CHAPTER 161: An Awkward Reunion

As Rukia and Kazuya entered the imposing Kuchiki Manor, Rukia dismounted from Kazuya's back, her feet landing with a soft thud on the ground. The shift from being aloft to standing on her own evoked a fleeting sense of loss, quickly masked by her determined demeanor.

She faced Ginrei Kuchiki. "Captain Kuchiki, we're at the manor. Can you tell me the reason for bringing me here?"

Kazuya's unwavering support seemed to ignite a spark of boldness in her, prompting her to confront the elder Kuchiki with a boldness she seldom felt.

"We want you to meet someone," Ginrei said. "They have been in search of you for decades."

"For me?" Rukia pointed at herself, frowning skeptically. "Who is it?"

"The details will be disclosed in due time," Ginrei responded with a calm that seemed characteristic of him. "You'll have to see it with your own eyes to believe it."

"Wow, so helpful," said Kazuya sarcastically. "Rukia, let's just follow them. If they have any ill intentions, I'll get us out of here, even if I have to fight these esteemed nobles."

Ginrei and Byakuya, usually unflappable, were momentarily taken aback by Kazuya's hostility. Yet, there was something in his tone, a soothing quality that seemed to soften the threat in his words. It was a contrast that left them more intrigued than offended.

It was an entirely different situation for Rukia. His threats to kill two incredibly powerful aristocrats filled her with warmth. Having someone go far for her sake was a new experience to her. Rather than revealing her emotions, she flashed her Zanpakutō with a tomboyish grin. "I don't need your protection. I can fight my own battles."

"Yeah, sure. You can."

{Stop provoking them.}

Being told to stop acting violent by Nami of all people was a surreal experience for him.

'Wait, you don't sound like Nami. Tsubasa?'

'Yes, I'm Tsubasa. And I disapprove of your penchant for stirring up trouble for amusement.'

'Scolding your own father, Tsubasa? I must say, I'm impressed.'

'I'll do it again if you continue this reckless behavior.'

'My gramps turned me into a menace to society. I'm not changing now.'

'…'

Noticing Kazuya's silence, Ginrei spoke, "I get Captain Isshin's fascination with you. He himself is a man of direct actions."

Not many people befriended Isshin to the point of getting his complete protection. Kazuya was an odd case because of Isshin relying on him to be his successor and giving him a much deserved retirement. Despite the Central 46's mediocre treatment of the Shiba Clan, they still remained one of the Five Great Noble Clans.

Their influence was undeniable.

Kazuya, unaware of Ginrei's thoughts, casually draped an arm around Rukia's shoulder. "That's the whole Shiba Family's shtick. They don't beat around the bush; they express themselves through their actions."

Ginrei nodded in agreement. "I do believe they are a vital presence in the aristocratic society."

…

In a secluded room of the manor, overlooking a serene garden, Kazuya and Rukia awaited their mysterious visitor.

The servants arrived and provided refreshing drinks as well as snacks. Kazuya put Yoruichi on his lap and shared snacks with her. She had been uncharacteristically silent throughout the whole trip. He even wondered if she got replaced with a normal black cat.

If it was any other day, Rukia would've jumped at snacks without any modesty. She anxiously stared at the door, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The moment the door creaked open, her breath caught in her throat. The woman who entered was like a reflection from a parallel world — her face, a striking mirror image of Rukia's, framed by longer, more elegant bangs. She was draped in a pristine white kimono, a stark contrast to Rukia's formal academy uniform.

Hisana, on the other hand, seemed to be waging a battle against her own emotions. Tears welled in her eyes, constricting her breath. She had struggled to believe Byakuya when he spoke of finding her long-lost sister. Memories of abandoning Rukia in the harsh reality of District 78 haunted her, and over the years, the hope of reuniting had dwindled to a mere flicker. District 78 was a harsh and unforgiving place through and through.

Seeing Rukia now, not just alive but a Shinigami, overwhelmed her.

"Rukia…" Hisana's trembling voice was barely a whisper. "How are you…?"

Byakuya held her shoulders, supporting her in case she fell over. The illness had weakened her constitution to a frightening degree.

Rukia's gaze turned sharp. "Are you my doppelgänger?"

This unexpected question jolted Hisana from her emotional struggle. "What?" she gasped, her tears momentarily forgotten. "Why would you… say that?"

Kazuya stared at Rukia. "Where the hell did that come from?"

Rukia glanced around the room, her fingers twitching as if instinctively seeking something resembling a pen and paper. Alas, there was nothing that allowed her the comforting simplicity of explaining things through her drawings of rabbits.

She sighed with a hint of frustration. "Momo told me that every person has a lookalike out there. That's why I asked her if she was mine."

"No, I am not!" Hisana chimed, her volume breaking her record of the past decade. "Rukia, I am… I am your doppelgänger."

"..."

Byakuya's grip on her shoulders tightened a bit. "Hisana, Rukia has the right to either forgive you or blame you for your past actions. You're condemning yourself for nothing."

Byakuya had extensively researched the disease gnawing away at his wife's body. Her frail body had only a few years left in her. Now that Hisana and Rukia were present in the same room, Byakuya did his best to mediate their relationship. He absolutely won't let this regret consume Hisana.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the reunion would create a miracle.

Hisana shivered. "But I—"

Kazuya gave her the 'Stop right there' gesture. "You're Rukia's older sister. There, I said it."

Rukia's mind struggled to grasp the reality before her. "That can't be."

The thought of a doppelgänger occupied her head so much that she forgot the possibility of Hisana being her family. Sge may have willingly overlooked such possibilities to keep her expectations to zero.

Hisana confirmed her doubts with a firm nod, clearly lacking the confidence to say it out loud. 

Rukia's reaction was one of stunned disbelief, her mind racing to piece together the fragments of her past with Hisana. She couldn't recollect any memory — she was simply too young to remember Hisana. "Nee-san…?"

"Don't call me that." Hisana waved her hands. "I'm unworthy of being your sister…"

Byakuya gently pushed his wife towards Rukia. "We'll leave the decision to Rukia."

Kazuya walked to Byakuya and pulled at his kimono. "Let the sisters sort things out."

...

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