Part 2: The Legacy of the Sword
At the Oni's Residence
"Shiro, Tenshi. Come closer." The old man croaked, as he lay down at his death bed. Surrounded by his respected comrades that had became his family. He signaled the young ones come to him. His great-grandsons, his twin great- grandsons. They had grown into strong young men, "You two, you both got your mother's beautiful green eyes. Sometimes its hard to tell you two apart." He smiled faintly, "Why, you got the looks to charm any pretty young ladies these days. It is how your father got your mother to fall in love with him."
"Not now, grandpa." Misao blushed.
Okina had grown wearily with age, and had the Buddha blessed him with long life. He was there when Aoshi became the leader, when Misao blossomed to a young woman and rise up to her own feet, and finally she was blessed with a husband with impressive skills to match her pedigree: and giving not one but TWO great-grandsons. "You musn't speak much grandpa, it will only weaken you." Shiro spoke,
"Its naturally for me to be weak, for anytime now I'm prepared to leave this earth." He coughed, looking around him blearily. Everyone in the room is in deep silence, most of them are holding back their tears. Some tried to restrain themselves, by turning their backs and letting out deep breaths. Pain and sorrow filled the whole room, for Okina had been there for them as long anyone could remember. "Don't speak like that, grandpa. There is still a lot of things you could teach us."
" Bah. I'm here for long enough to witness three generations, I'm lucky that I went this far." Okina scolded Shiro. "You are the older one, Shiro. You watch out over your younger brother and your Mother. You are still as persistent and stubborn, but that kind fighting spirit will take you to greater deeds."
" I don't know Grandpa, it seems Tenshi is better for that role." He exclaimed, surprising Tenshi who is sitting just beside him, "Aniki.."
"How could you? You are such a hypocrite. Learning that special move behind my back, haven't being chosen to be a respected Oni is just as enough?"
"Shiro!" Misao scolded, "You don't dare speak to your brother like that, not now!"
"You speak like he is your only son! I am also your son, why did father did this?" Shiro objected, his voice full of disbelief as he stands in front of his Mother. Misao replied to him with a stinging slap at the cheek, "Your father has it reasons Shiro, and we never look either one of you as favorites! You are old enough to understand that."
Okina gave both of them a knowing look, he knows that it is unavoidable for two brothers to have a rivalry and what more on twins. "Pardon me," he whispered. But the mother and son is escalating in a fierce personal argument. "Excuse me, listen up.." he gasped… but everyone's attention is turning to Shiro and Misao with all attempting to calm them.
"LISTEN UP!!!"
Everyone was jolted into sudden silence. It might have took all Okina's strength to shout that loud. "Shiro come here,"
"I can't…"
"I said, come HERE." And he mustered enough strength to lift himself up and pull the youth down firmly to the floor, everyone sweatdropped. "I know what exactly how you feel Shiro. Sit here." Okina said, then looking to Tenshi, "It was obvious, that you already know that what responsibility that lies ahead now you are chosen to replace your mother."
"Iya..Doushite?"
"Your mother, my little angel Misao." Okina beamed, "she was just about your age when she took up the responsibility to become a leader." His precious angel, Misao. Okina recalled those times. When he anticipated Misao's labor: he was so exahilirated when she gave birth to twins. The younger twin that followed, seems much silent and peaceful. "Look Misao, this one seems like a darling little angel…just like you."
"That's a nice name grandpa." Misao wearily replied, who at the time had finished breastfeeding ( "I shall call this little one Tenshi… his name would mean Angel."
"Your mother.." Okina continued, "Your mother almost gave up her position when you two came along. But from time to time, she is called to duty to do her bidding. We are just waiting for that right time, when either one of you will take her place." He coughed, "and that one is you Tenshi, you learned well from your mother…and Shiro.."
"Hai?"
"You got a bigger responsibility. You might not be the one chosen for the deed, but like I said before, next to your father, you are the man of the house. You watch over your Mother and your brother. Protect the ones that you love. That's why you are taught with the way of your father…" he points out the wooden sword Shiro is gripping. "The way of the sword…you shall use it not to kill, but to protect for those you love and for justice…when eventually that time would come.."
"But father haven't thought me well yet. I'm not yet ready."
