Japan, 1416

Reader POV

The night of the gathering came and I dressed in the traditional river clan defense outfit.

Kinda like this but all the red is replaced with any shade of blue you like and no mask.

My mother decided to come to the gathering alongside my father and I, a clan mate offering to look after my three brothers.

"Isn't this exiting?" Mother asked me as we walked in step next to each other. "Your first gathering!"

"I'm a bit nervous," I confessed. "But I suppose that's natural."

Osamu beside me nudged me affectionately. "You'll be fine. But I'm here if you need to have a pillow."

My parents shared a look and walked faster so we could walk alone, smiling with amusement.

"Thanks, Samu." I walked closer to him.

The gathering spot appeared in the field that was both moorland and had a lake nearby for both clans.

I saw my clan approach the other clan with Jae-ha, all of us obeying the oath to remain at peace until the morning.

Osamu and I sat down near Jae-ha at the ancient circle made of rocks, both of us interested to hear what would be said.

"You can go explore," Jae-ha said to everyone. "So long as you're back for the meeting."

"Let's go!"

My ear flicked in the wind when I heard and smelled the mountain clan, their sharp and cold scents hitting my nose.

"This is so cool," Ojiro said as I went around with the other apprentices.

"Right?! I've never really met any of the mountain apprentices aside from borders." Ginjima looked interested in learning about them. "But my grandmother says that they're just like us with a few differences."

"Ha!" Tsukishima scoffed. "My father says they're a bunch of assholes."

The rest of the apprentices and I shared a look as we knew Tsukishima's grandfather once ruled our clan at the time of the great divide that drove the two clans away from each other.

I rolled my eyes. "Times change, Tsukishima."

"Whatever. I think you just wanted to see that mountain apprentice anyway! No wonder you're not as close to Osamu anymore!"

"Hey!" I leaned over and hit his side. "Don't be salty! I just-"

"Ahem."

We turned around and saw the leader of the mountain clan giving us a glare.

"The gathering is a time for peace," Takashi said sternly. "See to it that you remember."

We all apologized and I spotted Michinari with his apprentice friends, looking around for me.

"Osamu!" Ginjima pointed to a young apprentice with blonde hair. "Do you have kin in the mountain clan? You guys look alike!"

The apprentices all came closer and I too could see the strong resemblance.

"Hey, (y/n)!" Michinari gave me a kind smile, me taking note of Osamu's ears flat on his head with hostility.

I leaned against Osamu and he seemed to relax, shooting me a grateful glance.

"Hey, Michinari."

All of us introduced ourselves.

"Wait, you both also share the same last name," Gimjima looked shocked.

Miya Okiro came over and his gaze was full of sorrow as well as warmth and affection. "Atsumu."

Atsumu looked at my clanmate with distrust. "How do you know my name?"

A woman who looked like the twins but had Osamu's gray eyes approached, her eyes full of emotion. "Atsumu, he's your father."

Osamu's body became rigid. "What? I have a brother in the mountain clan? A twin?"

"Are you all slow?" Tsukishima and Omimi both said at the same time.

I nudged Ojiro. "Come on, let's give them some space."

The other apprentices followed me back to the stone circle, casting shocked glances as the Miya family reunited.

"Wow. That explains why Atsumu is always sitting by the waterfall rocks and fishing," Omimi said. "I just assumed he was being his usual weird self."

"And that also explains why Samu's always wondering how cold and fresh the water is up in the mountains," I commented.

Michinari's jaw dropped. "Samu? We all call Atsumu Tsumu!"

"Must be the twin thing," Ginjima shrugged.

"Hey! If it isn't the king himself!" Tsukishima approached a boy with blue eyes and raven hair.

"Oh shit...that's the descendant of the old mountain clan leader before Takashi," Michinari said. "There's bound to be bad blood between Kageyama Tobio and Tsukishima Kei."

Jae-ha and Takashi let out howls and the noise died down.

I felt someone sitting next to me and saw Osamu.

"You alright?" I whispered as Jae-ha greeted everyone.

Osamu wrapped his tail around mine, pressing against me for comfort. "I'll be fine. Just a bit shocked."

I rested my head against his broad shoulder and he began to relax more, even letting out a purr.

"Are you guys going to be mates or something?" Tsukishima snapped. "The PDA is disturbing."

I shot Tsukishima a cold glare and he shut up.

"It has been a while since we've all come together," Jae-ha said smoothly. "I see we are all looking strong and healthy."

"Indeed. Since we have last met, I have chosen my apprentice to someday lead my clan," Takashi said. "Kita Shinsuke, please stan up."

Kita Shinsuke stood up and everyone clapped for him.

When the noise and congratulations died down, Jae-ha welcomed him warmly.

"A very fine choice. I wish you the best of luck, Kita Shinsuke." Jae-ha said. "I too have chosen my apprentice."

"She has?!" Whispers among my clanmates made me nervous.

"Akitsuki (y/n), please stand up."

Osamu gave me a proud gaze as did my parents, former mentor, and friends.

"I didn't know Jae-ha chose her apprentice!" Ojiro said as I sat down once Takashi wished me luck.

"She told me this morning," I said with a blush. "I'm still shocked! I thought she would choose Osamu if I'm being honest."

Michinari gave me a headpat but moved his hand quickly when he saw the cold glare Osamu gave him.

"Congratulations, (y/n)! My two friends! Future clsn leaders!"

Kita gave me an approving nod. "You're young, but I can tell Jae-ha has made a wise choice."

The gathering went on and Takashi eventually spoke of the humans.

"Each day they come to the river that separates our borders," Takashi said. "I urge you all to take caution when coming near. An apprentice or full warrior without another might get caught in their treacherous clutches."

"We shall be careful," Jae-ha said. "Is there anything else to report?"

"No. We are satisfied."

"Then the gathering is over." Jae-ha nodded to my father and he began gathering everyone up to come home.

I waved goodbye to my friends and Atsumu came up to me.

"You're really pretty," he said with a blush on my face. "I guess I'll see you around."

"Yeah. Bye, Atsumu."

"Call me Tsumu,"

"Okay, Tsumu."

My father glanced at us. "Let's go, (y/n). Young Atsumu, I think your clan is leaving without you."

"Oh shit! See you!" Atsumu ran quickly to his clan, looking back a couple of times.

Father sighed as he guided me back to our camp. "I see you're getting friendly with Osamu-as well as some other apprentices. Be careful, (y/n)."

I looked ahead to see my mother asking Osamu some questions and sighed. "I know, Dad."

"Good. Now let's go. I'm sure you're tired."

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Simping for Osamu days