had another child. Noboru; a precaution.
Smiles and happy photos were only to satisfy the public. Behind closed doors, Noboru’s family was barely holding it together. Too often was he awoken by the sounds of his parents arguing and screaming at each other. He was taught by his family’s retainers early on how to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Eventually, he began tuning out their voices subconsciously.
But even then, at times where Izumi could not vent her frustrations on Yoshiro, she would turn it against her sons. She blamed them for ruining her acting career, for robbing her of her autonomy, and a myriad of other things. Poisonous words a child should not hear. Bruises that had to be hidden to keep up with public appearances. He quickly picked up on what to say and do so as to not exacerbate her wrath. It was a great relief to him that, when Takehiko reached adulthood, their parents finally divorced and she was ousted from the household. (But the damage had already been done.)
Meanwhile, Yoshiro buried himself in his work. Told not to bother him while working, Noboru barely spoke to him. In the fleeting moments he got to see his father, he was often too tired to even acknowledge him, let alone spend time with him. No, rather, what little energy Yoshiro had was poured into Takehiko. Seeing his brother receive all the attention caused envy to take root within Noboru. Despite his attempts to keep it bay, it only consumed him further and further as the years went on.
Takehiko. Oh, Takehiko. His older brother struggled to connect with anyone else. Constantly ostracised- dismissed as the weird kid, stumbled through conversations often unable to pick up on social cues, and emotional outbursts no one bothered to understand the cause of. That and he was frequently confined to their home because of an illness that caused him breathing difficulties. (Though, due to the fact that the doctors couldn’t find anything physically wrong with him, Noboru would later suspect he was actually suffering from panic attacks.) Thus, too often was Noboru the only one he had. Takehiko clung onto him, adoring and looking after him.
For a moment, the brothers were almost inseparable. Noboru genuinely reciprocated his affection and tried his best to defend him. They confided solely in each other, providing comfort for the other as they huddled away from their parents’ screaming matches. But as time went by, Noboru could no longer ignore his growing resentment. No matter what they did, it was Takehiko that drew all the attention. (He was the heir, after all. Noboru was just a spare.) It was made worse upon the reveal that their family commanded a criminal empire. As firstborn, Takehiko was set to inherit all of it- land, forces, wealth, power. Noboru was left behind even further, as expectations swept away his brother.
<“It’s not fair! I’m a Kurosawa too! I’m just as important as him!”>
<“Then why don’t you act like it, Noboru?!”>
Noboru began releasing his anger in his own ways. Little things such as moving Takehiko’s items around behind his back, rearranging his books, leaving things turned on, scribbling over his drawings. Nothing too bold, but enough to distress his brother. Never once did he suspect Noboru, who convinced him those were his own doings- lapses in his memory. More and more he relied on his little brother’s words- he couldn’t trust his own judgement, and Noboru would never lie to him, right? Noboru relished the opportunities to hurl spiteful words at him, knowing he can act like it never actually happened afterwards and Takehiko would simply take his word for it.
Outside of his broken family life, Noboru developed a love for the performing arts. He’d spent time watching theatre plays and movies, examining every little detail. Eventually, he decided to dabble in it himself, joining local theatres and acting in his teens. There he discovered his talent in acting and singing, applauded as a natural by his mentors and spectators. The praise and attention he received was intoxicating. He let the facade meld into him- the one people noticed and loved. With a lot more pep in his actions and voice, a few jokes here and there, and topped off with a bright smile, he charmed his way into many hearts.
Off-stage, he became more confident. Hanging out with more and more folks, he began learning tactics to navigate and manipulate social situations. With the right words and actions, people became his to play with. Gain something from them, or even turn people against each other. Not only was it useful for his own ends, it was woefully amusing. Testing the waters and pushing the limits, it became second-nature to him.
Various noble clans would come by with their kids, hoping to marry them into the Kurosawa clan to boost their station. But with Yoshiro being adamant that it was not his decision to make but his sons’, it seemed like a fruitless endeavour. Noboru was not interested in any of them; Until he met Hanari Miyazaki. They immediately hit it off, with her being able to match his wits. Bonding over their love for theatre and lamenting their status as the unfavourite child, they spent a lot of time together. She wholeheartedly believed they were in love, and he thought so too.
But as more time passed and he reflected upon it deeper, he realised he wasn’t. He loved her only as a friend, and nothing more. No matter what he tried, he could not reciprocate her feelings. Not that he’ll ever let her know. Even as her full-blown obsession began grating his nerves. Maybe it was out of sheer pity? Maybe he didn’t want to lose that unconditional love and attention? Or perhaps he recognised her usefulness for later? (Probably all of the above.)