"You will know when you are ready." Okina replied, pointing out a wrapped item at the corner near his bed. "Your father could be a bit forgetful, but anyway open this.." he signaled Aoshi to give the wrapped item to the boy. Shiro unwrapped it eagerly and his eyes widened what seems to greet him.
It is his father's sword, the Nihontou.
He slowly unsheaths the sword and gasped at the sword's pure beauty, unmarred, still shiny and clean with all those years. The shine is so pure that you could tell that the blade haven't dulled for that long period of time. "But it's not yet…"
"I know it's not yet the time, I just have to show it to you." Okina said, notioning Omasu to take the weapon back after Shiro's observation. The latter sighed, sometimes Grandpa could be so weird sometimes. "The importance of that sword is great, you are only going to use it when the need arises. It is the same sword that both saved your Mother and your Father's lives." Shiro nodded, he understood. The tale of the sword and how his mother and father met is a very engaging real-life fairytale, so he couldn't question more about it's importance.
"Do you know where your father is?"
"No, Grandpa…" Shiro replied, "I think he is out fishing again, or buying goods at the market." Shiro always wondered sometimes that how his father could be so carefree sometimes, that when there is a certain important event he arrives late for it. Maybe it's because his mother is an equally bad cook like his Aunt Kaoru, that like Kenji's father…Soujiro had to look after their Mother's chores time after time.
After awhile, Okina dismissed the twins, and prodded them outside the room and talked with the veteran members of the Oniwabanshus: Aoshi, Misao and the rest of them. Aoshi looks more gaunt and his hair show a few streaks of grey but not yet receding, as if indicating he is nearing the late of his prime. The only thing that did not change in him is, how his sharp blue eyes still has the same straight unwavering gaze. Misao had grown robust and more blooming due to motherhood and resembles less from the young girl with the body of a twelve year old boy, that is before Soujiro came to her life (.
But where is Soujiro?
" Otousan is always late." Shiro sighed, still a distance away from his brother who is contemplating by the Dojo, to where they hang out often late at night, playing chess or plainly talking about swordfighting and travelling. Playing mini-chess with Kenji, he looked up. "I think YOU had some explaining to do why you had to stay here for a week."
Kenji wrinkled his nose, It seems Shiro still haven't forgiven him quite about that comment he made on his otousan. " I think it wouldn't be easy." He replied, "Your otousan is unpredictable. He always look so serene and smiling… and you wouldn't know if he is already angry at that rate." Moving his chess piece, the red-haired youth continued " Remember when we are kids? Your mother won't allow us to join at their trip to Osaka, and we managed to slip in a traveling carriage and almost got lost when we come home …"
Shiro's green eyes narrowed a bit and his face turned blue as he recall that moment, then made a couple of moves at his chess piece, "Oh yes, and that's why we arrived so very late at that time. We got both of our parties so worried that they almost instigate a manhunt search in whole Edo. I recall the reaction of our otousans after that."
Kenji nodded, "Yeah, mine is so worried that he almost cried, while my okaasan gave me a plenty of scolding and had to whap me with a slipper after that. But your otousan is so disturbingly calm, he even managed to hush your mother..."
Shiro looked up at Kenji, "Otousan…he looks so peaceful but when he led me to my room at that time, he lost it." He shuddered, as if the moment is still fresh in his mind. " He made me lie down to my stomach and hit me several times with a belt…shouting to me that I swear to him never to do that again…"
"Ouch. He must be really been worried you know." Kenji said, "Tenshi said that your Otousan cried with your mother after that, he is really disappointed so it leaves him no choice but teach you a lesson." Then Kenji paused, "Oi, but how did your otousan KNOW that we did stakeout to Osaka that time? That what really got him furious."
Shiro gave his twin a sharp glare, "Tenshi just can't keep his mouth shut."
Kenji looked from behind, waiting for Tenshi's reaction. If he had known better, its better to stay away from the two when an argument is rising up. Shiro being the older one, is much the leader and expects that he is being favored by his Father, and got a stubborn streak to prove his worth. Tenshi is the follower, the much logical one… and the much sensitive one that needs to be look after. In turn, Shiro gets jealous about it and at times resent having a presence that looks so much like him. So when the time comes when they were to be taught the skills to be handed down to the family, they were taught separate skills to avoid this sibling rivalry: Shiro, the older one gets to learn the way of the sword. Tenshi, the art of camouflage and stealth that is Ninjistu.
