Chapter 161: An Awkward Reunion

Chapter 161: An Awkward Reunion

As Rukia and Kazuya entered the imposing Kuchiki Manor, Rukia dismounted from Kazuya’s back, her feet landing with a soft thud on the ground. The shift from being aloft to standing on her own evoked a fleeting sense of loss, quickly masked by her determined demeanor.

She faced Ginrei Kuchiki. “Captain Kuchiki, we’re at the manor. Can you tell me the reason for bringing me here?”

Kazuya’s unwavering support seemed to ignite a spark of boldness in her, prompting her to confront the elder Kuchiki with a boldness she seldom felt.

“We want you to meet someone,” Ginrei said. “They have been in search of you for decades.”

“For me?” Rukia pointed at herself, frowning skeptically. “Who is it?”

“The details will be disclosed in due time,” Ginrei responded with a calm that seemed characteristic of him. “You’ll have to see it with your own eyes to believe it.”

“Wow, so helpful,” said Kazuya sarcastically. “Rukia, let’s just follow them. If they have any ill intentions, I’ll get us out of here, even if I have to fight these esteemed nobles.”

Ginrei and Byakuya, usually unflappable, were momentarily taken aback by Kazuya's hostility. Yet, there was something in his tone, a soothing quality that seemed to soften the threat in his words. It was a contrast that left them more intrigued than offended.

It was an entirely different situation for Rukia. His threats to kill two incredibly powerful aristocrats filled her with warmth. Having someone go far for her sake was a new experience to her. Rather than revealing her emotions, she flashed her Zanpakutō with a tomboyish grin. “I don’t need your protection. I can fight my own battles.”

“Yeah, sure. You can.”

{Stop provoking them.}

Being told to stop acting violent by Nami of all people was a surreal experience for him.

‘Wait, you don’t sound like Nami. Tsubasa?’

‘Yes, I’m Tsubasa. And I disapprove of your penchant for stirring up trouble for amusement.’

‘Scolding your own father, Tsubasa? I must say, I'm impressed.’

‘I’ll do it again if you continue this reckless behavior.’Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

‘My gramps turned me into a menace to society. I’m not changing now.’

Kazuya stared at Rukia. “Where the hell did that come from?”

Rukia glanced around the room, her fingers twitching as if instinctively seeking something resembling a pen and paper. Alas, there was nothing that allowed her the comforting simplicity of explaining things through her drawings of rabbits.

She sighed with a hint of frustration. “Momo told me that every person has a lookalike out there. That’s why I asked her if she was mine.”

“No, I am not!” Hisana chimed, her volume breaking her record of the past decade. “Rukia, I am... I am your doppelgänger.”

“...”

Byakuya’s grip on her shoulders tightened a bit. “Hisana, Rukia has the right to either forgive you or blame you for your past actions. You’re condemning yourself for nothing.”

Byakuya had extensively researched the disease gnawing away at his wife’s body. Her frail body had only a few years left in her. Now that Hisana and Rukia were present in the same room, Byakuya did his best to mediate their relationship. He absolutely won’t let this regret consume Hisana.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the reunion would create a miracle.

Hisana shivered. “But I—”

Kazuya gave her the ‘Stop right there’ gesture. “You’re Rukia’s older sister. There, I said it.”

Rukia’s mind struggled to grasp the reality before her. “That can’t be.”

The thought of a doppelgänger occupied her head so much that she forgot the possibility of Hisana being her family. Sge may have willingly overlooked such possibilities to keep her expectations to zero.

Hisana confirmed her doubts with a firm nod, clearly lacking the confidence to say it out loud.

Rukia’s reaction was one of stunned disbelief, her mind racing to piece together the fragments of her past with Hisana. She couldn’t recollect any memory — she was simply too young to remember Hisana. “Nee-san...?”

“Don’t call me that.” Hisana waved her hands. “I’m unworthy of being your sister...”

Byakuya gently pushed his wife towards Rukia. “We’ll leave the decision to Rukia.”

Kazuya walked to Byakuya and pulled at his kimono. “Let the sisters sort things out.”