Chapter 29: Solace in Saviors

[Furoufushi POV]

What a fucking weirdo.

I mean how freaky do you have to be to not even move your face?

That's scary as hell. And the way she looks...

Shit, it's like I'm looking in the mirror from like four decades ago.

Ratty, tangled black hair. Gloomy blue eyes, geez, she almost has Tenchou's dull, dead eyes. Looks to be pretty nice jade-like skin, but I can't really tell. And the filthy, stained kimono that looks like it was blue, I can't even tell at this point. When was the last time she took a bath? Her skin is super grimy like she lives in a damn pigsty. I mean, it looks like she's okay with it.

Hell if I know. Her face is as stiff as a board. Speaking of boards, I feel like I'm being outdone. It's not as big as little sis, but… that's a pretty big rack. Hides it pretty well even though that's a beat-ass kimono, least it keeps the horny mutts away. Also, she's like what? My height? Maybe a centimeter more?

I…

I just can't win.

Can I at least get my eye back?

Oh. Here comes Batsu.

"So, what'd she say? She's been stalking us for a while you know?"

"She said 'Congratulations on being adopted'."

"…"

Who even talks like that? Freaks do.

"Anything else?"

"Her name is Yachiru. No family name. Nothing else really. Hold on, I gotta take the next one."

And there she goes. They grow up so fast.

But Yachiru huh? When I beat her ass, I couldn't really tell her level.

But it seems she's around the low Average class. Batsu's between 20 and 30 years old. This brat must've just hit 20.

Damn. I'm old. Definitely the older sis. What am I? Like 60? I'm so old I can't even remember.

I don't even know my birthday.

Hmm? Who's looking at me?

Hooh? Look at those gloomy ass blues. Probably kills to make a living.

That stiff face. Doesn't even show anything. She's definitely lost. Probably worse than Batsu.

*sigh*

What a hollow afterlife.

Hmm?

Hollow?

"Nee-san. Take the next one!"

Damn. I was onto something.

Look at these creepy old dudes. How many wrinkles can you have on your face? You look like a damn dog.

Let's give the usual.

"Hey. Whaddaya want?"

"Hiiih!"

So old, you're pissing your pants now.

*sigh*

Don't I have a little sis that can do this stuff?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Batsu'unsai POV]

I kept an eye on the shabby girl. Her dim blue eyes would sometimes follow me around. I don't know if she's watching in interest or anything. She's rather disconnected from everything.

Looking at her, I do feel a small hole in my heart. That face reminds me too much of myself. But she's different.

I can tell. She's not exactly like me. Maybe she joined the hunt because it was the only choice. Maybe she was all alone to begin with. Maybe she burrowed so deep, she got lost in the dark.

All I know is that she has to hunt. Whether it's in her nature or has been molded into her being, I'm not sure. But somewhere inside, there's a flicker of light.

The way she eats in small bites, savoring every taste. The way she awkwardly shifts her gaze when our eyes meet. The way she keeps scanning around the room, looking at everyone.

It must have been harsh.

I feel lucky.

I probably wouldn't have made it another year if they didn't take me in.

Should I go say something?

Sure, why not.

"Hi. Is everything okay here?"

She looked up at me with a dim gaze. Her lips slowly parted.

"Everything is quite lovely actually. Thank you for checking on me."

Her angelic voice didn't match her unmoved face. She bowed her head lightly.

Tenchou said she was panicking. I can't really see it, but I believe him.

Maybe I should change the question.

"Is there anything you need? Anything at all?"

Her blue eyes wavered then died down. She looked down at the tray of skewers and the empty cup. Her hands slipped into her weather-beaten kimono. After a couple of seconds, it returned empty. Her gaze returned to me.

"I can't afford anymore."

I see now.

Fucking Afterlife.

Such a sweet girl.

I'll pay then.

"That's okay! We offer free trays for first-time customers. Would you like something different this time?"

Before she could answer, some hooligan yelled behind me.

"Hey, Batsu-chan! I didn't know about that! Why didn't I get that?"

"Are you a first-time customer?"

"No?"

"Do you want this to be your last time?"

""…""

Calm down Batsu, calm down.

It's just gangsters.

Okay, let's see what she-

"It must be hard, pretending to be nice."

Hmm? Where did that come from?