But now it's a different talk: Tenshi awhile ago demonstrated the "Heaven sword" technique. Which is by means, BREAKING the rule. What Tenshi was trained for is ninjistu, so it comes to surprise to Shiro that Tenshi knows to use the forbidden move…which must be needed an extensive sword training to achieve it. And after all, Shiro was promised to inherit that Skill. Not Tenshi.
"We don't have to go back to such petty matters, Aniki…"
" IT is a big deal! I was supposed to learn that Technique not you, it has been the family rule."
"But I guess the rules have been changed." As soon as those words left Tenshi's mouth, it finally made his older brother snap. He quickly received a sudden shock of blow to his right cheek, so strong that it left him tumbling down to the cold hard ground. But that was not enough, and it was wrong move to reason out with Shiro. The older twin haven't finished hitting him, and he dove right at the top of him with an attempt to strangle him to death. Shiro's eyes were feral and wild, as if the disappointment was too much for him to bear. But Tenshi was able to counter that by kicking his brother to the stomach, giving a sickening thud as Shiro crashed to the nearby bushes.
"Enough of this Aniki, Let me explain! Otousan had a reason!!"
" I don't have to listen to your reason!!"
"Then now, will you listen to me?" a calm voice came into and caught the two into a surprise, whoever behind them that spoke, it made Kenji bow down into fear and respect… The man that come out into shadows had soothing yet affirmative indigo gaze that spoke with authority.
"Otousan!!" They both gasped. Soujiro's presence, even if he didn't speak could be seen to his deep indigo eyes. 16 years made a dramatic change to Soujiro's features as also Misao had when she gave birth to his children. His face is leaner and longer, but he still had the same infectious warm smile and the indigo eyes that are still wide and bright, a part of his youth that hadn't changed now at his early prime. But now, his eyes seem to show some certain bluish hue, as if indicating that he is not very pleased on what he saw.
Kenji silently walked away to the joint portion of the house, knowing well that he can't intervene at the situation. Maybe he will just ask Misao- san for permission to stay for the week.
"Otousan, you promised me! Remember? Why does it have to be him? It's no longer at the family rule!" Shiro choked, stumbling to his feet. "You know what I'm talking about Otousan, It's the…"
Soujiro lift his hand, halting the disgruntled Shiro and stalling the chance for Tenshi to hit back at his brother. "That your brother learned the Heaven Sword." He spoke.
Shiro's eyes widened, "How…how did you know I'm going to ask that?". Soujiro notioned both sons near him, provided that they don't get to each other this time he is around. "It's because I'm your father Shiro, I know what makes you visibly upset." He observed his twin sons, Tenshi who is furious with his brother hitting him and Shiro obviously wanting some answers. "It's about time, I'm going to tell you something. It's about the family rule: It's true that I shall pass my heritage…the heaven sword… to a son. What your grandfather Okina said is not the complete answer…"
"That the skills to be taught are to be separately between us brothers. To avoid rivalry" Tenshi said, "he made that rule."
"Right. BUT I had twin sons." Soujiro noted with a humorous tone at his voice, the twins look at each other with a puzzled expression. Ignoring their reaction, he continued. " It does not matter, but when Okina says that I shall pass my heritage to the eldest son, you two came along. You are born at the same time, same year. When Tenshi showed his interest early in ninjistu I let him do as he wish, and you Shiro, being ahead by a few minutes is naturally taught by the way of the sword. Yes you were told the separate skills, but that does not include the original deal on the inheritance of the Heaven sword skill."
"It's not making sense…" Shiro scratched his head, "NOW I'm really confused."
"I think I got it!" Tenshi piped in, serving as his twin's logical side. "Otousan what you meant was, being BOTH of us as your eldest son's, for us having born at the same year…meaning we both shall inherit the skill!"
"That's right." Soujiro smiled,
"But that didn't still answer my whole question," Shiro complained, "Why, why did Tenshi has to be taught behind my back all these years? WHY does he got to know it first before I do?"
"Because you will be jealous Shiro, and even if me and your mother explain it to you, you are too young to understand."
He hate to admit it, but Soujiro, his father, is right. "He might not say it," Soujiro continued, "…but your younger brother always look up on you. That motivates him to learn the Heaven Sword."