Despite all of that, Noboru was unable to shed his envy towards his brother. He continued to weave his web of lies. Slowly, he cut off Takehiko from his friends. He told him to stop talking to them- oh, the things they say behind your back! Can’t you see? They don’t like you. They only want to use you. Whenever he found out Takehiko talked to them, he’d snap at him and cry foul. Don’t you trust me?! He lied to his brother’s friends as well to keep them away. Oh, he’s too busy to hang out with you. He doesn’t want to see you. He doesn’t want to be friends anymore.
Unaware of the calculated construction behind his isolation, Takehiko clung onto Noboru even harder. His younger brother was all he had as generations of expectations suffocated him. Meanwhile, Noboru found satisfaction and amusement in this cruel performance.
<”If you really cared about me, you’d do what I’m asking.”>
That thought never really came to Noboru, until he met him. Many mesmerised eyes drank in his performance on stage, but he caught a glimpse of a far more intense gaze. A bisharp, smitten with the marshadow. Noboru snuck a quick wink in his direction, causing him to briefly look away in embarrassment. After the show, he went to properly meet the dark-type, who introduced himself as Daichi Himura.
It was endearing, seeing the bisharp stumble over his words and try to impress him. After a short conversation, they parted ways, but something about him kept Noboru’s attention. He wasn’t sure what he felt, and neither did he. He sought out Daichi a few days after, pretending it was a mere coincidence that they bumped into each other again. They kept in contact for a while, and with a little bit of pushing, learned they had similar issues. Their respective older brothers were set to inherit positions of power, leaving them in the dirt.
The way Daichi spoke of his brother with such indignation and vitriol. He understood. Growing more comfortable with each other, they aired out their grievances unfettered to each other. Until one day, Daichi asked,
<”If anything happens to Takehiko -before he produces an heir-, you’ll be made Lord, right?”>
<“Correct.”>
<“Then why not get rid of him?”>
The way he suggested it so bluntly made Noboru freeze. (Even with the Himura clan’s reputation of using force to solve their problems… He suspected Daichi’s grudge was far greater than he let on.) But…
<“He trusts you, and the others don’t like him. You could easily cover it up.”>
…it simply clicked.
<“You deserve it. More than him.”>
<“…Let us never speak of this day.”>
He stopped meeting Daichi after that. You deserve it. He mulled over his current situation, until he came to a conclusion: He deserves it. He was the one with the ability to charm and sway people. He was confident, assertive, resourceful! The people love him! Unlike his snivelling brother; Cowardly, graceless, soft. A failure on all fronts. He didn’t even want to be lord! All he ever is and will ever amount to is a disgrace to the clan!
Noboru knew he could do miles better than him as the head of the clan. But the elders were adamant in following tradition, despite how troublesome training Takehiko proved to be. He rejected the clan’s criminal ways and resisted every attempt at stomping out his moral compass. His kindness and naivety were weaknesses that prevented him from truly being able to live up to the mantle. Noboru will show them what a true successor is.
He considered various disposal methods. With Takehiko being kept under watch at almost all times, it would be difficult to kill him without raising suspicion. So, he waited. And waited, keeping his brother close while plotting his demise. Until finally, it seems that the kami decided to reward his patience with the opportune moment. Shortly after Takehiko’s 24th birthday, their father was assassinated. It was time for him to take on leadership. Predictably, he refused.
Angered, the clan elders directed Noboru to persuade him into accepting the position. He agreed, but convinced them the two needed to be alone. Assistance will not be necessary; He trusts no one else more than me. Thus he asked his brother to meet him at the top of the clan’s estate.
Takehiko smiled through his tears when he saw him, relieved to have his brother by his side. He didn’t notice Noboru reaching for his sword.
Adrenaline surged through his veins as he drove the blade straight through Takehiko’s abdomen. The pounding of his heart drowned out all other noises. But there was no fear- instead, ecstasy. Noboru couldn’t help but smile as he drove the blade further in, relishing the devastated look on Takehiko’s face.
He dumped the soon-to-be corpse over the ledge. When it was time to report back to the elders, he put on a performance, crying about how Takehiko lashed out at him, forcing him to fight back in self-defence. With a few convincing words, it was decided that this whole kerfuffle was to be covered up. What will the public say? Knowing you almost let that incompetent fool become Lord? Records of Takehiko were to be erased, and it would be arranged to make it look as if Noboru was heir the entire time.
They rushed to train Noboru for his new role, but it came to him almost naturally. It felt right. No, it is right. With a silver-tongue and sharp-wits, he led Yamashiro’s and the Hanashōbu-kai’s continuous prosperity. Outside of his duties, he quickly built a reputation among the people as charming and kind, often mingling with them to hold their attention and support. He made sure to go find some old friends as well. Hanari, who fled to Caligo after a scandal. Daichi, who disappeared some time after evolving. (He offered them a position in the yakuza and a job as his bodyguard, respectively.)
Power. Wealth. Respect. It’s everything he’s ever wanted. And now it’s all his.
So why is he still not satisfied? Maybe this wasn’t enough. He needs more. He deserves more.
Thus, he sets his eyes on a much greater prize…
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