28. Crybaby

After submitting their report to Captain Ginrei, Musashi and Arasaka left the 6th Division headquarters. The crisp afternoon air greeted them, carrying with it the soft rustling of leaves and the distant hum of daily life within the Seireitei. The weight of the earlier battle lingered on their minds, though neither of them spoke of it.

"Man, I could go for some grilled eel right about now," Arasaka said, stretching his arms behind his head, his expression relaxed. "What about you, Musashi? Wanna grab a bite?"

Musashi glanced at him, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly but with no real malice. "We're going to the Kuchiki estate."

"Huh?" Arasaka blinked in surprise, his hands falling to his sides. "The Kuchiki estate? Seriously? Don't tell me we're on babysitting duty."

"Byakuya has been asking for me," Musashi replied, his pace steady and unchanging. "Besides, it's good for him to interact with more people."

"Pfft, yeah, good for him,'" Arasaka muttered, stuffing his hands in his sleeves. "That brat's got some nerve, though. Always acting like he's better than everyone."

"He is better than you," Musashi stated bluntly, his eyes fixed ahead.

Arasaka stumbled forward, clutching his chest in mock pain. "Gah, you wound me, Lieutenant! Such a ruthless tongue! Have mercy!"

"Keep moving," Musashi said, not sparing him a glance.

The two made their way through the winding paths leading to the Kuchiki residence. As they approached, the grand estate's familiar elegance came into view. The gates stood tall, adorned with the Kuchiki family crest, symbols of their long-standing legacy. Guards at the entrance gave them respectful nods and opened the gate without question.

The instant they stepped inside, a small voice rang out from across the courtyard.

"Uncle! You're here!" Byakuya's voice echoed with excitement, his little feet pattering as he sprinted toward them.

The young boy's eyes sparkled with delight, his gray gaze locked on Musashi. His black hair, neatly tied in a small topknot, bounced as he ran. He came to a skidding stop in front of Musashi, looking up at him with a wide grin.

Musashi crouched, a small, rare smile tugging at his lips. He reached out and ruffled Byakuya's hair. "Have you been behaving, little lord?"

"Stop that!" Byakuya swatted his hand away, puffing out his cheeks. "I'm not a kid anymore!"

"You're still a kid," Musashi replied calmly, his smile lingering for a moment before he stood up straight.

Byakuya's gaze shifted to Arasaka, and his smile instantly vanished, replaced by a frown of pure disdain. He crossed his arms and huffed. "Hmpmm. What is that good-for-nothing doing here, Uncle?"

Arasaka's jaw dropped, and he pointed at himself, eyes wide in mock disbelief. "O-Outch! Such harsh words from a little crybaby!" he shot back, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.

Byakuya's face turned red, and he pointed an accusatory finger at Arasaka. "You—you will regret this!" he declared, his voice sharp and indignant before he spun around and bolted back toward the house, his little topknot swaying as he ran.

"Whoa, whoa, did I hit a nerve?" Arasaka chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Didn't think he'd run away like that."

"Don't antagonize him," Musashi said, shaking his head as he started walking toward the main house. "He'll remember it."

"Yeah, yeah," Arasaka muttered, following behind. "It's not like he's gonna hold a grudge forever."

---

Inside the estate, the warmth of the home was palpable. Servants moved quietly through the halls, their footsteps barely audible on the polished wooden floors. The fragrance of freshly brewed tea and sweet rice cakes hung in the air. It was a serene environment, filled with quiet dignity and refinement.

As they entered the main living area, Byakuya's mother appeared, her graceful form moving with the fluidity of a dancer. Her long, dark hair was tied in a simple yet elegant style, and her kind eyes focused on Musashi and Arasaka.

"Welcome back, Musashi," she said, bowing slightly. Her gaze shifted to Arasaka, and her smile softened. "And you as well, Arasaka. It's good to see you again."

"Ah, Lady Kuchiki," Arasaka said, bowing respectfully, his earlier bravado vanishing. "Thank you for having me."

"Of course. You're always welcome here," she replied, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "Byakuya has been looking forward to your visit." She glanced toward the hall where Byakuya had fled, her smile growing fond. "Though I see you've already managed to upset him."

"Eh, he'll be fine," Arasaka said, scratching his head awkwardly. "Kid's tougher than he looks."

"Indeed, he is," she said, turning to Musashi. "Would you care for tea before you see Sōjun? He's been waiting for you."

Musashi nodded. "Tea would be welcome, thank you."

They sat at a low table, and moments later, a servant entered with a tray holding a teapot and small porcelain cups. The gentle sound of tea being poured filled the room, and soon, the soothing aroma of fresh tea enveloped the air.

After a brief but calming tea session, Musashi stood, his eyes shifting toward the inner hall. "I'll go see him."

"Please do," Byakuya's mother said, her eyes following him with quiet understanding.

Musashi made his way through the hall, his steps steady but purposeful. He reached Sojun's room and slid the door open. The sight that greeted him was familiar yet unsettling.

Sōjun lay on a futon, his complexion pale and his breathing shallow. His eyes fluttered open as the door slid aside, and a weak smile formed on his face.

"Musashi," Sojun greeted, his voice hoarse but filled with warmth. "Come in."

Musashi stepped in, kneeling beside the futon. "How are you feeling today, Sōjun?"

Sōjun gave a weak chuckle. "I'm still breathing, so I suppose that's a victory."

"You should rest more," Musashi said, his eyes sharp with concern. "Your condition hasn't improved."

"I know," Sojun admitted, his gaze shifting to the ceiling. "But I can't just lie here all day. I have responsibilities too."

"Your responsibility is to recover," Musashi said firmly. "The clan needs you, we need you."

Sōjun sighed, turning his head to look at Musashi. "The clan has you and Father. And it has Byakuya. He'll grow strong."

Musashi's gaze softened at the mention of Byakuya. "He's already strong for 5 year old."

"Only because he has you to guide him," Sōjun replied, his eyes closing slowly. "Stay with him, Musashi. He'll need you."

"I will," Musashi said quietly, his eyes steady with resolve. "You have my word."

---

Back in the main hall, he found Byakuya seated at the table, his face still flushed with lingering embarrassment. When he saw Musashi, his expression shifted to one of resolve.

"Uncle," Byakuya said, his tone more formal than usual. "Can you train with me today?"

Musashi raised an eyebrow but nodded. "If you're ready to be serious about it."

"I am!" Byakuya declared, his eyes fierce with determination. "I'll show you how much I've grown!"

Arasaka leaned in from the side, smirking. "Better hope he doesn't trip over his own feet."

Byakuya's eyes snapped toward Arasaka, his face a mixture of rage and embarrassment. "YOU'RE GONNA REGRET THIS, ARASAKA!" he yelled, chasing after him.

Musashi watched them with a small smile, his eyes filled with quiet pride.

(End of a chapter)