Sanada Fukuna

Cai Kang is irritated to the point of fuming as he watched Ryosuke talk to the Shiratori siblings. In the meantime, he and Ryosuke will be sharing a room until he gets his own place. As for the old man, he left immediately right after. Ryosuke and Cai Kang have a lukewarm relationship overall. They don't hate each other and get along to some extent but it is also complicating. Their mom is a japanese woman from a middle class clan full of shamans. She married young, had an affair and then had them both. His parents have divorced by the time they are toddlers and growing up, both do not get along with her because they would be warped into her crazy plans and experiments. She doesn't even know who Ryosuke's dad is either. Then again, the old man didn't even care of being cuckold. He was born out of a contract marriage after all while Ryosuke is a love child. The old man wanted an heir while not dealing with any marriage obligations while his mom is young and wanted independence.

"So you're really Autumn?" Noriko asked Ryosuke.

"Yeah, although I never made any public appearances." Ryosuke pulled out a scroll from his bag and opened it to show a painting of a maple tree with vibrant warm colors with subtle details of the leaves. It has a small red tomoe seal stamped in the bottom right of the painting.

Cai Kang looked at the siblings who observe it with scrutiny.

"That is Autumn." Kazuha smiled. "At last, I finally get to meet you." she said with contentment and the others are as equally as excited. She then extend her hand for a handshake. "I'll properly introduce myself. My name is Shiratori Kazuha. I am Winter of the Four Seasons."

He then return the gesture as they start speaking more cordially.

"Wow, you became friends so quickly." Cai Kang noted.

In every Asian state in Luminescent, there is an epithet system for young, promising prodigies in combat, magic, or any field that surpass not only other kids their age but also the average adult. The title is temporary as it gets passed on or disappears as they reach adulthood but it is still prominent to their reputation. It is different in every country. In China, they use art motifs or creatures as epithets and there are multiple. In Japan, they use four seasons. Cai Kang participated in the Junior Eight Pillars tournament which earned him the title 'Xuanwu' meaning Black Warrior.

The twins told him that Kazuha is Winter of the Four seasons but Autumn is a mystery as no one knows who he is except the guy himself and the committee in charge of handing out those epithets themselves but they also kept it a secret except that he is the strongest of the four seasons. 

My title sounds more impressive. he thought while pouting internally. Can he admit he's jealous of his twin for having a cooler reputation than him? No, he cannot.

"We should probably get you a haircut. Your hair is awfully thick. It's hard to see your eyes and it's so rough." Toya said while touching his locks. "The school will probably turn you away if they see this."

"I'll give him a trim." Noriko said and got up to leave the room. "I'll get my things."

"Where did you go to school before coming here?"

"I was mostly homeschooled at an early age but I did have a formal education in the Otaka village during my middle school years." he said.

"What is Sanada Fukuna like?" Toya asked.

"Hm." Ryosuke wondered. "I haven't met her for quite some time so I can't say for sure but if she's anything like last time then she's obedient to the point of worship to our mother. She has other disciples but Fukuna is her shining pearl."

Cai Kang cringed upon hearing these words. "So she's still like that?"

Ryosuke nodded. "But unlike our mother, she is more polite, approachable and sociable though she is quite adamant on what she believes in."

Sanada Fukuna may be an adopted child of his estranged mother but she's closer to her than anyone. She is training to become an exorcist and has strong spiritual sight. Cai Kang had only met her twice in his life and while she is a nice person with a decent personality, that doesn't mean he respects her.

"I would like to hear your stories. It seems like you got something to hide." Kazuha said.

"A lot unfortunately." Ryosuke admits while pinching his nose. "They're the reason that I began traveling in the first place."

"How about I give you a tour after getting a haircut? I doubt that you would want to be in their debt." Kazuha said.

"Debt?" Ryosuke says in confusion.

"What are you talking about, nee-chan?" Toya said in a panicked tone.

Kazuha deadpanned stared at her brother. "You know exactly what I mean."

This is gonna be a tiring week. Cai Kang groaned. 

______________________________________________________________

Ryosuke said he will be moving out soon once Fukuna settles in. Unlike Cai Kang, he is naturally polite, not accident prone, well mannered and delighted to help out despite his rugged look and the natural aloof look he has on his face. Despite his initial antisocial behavior, he has gotten along with everyone. After getting a haircut and filing some paperwork, he is an official student in Mikurigaoka high and put in a different class than him. No one is aware that Ryosuke is Cai Kang's twin though. Since they do not look alike and have different names and nationalities, no one would notice anything. Unless someone brings up their relationship then there is no problem. Today is when Fukuna comes to school and coincidentally shares the same class.

