ALL NOVEL Ch3- Kengo Shiba
Kengo had an air of authority that was hard to ignore. He stood with a firm posture, radiating a sense of commanding authority. His dark hair was streaked with grey and tied back neatly, a few stray locks falling onto his forehead. His eyes, a piercing gray and bearing the Shiba clan's signature trait, were sharp and seemed to see right through Kazuki.
"Kazuki," Kengo began, his voice a deep rumble that filled the quiet room. Despite his stern demeanor, there was a hint of warmth in his tone. He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving Kazuki.
For a moment, fear flickered in Kazuki's heart, freezing him to the spot. But then he remembered Isshin's comforting words, the genuine warmth in his eyes. He swallowed his fear, stood taller, and met Kengo's gaze with a newfound resolve.
Kengo studied Kazuki for a long moment before finally extending his hand. "Welcome to the Shiba clan, Kazuki," he said, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His grip was firm but gentle, a silent testament to the strength and care that lay beneath his stern exterior.
"Thank you, Lord Kengo," Kazuki replied, his voice steady. He looked straight into the patriarch's eyes, hoping to convey the sincerity of his gratitude and his promise to uphold the Shiba clan's honor.
The room broke into applause, a joyous cacophony that eased the tension in Kazuki's heart. Kengo's smile widened, and he gave Kazuki's hand a final shake before releasing it. The patriarch turned to address the rest of the room, his voice ringing with unmistakable pride. "Tonight, we celebrate our new family member!"
As the room burst into cheers and laughter, Kazuki felt a swell of emotions. He looked around, taking in the smiling faces of his new family. He felt a sense of belonging he hadn't known he craved, a sense of peace he hadn't thought he'd find. It was overwhelming, but in the best possible way.
Kengo's words, like Isshin's before him, resonated deeply within Kazuki. They served as a promise, a vow of support, and an acceptance that was as humbling as it was comforting. He felt a warm rush of gratitude towards these strangers who had welcomed him as one of their own, despite his past – or lack thereof.
As the celebrations carried on, Kazuki found himself surrounded by the Shibas. Akihiko was sharing a story of a past mission with a twinkle in his eyes, while Riku was already challenging Kazuki to a friendly sparring match. Yukari, Ayame, Satoshi, Kaien, Ganju, and Kukaku each added their own unique flavors to the lively atmosphere.
As the celebration continued, the atmosphere inside was loud, vibrant, almost overwhelming. The laughter, chatter, and clinking of dishes seemed to bounce off the ornate walls of the dining hall, creating a mirthful cacophony. Kazuki had been drawn into the vortex of liveliness, engaging in discussions about training routines, clan customs, and the history of the Shiba clan. The Shibas' enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself drawn in by the warmth of his new family.
However, the high-energy celebration began to wear on Kazuki after a while. The loud chatter, laughter, and clinking of dishes amplified his sense of displacement. So, when Isshin discreetly motioned for him to follow, Kazuki was grateful for the excuse to retreat, if only for a short while.
They exited the boisterous dining hall, stepping into the quiet serenity of the courtyard. The cool night air was refreshing, washing over him like a soothing balm after the intensity of the celebration. Looking up, he saw the stars scattered across the inky black sky like diamond dust, their silent twinkling a sharp contrast to the laughter that echoed from inside.
"You okay?" Isshin asked, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, considerate.
Kazuki nodded, his gaze still fixed on the night sky. "Just... overwhelmed," he admitted quietly. The festive atmosphere, though welcoming, had intensified his sense of displacement, and the quiet of the courtyard was a welcome reprieve.
Isshin chuckled softly, understanding etched in his eyes. "I can imagine. But don't worry, you'll get used to it soon enough."
There was a comforting surety in his voice that made Kazuki believe him. The nervous tension in his shoulders eased, and he found himself looking at Isshin, his gaze expectant.
Isshin seemed to understand the unasked question, his gaze growing serious. He looked at Kazuki, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns that illuminated the courtyard. "There's something I need to explain to you, Kazuki," he began, his tone shifting to one of gentle seriousness. "About the Shiba clan, about our role as Shinigami."
Isshin’s gaze softened, brimming with understanding. He motioned for Kazuki to sit beside him on a stone bench under the shade of a cherry blossom tree, its petals scattered across the courtyard like a pastel snowfall.
Taking a deep breath, Isshin began. "The Shiba Clan is one of the four great noble families of the Soul Society, a realm where souls reside after death. Our family, along with the other noble houses, has a duty to maintain the balance of the universe, primarily by guiding souls to the Soul Society and purging malicious spirits.”
Isshin paused, watching Kazuki intently to make sure he was following. His ice-blue eyes were wide, but a spark of determination burned brightly in them. Kazuki gave him a small nod, prompting him to continue.
"Within this system, the Soul Society operates under the rule of the Gotei 13, thirteen divisions each led by a captain. Each division serves a specific function, from battling dangerous spirits to managing logistics," Isshin explained.
"The Shiba Clan has a long history within the Gotei 13. Several of our family members have served as captains or lieutenants of different divisions. I, myself, am the third seat of the 10th division," Isshin added with a smile, his gaze faraway as he reflected on the memories of his past.
"But why Shinigami?" Kazuki asked, his brow furrowed in thought. "Why us?"
Isshin gave him a thoughtful look. "We were chosen because of our abilities, Kazuki. As Shinigami, we possess spiritual power greater than normal souls. We use this power, this reiatsu, to protect both the human world and the Soul Society."