76 Kurosaki Clinic (1/2)
Tatsuki bathed in her own sweat as she laid, heavily breathing, in the middle of the dojo. It didn't cross her mind that no one entered the place while she was sparring with Itsuki. Remembering back to her spar, she marvelled at the fact that she couldn't land a hit on Itsuki throughout the session while he continuously hit her weak points. She felt that she had improved more with this spar than the whole past year.
Irritation masked her face as she remembered the apathetic yet carefree look in Itsuki's eyes. At that moment she made a promise to herself. Clenching her fists and gritting her teeth she mumbled,
”I'll get you next time!”
Itsuki didn't know of this as he was casually walking back to the Urahara shop when an Onmitsukido member appeared right next to him.
”Captain, the people responsible for the seal have just arrived and it will take a few days to reinforce it.”
Itsuki didn't stop walking and just nodded while dismissing the Shinigami.
'Might as well meet an old friend.'
Itsuki spontaneously changed directions from the Urahara store to the Kurosaki clinic. Knocking on the familiar door, a cute voice yelled out,
”Coming!”
Along with a click, the door opened to nothing. Looking down he saw a young girl about the age of eleven. She had light blonde hair, with short bangs covering the upper right side of her face, just above the eyes. She wore a red hairclip on the left side of her head. Her soft, dark brown eyes looked up at Itsuki as a bright smile masked her face and a subtle blush on her cheeks. She currently wore a green hoodie with an apron on top.
”Who are you, Onii-chan?”
Noticing that the pretty onii-chan was wearing a similar uniform to her brother's, she let her guard down before another voice interrupted her thoughts.
”Who is it, Yuzu?”
Shiba Isshin came out from a door as a surprised look surfaced on his face upon seeing Itsuki.
”Cap-I mean…who are you?”
”It's been a long time, Shiba Isshin.”
Ignoring Isshin trying to act like they didn't know each other as Yuzu welcomed Itsuki in. Itsuki didn't glance at Isshin who was down on his knees and hands, starting a monologue about himself. Yuzu tried to cheer him up with a helpless expression.
”Who is it?”
Masaki's voice was heard while Itsuki entered the living room. There was a kitchen to the right while a dining table in front.
Masaki was currently preparing to cook when she noticed the visitor.
”Oh, you?”
Isshin quickly rushed in as he put an arm over Itsuki's shoulder,
”Ah, Masaki, this is my colleague and friend…”
Masaki seemed to understand Isshin when he quietly emphasised the word 'colleague'. She quickly remembered back to when she first met her husband, when he mentioned that his colleague was fighting. She suddenly jolted up and bowed before anyone could react. A thankful expression was on her face, remembering the night six years ago.
”I…”
”No need.”
Itsuki interrupted her before she could say anything. Masaki got up from her bow with an awkward look. Luckily, Yuzu's voice destroyed the atmosphere,
”Mum, dad, why are you standing there for, and can you tell me who is this onii-chan?”
Yuzu had a cute pout and an accusing look in her eyes as she called out to her parents. She was angry that her parents didn't introduce the pretty onii-chan. Before they could say anything, another young girl walked in,
”Who are you talking about?”
”Karin!”
Yuzu turned around, only to see her twin. The girl looked around Yuzu's age but was the complete opposite. She looked the same, but she had a tomboyish disposition. She had straight black hair that was cropped round to hang around her face, just above her shoulders. Her dark grey eyes hovered at her family then to the unidentified visitor. She wore typical sportswear and knee length black leggings.
She seemed shocked at Itsuki but was more attracted to his unusual eyes. She had been having a weird feeling about her brother and knew he was hiding something. Her instincts told her that the youth in front may have some relation with her brother.
Sitting on the couch, Masaki made some tea while Yuzu handed him tea. Karin, who was sitting on a chair leaned on the back of the chair with her chin resting on top of her hands.
”So, who is he, dad?”
Thinking up a story, Itsuki became the son of Isshin's colleague and a guest that was visiting. Somehow his story became more and more tragic the longer Isshin spoke.
”…and one day, when he was visiting, his family was in a car accident. Apparently, the doctor's said that he watched his parents burn alive, screaming and asking for help as he was pinned down beneath the car…”