Cai Kang and Kazuha head to their classroom. While the engagement rumors are finally forgotten and not a seriously discussed topic anymore, people still think they are a couple. Ryosuke gave him a hell of a lecture after finding out until he found out the reason. Ryosuke managed to fit in quite well, better actually. He may as well be a model student compared to him and Kurai. Kurai has been trying to push Ryosuke into fighting him but is surprisingly courteous and not quick to anger.

"Your new future sister-in-law is coming today. You know her. What kind of person is Sanada-san?" Kazuha asked Cai Kang.

Cai Kang is admittedly nervous upon hearing he will meet Fukuna again after many years. She is close to their ambitious mother to the point of having a strong mentor and student relationship. If what Ryosuke said is true then he will not look forward to seeing her.

"I'm am still finding this hard to believe." He said. "Hearing that Ryosuke's engaged is still a lot to process."

Then the homeroom teacher came in. "Class, It is quite sudden but we have a new student joining us today." He said.

Then the person came in. "That's Fukuna." Cai Kang said. That got Kurai and Kazuha to examine her more intensely. Fukuna looks pretty on the face. She has a healthy, slim figure and is quite taller than the average girl. She has long maroon hair tied in a low ponytail.

"Is she a martial artist too?" Kazuha whispered.

"She doesn't look that way. She doesn't show much." Kurai said.

Then she looks around to find Cai Kang and starts to stare intensely at him. "Cai Kang, I've finally found you." She said.

She then threw something at him but Cai Kang caught it. Much to his surprise, it was a bento box. 

It's even heart shaped. He thought. Cai Kang was slightly stunned by this declaration of affection. It isn't just him either, everyone is as equally shocked as he was.

"I am Sanada Fukuna." She proclaimed and the entire class stared at them in confusion.

Then Fukuna walked up to Kazuha and stared at her.

"Are you Shiratori Kazuha?" She asked silently.

Kazuha looked at her wondering what expression she should make. "Yes," she said with an uncertain look.

She didn't say anything for a while. "I would like you guys to meet me at the rooftop later." She said and then decided to sit at her seat which was pointed out to her.

"What's with her?" Kurai asked.

"No idea." Cai Kang said.

"I could already tell that I like her." Kurai said.

"Shut up. You have terrible taste."

Kurai smirked. "Hey, at least I don't get the crazies into me."

"Why you!"

After classes are over, everyone is on the roof eating lunch. The other students decided not to go there.

"Where did you come from?" Kazuha said.

"I was born in Inverse Okinawa. But my hometown was in Shizuoka before moving to Saitama in the original world." Ushio said.

That explains the accent. Noriko thought.

"You came all the way here in Tokyo? When did you get adopted?" She said.

"I was seven when I was adopted. I was raised and trained by Cai Kang and Ryosuke's mother." She said,

After listening to the conversation, Cai Kang is visibly annoyed. "What was with that announcement?" Cai Kang asked. 

"Ryosuke and I got 'engaged' on a whim because it is just us two but it can switch at anytime on a whim as well. If for example, we have feelings for each other and start dating then the engagement is null and void then switched." She said.

"Sanada-san, are you implying that you have feelings for Cai Kang?" Kazuha asked.

"I'm saying that we could be compatible. It doesn't matter who." Fukuna interrupted. "I will accept regardless, unconditionally." she said. "You see. My special trait is my immunity to curses and it was discovered that it can be passed on with no consequences. If Cai Kang or Ryosuke and I have children, none of them would ever inherit the curses and the family line would break off completely."

"What?" That got Kurai's attention. "You never said this." Kurai said to Cai Kang.

"Well, I was about to tell you later. I knew that she has the ability to cancel out curses but I didn't think it would pass on." Cai Kang snapped.

"When I was adopted by Otaka-san, she intended to use me to cure all the curses in Japan."

"And you are simply okay with that?" Kurai said.

"Of course. If she succeeds then we can all get rid of our curses that plague everyone. We traveled the entire country to find the cure." Kazuha looked up from her bento box with curiosity.

