— Early Morning, New Year’s Day

  The streets of Nagasaki woke to the new year with little fuss or fanfare.

  And in true fashion, so did Tasuke—groggy, lazy, and just barely functional—as well as his ever-snarky companion, Kanikichi.

  “Man, it’s freezing this morning. Anyway—happy New Year, I guess.”

  “A most auspicious New Year to you, my liege. I humbly request your continued favor.”

  Kanikichi, ever the dignified antique blade, even bows his metaphoric head with formal New Year’s greetings.

  It’s moments like these you remember: he has been around for centuries.

  “Wait—are you already drinking? It's barely sunrise!”

  “And you still can't manage a proper greeting… Pitiful.

  Though I can't say I'm surprised.”

  “Oh shut up. Hey—those soba noodles Omitsu brought last night? Fire.”

  “That girl is far too good for the likes of you.

  One wonders how someone so utterly defective still breathes.”

  “Hey, says the talking hunk of metal!”

  And just like that, peace is shattered. New year, same loudmouths.

  “Anyway, I’m starving.”

  “You’re broke. And we’re out of food, remember?”

  “Yeah, but we’re headed to Kogyu’s place today. He invited us.”

  “…Why do I get the sinking feeling this won’t end well.”

  “When you get invited over during New Year’s, it only means one thing:

  Time to eat until I drop!”

  “You're not gonna try to beg for otoshidama too, are you?”

  “What are you, my mom?!”

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  “Wasn’t Omitsu coming with us too?”

  “Crap, you’re right! If I don’t hurry, she’ll eat all the good stuff!”

  Even Kanikichi lets out a weary sigh. This is going to be a long day.

  “That girl deserves better, truly…”

  Outside Kogyu’s Residence – Still New Year’s Morning

  Tasuke races toward Kogyu’s house with an enthusiasm unmatched by anything short of free food.

  Funny how he usually complains that it “smells like medicine” and never visits. Now look at him.

  “huff huff Pretty sure someone just insulted me behind my back…”

  “Yes, well. You're not wrong.”

  “Anyway, let’s go!”

  They barge straight through the front gate like they own the place.

  It’s not like Tasuke to feel intimidated—not even by wealth or Western-style mansions.

  (Though for the record, Kogyu’s house was big enough to host foreign dignitaries—fact.)

  “Yo! We made it!”

  Kogyu greets them with the kind of look that says, “Why me.”

  “Seriously? You could at least say Happy New Year.”

  “That’s what he said earlier.”

  Tasuke jerks a thumb at Kanikichi.

  “Don’t waste your breath, Kogyu. Sanity erodes quickly in his presence…”

  “You poor blade. Truly.”

  “Maybe I introduced you to the wrong master.”

  “Also—if you could refrain from calling me that name, I’d appreciate it—”

  “Whatever. Just feed me already! Why are we still standing in the garden?!”

  The epitome of zero tact.

  “For heaven’s sake, behave! You wild beast!”

  “'Beast'? You think anyone in Japan even knows what that means yet!?

  Quit using future lingo just to sound fancy!”

  “ENOUGH. Just get inside before the neighbors call the authorities!”

  Same chaotic energy, different holiday.

  And of course, Tasuke barges into Kogyu’s beautiful Western-style mansion like it’s his own.

  “Mi casa, su casa” taken way too literally.

  On the way upstairs, Tasuke suddenly remembers something he absolutely should’ve forgotten.

  “By the way, you owe me for that job at Kagetsurou, remember?”

  Kogyu’s temple vein twitches.

  “Oh, I don’t think so.”

  “What? Why not?!”

  “You cut up a freakin’ pillar behind my back!

  They banned me from the premises!

  I’m persona non grata now, thanks to you!”

  “What’d they say?”

  “They said: ‘Please return at a more appropriate time.’

  Smiling. Cheerfully. With layers of sarcasm.”

  “Sounds like they’re open to it?”

  “NO. That’s a polite way of saying,

  ‘Never come back, you disgrace of a man.’”

  “Ohh, got it. That’s why we’re partying here instead! Nice!”

  Fun fact:

  Kogyu hosts a “Dutch-style New Year” bash every year—complete with Western dishes, colorful décor, and a big ol’ nod to the influence of the Dutch East India Company.

  And yes, Tasuke never misses it. He’s always first in line. Usually at a sprint.

  “You’re impossible.

  …Fine. Just promise not to destroy anything this year.”

  “No promises.”

  And so, the scene is set.

  A Dutch-style New Year.

  A house full of guests.

  A mountain of food.

  And one wildly unpredictable ronin.

  What could possibly go wrong?

  To be continued…