Tenshi nodded curtly, "Actually, that's when otousan decides to give me some training."
"Shiro, Tenshi. You two are my only children. I don't want to see you two fight without resolving to talking it over."
"Otousan," Shiro finally spoke, now much calmer and with a serious air around him. "Grandpa is now dying, he told me that it's my duty being the eldest of the two and as next to you, to protect everyone from harm. He told me that by due time, I shall inherit your sword, as a code of honor. Like you always say when I was young."
"Yes, that I assure you."
"Then why can't you let me teach me the Heaven Sword? Why not even NOW?"
"You are not yet ready, Shiro. Not yet."
"Just trust me like you do with Tenshi. Even for once." He finally said, and did not object like he usually does, instead he furiously left and went inside the dojo. He can't take the disappointment on him anymore, why they favor Tenshi. He didn't want to further elaborate, for it will all went to the event that happened nearly a decade ago when that "trip to Osaka".
The uneasy silence was broken when Misao came rushing outside to the dojo to meet them, greeting in front of her is only Soujiro and Tenshi, Shiro was nowhere in sight. She must have caught them in a father-and-son talk, for Shiro has the habit of walking away from sensitive matters like these.
"Soujiro…" she panted heavily, "Soujiro…we had to go to Himura's residence immediaetly."
"Why, What's wrong Misao?"
"Himura's daughter is kidnapped by some syndicate, we have to help them."
Soujiro nodded silently, "I will be prepared shortly, now go" and he made haste into the dojo to get some things.
Kenji has a SISTER?
Tenshi's eyes widened, he can't even recall Kenji having a sister. Maybe its because, Shiro is much closer to him. But he still does not have a slight memory of seeing a young girl in Himura's residence.
"Tenshi," Misao looked to her son, "Don't tell Kenji about this. He might worry and go look for her himself. Go tell your brother that we are going away for awhile."
"Kenji has a sister? How come I hadn't heard of her?" he nearly said out loud,
"Kenji's sister, Hotaru… she is not a very healthy child. That's why you haven't heard much of her." Soujiro said, helping Misao prepare and handing out her weapons. "It's a long story Tenshi, but we promise to be back soon." And with his indigo gaze meeting up with Shiro's questioning green eyes, "But your brother do know about her well, maybe it's a good time you can also both open up and talk."
"Hai." Tenshi bowed in respect, and watched his parents took off. But it wasn't after a short while, he heard small quick steps from behind him… quick steps running away. He quickly turned around, and saw a shadowed figure running out in a hurry…with a familiar reddish long hair.
At the Oni's Residence
"Shiro, Tenshi. Come closer." The old man croaked, as he lay down at his death bed. Surrounded by his respected comrades that had became his family. He signaled the young ones come to him. His great-grandsons, his twin great- grandsons. They had grown into strong young men, "You two, you both got your mother's beautiful green eyes. Sometimes its hard to tell you two apart." He smiled faintly, "Why, you got the looks to charm any pretty young ladies these days. It is how your father got your mother to fall in love with him."
"Not now, grandpa." Misao blushed.
Okina had grown wearily with age, and had the Buddha blessed him with long life. He was there when Aoshi became the leader, when Misao blossomed to a young woman and rise up to her own feet, and finally she was blessed with a husband with impressive skills to match her pedigree: and giving not one but TWO great-grandsons. "You musn't speak much grandpa, it will only weaken you." Shiro spoke,
"Its naturally for me to be weak, for anytime now I'm prepared to leave this earth." He coughed, looking around him blearily. Everyone in the room is in deep silence, most of them are holding back their tears. Some tried to restrain themselves, by turning their backs and letting out deep breaths. Pain and sorrow filled the whole room, for Okina had been there for them as long anyone could remember. "Don't speak like that, grandpa. There is still a lot of things you could teach us."
" Bah. I'm here for long enough to witness three generations, I'm lucky that I went this far." Okina scolded Shiro. "You are the older one, Shiro. You watch out over your younger brother and your Mother. You are still as persistent and stubborn, but that kind fighting spirit will take you to greater deeds."
" I don't know Grandpa, it seems Tenshi is better for that role." He exclaimed, surprising Tenshi who is sitting just beside him, "Aniki.."
"How could you? You are such a hypocrite. Learning that special move behind my back, haven't being chosen to be a respected Oni is just as enough?"