"That's what I have to do when I work. When I'm not working, I don't pretend."

"Are you nice when you're not working?"

"I think so? Only with people that I care about."

"What's it like?"

"What?"

"Having people to care about?"

"…"

Fuck.

Let's bring out the luxury tray.

"One second, Yachiru was it?"

"You are correct."

"I'll be right back with a new tray!"

I rushed away, but I could hear a small voice behind me.

'But I didn't order one...'

*sigh*

This girl is a lot of trouble.

Here we go. Into the kitchen, we go. Hopefully, we can sneak some stuff.

Okay, he's looking away.

"Batsu. What's with the coffee and mochi?"

Oh no...

"No reason. I was gonna have it during break."

"Hmm? Is that so? All right, take your time. Not much business today anyway."

He knows. He knows.

"Thanks, Tenchou, I'll see in a little bit."

"Mmhmm. Don't feed her too much crap."

Of course, he knew. What was I even pretending for?

Let's just leave. What is with that smug mug? Is it fun to tease me?

"Hmph!"

That oughta teach him.

All right, back to the front. Nee-san seems like she's handling everything just fine.

Maybe…

"Oi! Why'd you do somethin' so stupid! You want me to clean this up?!"

Oh, Nee-san…

Shit. She made someone literally shit themselves.

Don't get involved Batsu. Don't get involved. Just walk away.

Now.

Where the hell was she sitting?

Back left? No. Back right.

Or was it the front?

Ah. There she is. Just had to look for the frazzled black hair.

"Here you are. This is something I put together for you."

"How thoughtful. Thank you. It looks appetizing."

My! What a bundle of cuteness. She's a little thin.

If I could just fatten her up a little.

Like a pig, hehe…

No Batsu! Bad Batsu!

But look at her nibble!

I'm getting off track.

"Ahem. So, Yacchan. What're you doing in Akachou?"

She put the mochi down. Her eyes flickered again.

"Yacchan?"

Go for it Batsu! Big smile!

"Yes! Yacchan!"

"I see. I feel warm for some reason."

Ohh! WAY TO GO BATSU!!!

"That's good. Everyone likes to feel warm inside."

"Is that so? I suppose it's not a bad feeling."

Good. Good.

"So, Yacchan, what're you doing here?"

"I'm looking for someone."

"Oh? Who is it? Maybe I could help."

"I'd really appreciate that."

"So, what's their name?"

"I don't know."

"…"

"…"

"Huh?"

Did I miss something?

"I don't know their name."

"A-ahh! I see. Are they in Akachou?"

"I don't know."

"W-well, is there anything about the person you can think of?"

"They gave me a scar."

Fuckers.

"I'm sorry to hear that, the world is full of unsavory people."

She shook her head, causing her messy hair to sway. The volume of her voice increased.

"They weren't unsavory. They saved me."

What?

"They… they saved you?"

She nodded her head. I saw her gloomy blue eyes brighten up the most I'd seen yet.

"They saved me and put a scar right here."

With little grace, she lowered the collar of her tattered kimono. A clean scar of a stab wound decorated her upper sternum. It rested just below her neck.

I haven't delved that deep into weapon arts. But this…

This is incredible.

There's no extra scar tissue. The stab must've been flawless. The amount of skill to produce such a wound is unbelievable. Either that or she couldn't move. Still, it looks unnaturally clean.

I was puzzled. Looking for a savior that left you a scar. That sounded absurd.

"Umm, Yacchan. This person, is there anything else you can remember?"

The next thing I saw shocked me. Her lips blossomed into a dazzling smile as she pulled out a tantou [short sword]. The blade had rusted beyond repair. Its handle was splintering and splitting.

"They gave me the scar with this sword. After handing the sword to me, they asked my name. When I gave it, they said it was a lovely name. Then they told me to live a long life and that I was free from my shackles. They said if I can find them again, I could ask for anything."

She obviously wants to ask for something. I'm just a little curious.

"What do you want to ask for when you find them?"

Her blue eyes glowed with a pure sparkle.

"I would request a duel."

"…"

"…"

This girl's crazy.

"Ha-haha… D-don't you have another wish?"

"Someone said you should pursue and marry your savior. So, my second choice is marriage. Of course, if it's a woman, I would be a little reluctant to take up such a venture."

"…"

"…"

Batshit crazy.