Ch53- Kakyō Shiba
The quiet ambiance of the Shiba house's backyard was a peaceful retreat for Kazuki, Yoruichi, and Kukaku. They were nestled in an easy silence, sitting side by side, each lost in their thoughts. The moonlight danced off Kazuki's silver hair, as both Yoruichi and Kukaku rested their heads on his shoulders, their forms a harmonious trio against the backdrop of the night sky.
A soft rustling of fabric interrupted the stillness. Turning their heads, they saw a woman entering the backyard, her graceful walk a whisper against the cobblestone path. She was clad in a traditional kimono that hung loosely around her slender figure, the fabric reflecting the ethereal moonlight. Her hair was an array of nightfall, cascading down her back, shimmering with the gentle glow of the evening. Her presence, like the wafting scent of night-blooming jasmine, was intoxicating yet subtle.
She approached them with a soft smile. "Mind if I join you?" Her voice was a light breeze, carrying the tranquility of the night with it. The trio shuffled slightly, making room for her to join them.
The woman exuded an aura of serenity that was akin to a quiet pond. Her elegant Shiba features were accentuated by the moonlight, lending a captivating allure to her presence. Her almond-shaped eyes were pools of wisdom, framed by dark lashes, and her high cheekbones hinted at a certain nobility, a characteristic trait of the Shiba clan. The moonlight graced the contours of her face, casting soft shadows that danced with her every movement, adding an enigmatic charm to her beauty.
Kukaku's expression lit up at the sight of her, like the night sky witnessing a shooting star. "Aunt Kakyō!" she exclaimed, springing to her feet, the stillness of the moment evaporated, replaced by a warmth that felt like the welcoming embrace of home.
She rushed into Kakyō's open arms, her excitement palpable. Kakyō received the embrace with grace, the glow in her eyes reflecting the familial bond that was beyond mere words.
"I missed you so much. When did you come back?" Kukaku asked, her voice thick with affection.
Kakyō's fingers traced a gentle path over Kukaku's back before they separated, their hands still lingering, holding onto the comforting warmth of the reunion. "I just returned and wanted to come and see you, Kukaku. I missed you too," she said, her voice soft and soothing, like the lullaby of a gentle brook.
Dragging her, Kukaku ushered Kakyō toward Kazuki, who sat quietly, absorbing the dynamic of the Shiba family. Kakyo shifted her attention to Yoruichi, offering her a welcoming smile. The two women then turned their attention to Yoruichi, whose eyes shimmered with a mixture of affection and delight. She had been a part of this family since her infancy, and so the connections ran deep.
Kakyō greeted her with a fond smile, reaching out to touch the younger woman's cheek gently. A moment of unspoken understanding passed between them, a testament to their shared past and mutual fondness.
"Yoruichi, you've grown even more beautiful," Kakyo said, her words caressed by the sincerity in her voice. Yoruichi reciprocated the greeting, the warmth in her golden eyes mirroring the affectionate exchange.
Kukaku had an unmistakable blush on her face as she introduced Kazuki to Kakyō, betraying the swirl of emotions inside her. To her, the interaction felt like a seminal moment, akin to a daughter introducing her first boyfriend to her mother. After all, Kakyō held a motherly figure in Kukaku's life, and the fluttering feelings she held for Kazuki weren't too dissimilar from the whirlwind of first love.
"Aunt Kakyō," she began, her voice just slightly tremulous, "This is Kazuki."
Kazuki, with his striking silver hair and calm demeanor, stood up and bowed in greeting. He was a new addition to the Shiba clan, yet he held an air of familiarity about him, as if he was always meant to be there.
Kakyō's keen gaze softened as she turned towards Kazuki, an understanding smile dancing on her lips. Her intuition picked up on the unsaid feelings, the undercurrents of emotion that ebbed beneath Kukaku's words. But instead of pointing them out, she chose to let them lie, preserving the dignity of the moment.
"Ah, you are the new addition to our family," she said, her words filled with warmth and acceptance. "It is great to have another member in the family."
Kazuki felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. Her words, her demeanor, everything about Kakyō was kind and welcoming. It was as if she was the personification of home - a place where you always felt accepted, no matter who you were or where you came from. He bowed again, a sincere "thank you" escaping his lips. He felt humbled by her kindness, feeling as if he was truly becoming a part of something bigger.
Kukaku resettled herself next to Kazuki, Yoruichi mirrored the action on his other side, their shoulders casually touching in familiar closeness. The shift in their usual seating arrangement did not escape Kakyō's observant eyes.
Kakyō’s eyes danced from Kukaku to Yoruichi, noticing the closeness they had settled into with Kazuki. This was a departure from the past. Once upon a time, it would have been Kukaku by her side, but now it was Kazuki who she chose to sit with. His presence, it seemed, had restructured the constellation of their relationships. Simultaneously, Kakyō observed Yoruichi leaning towards Kazuki, her shoulder touching his in a friendly, yet suggestive gesture. This subtle shift in dynamics created an intriguing triangle, but Kakyō chose to remain a silent observer, allowing the situation to unfold naturally.
"Aunt Kakyō is Vice-Captain of the 10th Division, and she's also the eldest sister of Uncle Isshin," Kukaku began to explain to Kazuki.
A hint of surprise crossed Kazuki's features as he pieced together this unexpected connection. During his internship at the 10th Division, Isshin had mentioned that the Vice-Captain was on an important mission, but he had not met her. Now, to find out that the famed Vice-Captain was Kakyō, sitting right next to him, added another layer of complexity to the intertwined relationships in the Shiba clan.
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