A Little Sister

After a short walk, Kazuki arrives at the Hayashizaki Dojo. This is an old site, but it remains well maintained by generations of Hayashizakis keeping the old sword style dojo in great condition. With a large decorated garden at the entrance, outdoor practice spaces and study, practice and meditation halls, the dojo is a drop of water of tradition next to an ocean of innovations in Shibuya. In one of the outdoor practice spaces is a man in his 40s, an athletic body that demonstrates the daily training and devotion to the sword style he practices and teaches. Jinkai Hayashizaki, the current master of the old style Iaido, Jinkai stops training for a moment when he sees Kazuki approaching.

{Jinkai}: Good morning, Kazuki. Did you not arrive earlier than usual today?

{Kazuki}: Good morning, Tou-san. It's better to get there early, lately Kanae takes a little longer to get ready for school.

{Jinkai}: And the real reason is?

{Kazuki}: … I pissed off Mom early in the morning and ran away…

{Jinkai}: So that was it, that's why Hibiki had a creepy smile just before she left. She was talking to Misa, and she left saying your name syllable by syllable, when I asked she said she would be increasing your training a little more… Good luck with that and listen to some advice from your tou-san that Hikaru has told you too, "don't piss off strong women…or pay the consequences." Well Kanae is ready, waiting for you, she will meet Haruka today on her way to school.

{Kazuki}: …(Don't piss off strong women? I've known this for a long time tou-san, from experience) So I'll go, see you later tou-san.

{Jinkai}: All right, and take care of these night wanderings you've been doing. No matter how strong and skilled someone is, something unexpected can always happen. Remember that you are not alone, your family is waiting for you to always arrive home safely.

{Kazuki}: Tou-san… how do you know?

{Jinkai}: I have my ways. I know you have some secrets Kazu, when you think you're ready to talk, you can tell me. Don't worry, I didn't tell Hibiki anything.

{Kazuki}: Tou-san, thanks (I have a lot of secrets, but it's not the time to talk yet)

After leaving Jinkai at the training area, Kazuki heads to the family's residence, which is in an annex to the dojo. At the front door is Kanae, his little sister (In this case, due to the two families being very close, the Hayashizaki decided to accept Kazuki as their son and the Hyoudou accepted Kanae as their daughter. In this, Kanae became his younger sister. Even though she's older than Kazuki)

{Kanae}: Good morning, Onii-san! Your beautiful, smart little sister has been waiting. Let's go, I have to meet Haruka today, the club activities are accumulated, and we will gather everyone to organize the activities, the festival is coming.

{Kazuki}: Is Haruka feeling better? Last week, Fujimaru told me that she had treatment this week. (her kidney problem).

{Kanae}: She's fine. Uncle Takagi took her to treatment yesterday, and she is doing great. This semester, she hasn't missed school once.

{Kazuki}: Great news, Master Takagi is a very busy man, but he always makes time for his family. Let's go then.

Kazuki and Kanae leave the dojo and walk to the subway station, thirty minutes after a quick subway ride they arrive at Mishiro Academy, the school Kazuki has attended since coming from Kuoh City to Tokyo. A large complex with degrees of study starting from kindergarten, elementary school, high school and college.

{Kanae}: Onii-san, now I have to go, Haruka is waiting for me. No dying of missing me, ok, our separation is only momentary.

{Kazuki}: Who will miss you, idiot! Please Kanae Onee-san go to the high school student building.

{Kanae}: Don't call me Onee-san!!! I'm Onii-san's little sister, LITTLE SISTER!!! Please Onii-san don't be so cold to me, I cry, you know? Cry!

{Kazuki}: (That girl…) Okay Kanae, no need to put on a show, idiot!

As the romantic comedy unfolds, someone approaches.

{Youichi}: Starting a romantic comedy early today?

{Kanae}: You! Who is performing romantic comedy?

{Kazuki}: Good morning, Youichi. Just my usual "little sister" temper.

{Kanae}: Hump!!!

{Youichi}: Okay, good morning to both of you. Fujimaru has already arrived and is waiting for you with the others. Otoya's newspaper club is busy. Looks like they want your opinion on something.

{Kazuki}: Okay Kanae, I have to go now, and isn't Haruka waiting for you?

{Kanae}: Oh! No! I have to run, Haruka will be super mad if I'm late…(runs away).

After Kanae runs away.

{Kazuki}: So? You didn't just come to warn me about Fujimaru and Otoya, did you?

{Youichi}: Smart… Teacher Nanae was looking for you. Your night activities (clandestine fights) have reached her ears, and she wants to "talk" about it with you.

{Kazuki}: (How troublesome…) No problem, I'll talk to her when the time is right. I have school activities today, and tonight I work at a senpai's restaurant.

{Youichi} Now I remembered your part-time job at your dojo student's brother's restaurant. Isn't it a big chain of restaurants? But you don't have to work there, right? You don't need money, aren't the light novels and manga you're making selling very well?

{Kazuki}: Keep it down…yes, they're selling well. It's not for the money, but for the experience and friendship. And my friend and Senpai are great people I've known for a long time.

{Youichi}: Well, your life, your rules. We better get going, otherwise we'll be late.

{Kazuki}: Let's go.