"Shiro!" Misao scolded, "You don't dare speak to your brother like that, not now!"
"You speak like he is your only son! I am also your son, why did father did this?" Shiro objected, his voice full of disbelief as he stands in front of his Mother. Misao replied to him with a stinging slap at the cheek, "Your father has it reasons Shiro, and we never look either one of you as favorites! You are old enough to understand that."
Okina gave both of them a knowing look, he knows that it is unavoidable for two brothers to have a rivalry and what more on twins. "Pardon me," he whispered. But the mother and son is escalating in a fierce personal argument. "Excuse me, listen up.." he gasped… but everyone's attention is turning to Shiro and Misao with all attempting to calm them.
"LISTEN UP!!!"
Everyone was jolted into sudden silence. It might have took all Okina's strength to shout that loud. "Shiro come here,"
"I can't…"
"I said, come HERE." And he mustered enough strength to lift himself up and pull the youth down firmly to the floor, everyone sweatdropped. "I know what exactly how you feel Shiro. Sit here." Okina said, then looking to Tenshi, "It was obvious, that you already know that what responsibility that lies ahead now you are chosen to replace your mother."
"Iya..Doushite?"
"Your mother, my little angel Misao." Okina beamed, "she was just about your age when she took up the responsibility to become a leader." His precious angel, Misao. Okina recalled those times. When he anticipated Misao's labor: he was so exahilirated when she gave birth to twins. The younger twin that followed, seems much silent and peaceful. "Look Misao, this one seems like a darling little angel…just like you."
"That's a nice name grandpa." Misao wearily replied, who at the time had finished breastfeeding ( "I shall call this little one Tenshi… his name would mean Angel."
"Your mother.." Okina continued, "Your mother almost gave up her position when you two came along. But from time to time, she is called to duty to do her bidding. We are just waiting for that right time, when either one of you will take her place." He coughed, "and that one is you Tenshi, you learned well from your mother…and Shiro.."
"Hai?"
"You got a bigger responsibility. You might not be the one chosen for the deed, but like I said before, next to your father, you are the man of the house. You watch over your Mother and your brother. Protect the ones that you love. That's why you are taught with the way of your father…" he points out the wooden sword Shiro is gripping. "The way of the sword…you shall use it not to kill, but to protect for those you love and for justice…when eventually that time would come.."
"But father haven't thought me well yet. I'm not yet ready."
"You will know when you are ready." Okina replied, pointing out a wrapped item at the corner near his bed. "Your father could be a bit forgetful, but anyway open this.." he signaled Aoshi to give the wrapped item to the boy. Shiro unwrapped it eagerly and his eyes widened what seems to greet him.
It is his father's sword, the Nihontou.
He slowly unsheaths the sword and gasped at the sword's pure beauty, unmarred, still shiny and clean with all those years. The shine is so pure that you could tell that the blade haven't dulled for that long period of time. "But it's not yet…"
"I know it's not yet the time, I just have to show it to you." Okina said, notioning Omasu to take the weapon back after Shiro's observation. The latter sighed, sometimes Grandpa could be so weird sometimes. "The importance of that sword is great, you are only going to use it when the need arises. It is the same sword that both saved your Mother and your Father's lives." Shiro nodded, he understood. The tale of the sword and how his mother and father met is a very engaging real-life fairytale, so he couldn't question more about it's importance.
"Do you know where your father is?"
"No, Grandpa…" Shiro replied, "I think he is out fishing again, or buying goods at the market." Shiro always wondered sometimes that how his father could be so carefree sometimes, that when there is a certain important event he arrives late for it. Maybe it's because his mother is an equally bad cook like his Aunt Kaoru, that like Kenji's father…Soujiro had to look after their Mother's chores time after time.
After awhile, Okina dismissed the twins, and prodded them outside the room and talked with the veteran members of the Oniwabanshus: Aoshi, Misao and the rest of them. Aoshi looks more gaunt and his hair show a few streaks of grey but not yet receding, as if indicating he is nearing the late of his prime. The only thing that did not change in him is, how his sharp blue eyes still has the same straight unwavering gaze. Misao had grown robust and more blooming due to motherhood and resembles less from the young girl with the body of a twelve year old boy, that is before Soujiro came to her life (.
But where is Soujiro?
