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Though the Shiba Clan was one of the Five Great Noble Houses, their ho was anything but extravagant—in fact, it looked no different from that of any common Soul Society family.
Shiba Kaien usually lived in the 13th Division barracks, handling nearly all squad matters himself. As such, he didn't co ho often.
"Kūkaku! Ganju! I'm back!"
From the back of the house ca the sound of hurried footsteps.
"Big bro!"
A black-haired boy, clearly still young but already broad-shouldered, ca running out, face beaming.
"You're ho already?"
This was Shiba Ganju, Kaien's little brother.
Tachikawa Shin eyed the boy with quiet interest.
Ganju soon noticed Shin and straightened his posture. "Big bro, who's this?"
"This is Tachikawa Shin. He's a friend of mine—ca over to visit."
At Kaien's words, Ganju beca imdiately polite, bowing slightly. "Nice to et you, Shin-kun."
"Nice to et you," Shin replied simply.
"Where's Kūkaku?"
"Napping. Didn't sis-in-law co with you?"
Kaien smacked Ganju lightly on the head. "She's busy with work. And she's not my wife—yet. Why're you always trying to drag her over here?"
Rubbing his head, Ganju muttered under his breath, "You live together, don't you..."
"What was that?" Kaien raised his hand again.
"Nothing! I'll go wake up big sis!"
Ganju vanished into the back like a blur.
Shin couldn't help but chuckle. This family seed lively—likely quite fun to be around most days.
Kaien grinned. "My little brother's got too much energy, that's his problem."
"I think he's got a lot in common with you. Bold, passionate—very likable."
Kaien raised a brow and smirked.
"Co on. Let's go in."
The mont they stepped into the living room—
"Ganju, are you looking to die?!"
A crisp, furious female voice rang out.
"But sis, we've got a guest!"
"What damn guest? Kick them out! Tell them we're closed!"
"Big bro's ho too!"
Shin's brows twitched.
He'd asked to visit Kaien's ho mainly because of Shiba Kūkaku—hoping he might pick up a few easy affection points from her and maybe trigger a system reward.
But based on that voice... her temper seed even worse than expected.
Before entering, Shin had noticed the "Fireworks for Sale" sign hanging outside. A mber of a noble family reduced to selling fireworks? Even for the Shiba Clan, that was surprising.
Ganju returned, rubbing his face and looking pitiful.
Behind him ca a tall figure, yawning groggily. Though her hair was ssy and her expression foul from just waking, Shin's eyes lit up as soon as he saw her.
Despite being Kaien's sister, she had the aura of a mature older woman—wearing only a white chest wrap and a high-slit skirt. Her healthy, sun-bronzed skin, toned muscles, and powerful build radiated raw energy and charm.
But her expression—flat, annoyed—said she wasn't happy about visitors. As her eyes swept across the room and locked with Shin's—
WHAM!
Kūkaku kicked Ganju square in the chest, sending him sprawling. Then, without a word, she spun on her heel and slamd the door to her room.
Shin: "..."
Kaien: "..."
Ganju: "╥﹏╥"
Kaien sighed and rubbed his temple. "Sorry about that. Please, have a seat."
Shin sat. Ganju got up, seemingly used to his sister's outbursts, and went to make tea for the guest.
Not long after, Kūkaku erged again, this ti dressed more fully—with a red jacket over her wrap and actual pants. But her sour mood hadn't improved; she still wore a scowl.
[Shiba Kūkaku]
[Affection: 3]
Tch.
Shin hadn't expected miracles—he just wanted to trigger the 10 affection reward, assuming they'd be seeing each other often. But judging by that number, it wasn't going to be easy.
The look she gave him clearly said: Who the hell is this brat?
Kaien reintroduced, "Kūkaku, this is Tachikawa Shin. A student from the Shin'ō Academy. He's a friend of mine."
Kūkaku took a sip of the tea Ganju handed her, not bothering to mask her disinterest. "We're not that familiar. 'Shiba-san' is fine."
Shin: "..."
Damn, she's cold.
Then Kūkaku turned to Kaien. "Since when do you hang around academy brats?"
Kaien, typically laid-back, still couldn't let that slide. "Kūkaku! You're being rude."
She just rolled her eyes—clearly not taking him seriously.
Shin spoke up, smiling politely. "It's fine. Miss Shiba is just being straightforward. I'm the one who intruded unexpectedly—I should be the one apologizing."
Kūkaku glanced at him but said nothing.
[Affection: 4]
Shin quietly exhaled in relief. Thank god—she's still a rational human being.
Kaien, anwhile, looked thoroughly embarrassed. He sighed. "Shin's staying for dinner. You two help out, will you?"
Kūkaku looked at Ganju. "Go cook."
Ganju ekly responded, "Yes, ma'am," and scurried off.
Finishing her tea, Kūkaku also stood and moved to leave.
"Where are you going?" Kaien asked.
"Still gotta finish those fireworks from last ti. Call when it's ready," she grunted without looking back.
Kaien turned to Shin, smiling awkwardly. "She's got a hobby—loves making fireworks."
Shin grinned. "That's nice. I love watching fireworks."
Just then, Kūkaku's steps paused briefly.
[Affection: 5]
Kaien, however, was seething internally: What a disgrace! Why the hell did I bring this brat ho?!
He didn't know what Shin was thinking.
But Shin... Shin was watching Kūkaku's retreating back with a gleam in his eye.
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