"I was used as a guinea pig for years before I separated but we had to keep in touch from time to time." Ryosuke said.

"So that's why. I can't believe it." Cai Kang exclaimed. "That's why she insisted on marrying you together based on compatibility. She knows the old man wanted to cure me so she wants to do that in order for the succession to go smoothly." He said then paused for a moment and groaned loudly. "Oh gods. If they find out about this then the hoard of guys will start coming again." 

"Hoard of guys?" Ryosuke said in confusion.

"It's a long story." Toya said.

"Beat the strongest to a pulp. Beat him up so bad that no one would dare to cross you. I can help with that." Kurai said.

"And deal with Karasuma sempai every morning?"

Kurai shrugged. "I never had a personal punching bag that gets up everyday to take a beating." 

"It doesn't matter, Cai Kang because I am taking this seriously." Fukuna said in a determined tone.

That took everyone by surprise. "You don't understand. Your mother, my master has a purpose and desire to rid the world of all its terrible curses. Whoever I end up with as my husband will bring a new generation of prosperity."

Cai Kang was choking on his bread. "Hold up. You can't possibly mean-"

Then they heard noise coming from the courtyard, loud enough to interrupt them. All of them went out to check it out. 

"Oi, Karasuma is throwing a tantrum today. He wants to fight you." A student said noticing the guys looking down at the roof.

"I'm gonna leave but this discussion is far from over." Cai Kang said and jumped off the rooftop. One by one the others left in the same fashion.

Noriko looked at Kazuha with a displeased look. "Kazu-nee, that girl doesn't just have a special trait, does she?"

"It's familiar." Toya said and looked at his sisters, "Too familiar and you know what I'm talking about."

Kazuha looked at her younger siblings and took notice of their concern while equally as unsettled. "You're silly. There is no way." She said and watched as the others are dealing with Karasuma.

______________________________________________________________

During the weekend, Kurai and Cai Kang went to a restaurant to meet with Ryosuke and Fukuna.

"Guys!" A girl said. It was Chiemi and her sister. That got Cai Kang's attention. He was standing there staring at the girl. That doesn't go unnoticed by Kurai. 

"What are you doing here?" She said.

"We're just waiting for someone. What about you?" Cai Kang said.

"We're actually heading to the Shiratori House." Maiko said.

"Again, so sorry about what happened last time. All the drama is over now." Cai Kang said.

"Is that so? I would love to hear more about it." Maiko said.

"It is quite the story. You wouldn't believe it." Cai Kang said.

Maiko looks dead straight into Cai Kang's eyes. "Try me." 

That took him off guard.

"Let's go get some ice cream before we go to Shiratori's place. It's really hot out." Chiemi said pointing to an ice cream stand.

Everyone else agrees and heads to a nearby ice cream stand.

______________________________________________________________

Kazuha was in Noriko's room tuning her guitar while her younger twin siblings are having a discussion.

"That girl has a blood art, doesn't she?" Noriko said. "Is it linked to Amrita?"

Toya was deep in thought as he lean his head on his arms. "Amrita was forgotten a long time ago. Even dad said that there is no one left who remembers." he looked at Kazuha. "What do you think, nee-chan?"

"A blood art." Kazuha murmured, still focused on her instrument. "How uncommon. We only know three people who have them and two of them-" she rhythmically tapped on her instrument. "had died." she finished in a cool tone and stopped tapping.

"Kazu-nee," Noriko insists. "This is serious." she pleads. "You know more about Amrita than the rest of us. You go to the same class as her. Can you tell if she is a user?"

"I am serious." Kazuha replied calmly and puts away the guitar to look at her notes. "Blood art users usually have limited lifespans. You've talk to her. She displayed the same arrogance as a Blood art user and she had help."

"Is she though?" Toya said. "Is she linked to Amrita?"

Kazuha picked up a pen and starts spinning it while still staring at her notes. "She said that she was seven years old when she's adopted, right? That's the right age if we count right." she said.

Noriko then looked at Kazuha. "I do have my doubts. Kono-nee and dad did say that Amrita has killed a lot of people leaving no survivors even though it is a secret."

Toya spoke up. "We wouldn't have found out if it weren't-" Noriko then shush her brother. 

Kazuha continues to spin her pen nonchalantly. "If Sanada-san is really connected to Amrita then frankly speaking, she should be dead."