" Otousan is always late." Shiro sighed, still a distance away from his brother who is contemplating by the Dojo, to where they hang out often late at night, playing chess or plainly talking about swordfighting and travelling. Playing mini-chess with Kenji, he looked up. "I think YOU had some explaining to do why you had to stay here for a week."
Kenji wrinkled his nose, It seems Shiro still haven't forgiven him quite about that comment he made on his otousan. " I think it wouldn't be easy." He replied, "Your otousan is unpredictable. He always look so serene and smiling… and you wouldn't know if he is already angry at that rate." Moving his chess piece, the red-haired youth continued " Remember when we are kids? Your mother won't allow us to join at their trip to Osaka, and we managed to slip in a traveling carriage and almost got lost when we come home …"
Shiro's green eyes narrowed a bit and his face turned blue as he recall that moment, then made a couple of moves at his chess piece, "Oh yes, and that's why we arrived so very late at that time. We got both of our parties so worried that they almost instigate a manhunt search in whole Edo. I recall the reaction of our otousans after that."
Kenji nodded, "Yeah, mine is so worried that he almost cried, while my okaasan gave me a plenty of scolding and had to whap me with a slipper after that. But your otousan is so disturbingly calm, he even managed to hush your mother..."
Shiro looked up at Kenji, "Otousan…he looks so peaceful but when he led me to my room at that time, he lost it." He shuddered, as if the moment is still fresh in his mind. " He made me lie down to my stomach and hit me several times with a belt…shouting to me that I swear to him never to do that again…"
"Ouch. He must be really been worried you know." Kenji said, "Tenshi said that your Otousan cried with your mother after that, he is really disappointed so it leaves him no choice but teach you a lesson." Then Kenji paused, "Oi, but how did your otousan KNOW that we did stakeout to Osaka that time? That what really got him furious."
Shiro gave his twin a sharp glare, "Tenshi just can't keep his mouth shut."
Kenji looked from behind, waiting for Tenshi's reaction. If he had known better, its better to stay away from the two when an argument is rising up. Shiro being the older one, is much the leader and expects that he is being favored by his Father, and got a stubborn streak to prove his worth. Tenshi is the follower, the much logical one… and the much sensitive one that needs to be look after. In turn, Shiro gets jealous about it and at times resent having a presence that looks so much like him. So when the time comes when they were to be taught the skills to be handed down to the family, they were taught separate skills to avoid this sibling rivalry: Shiro, the older one gets to learn the way of the sword. Tenshi, the art of camouflage and stealth that is Ninjistu.
But now it's a different talk: Tenshi awhile ago demonstrated the "Heaven sword" technique. Which is by means, BREAKING the rule. What Tenshi was trained for is ninjistu, so it comes to surprise to Shiro that Tenshi knows to use the forbidden move…which must be needed an extensive sword training to achieve it. And after all, Shiro was promised to inherit that Skill. Not Tenshi.
"We don't have to go back to such petty matters, Aniki…"
" IT is a big deal! I was supposed to learn that Technique not you, it has been the family rule."
"But I guess the rules have been changed." As soon as those words left Tenshi's mouth, it finally made his older brother snap. He quickly received a sudden shock of blow to his right cheek, so strong that it left him tumbling down to the cold hard ground. But that was not enough, and it was wrong move to reason out with Shiro. The older twin haven't finished hitting him, and he dove right at the top of him with an attempt to strangle him to death. Shiro's eyes were feral and wild, as if the disappointment was too much for him to bear. But Tenshi was able to counter that by kicking his brother to the stomach, giving a sickening thud as Shiro crashed to the nearby bushes.
"Enough of this Aniki, Let me explain! Otousan had a reason!!"
" I don't have to listen to your reason!!"
"Then now, will you listen to me?" a calm voice came into and caught the two into a surprise, whoever behind them that spoke, it made Kenji bow down into fear and respect… The man that come out into shadows had soothing yet affirmative indigo gaze that spoke with authority.
"Otousan!!" They both gasped. Soujiro's presence, even if he didn't speak could be seen to his deep indigo eyes. 16 years made a dramatic change to Soujiro's features as also Misao had when she gave birth to his children. His face is leaner and longer, but he still had the same infectious warm smile and the indigo eyes that are still wide and bright, a part of his youth that hadn't changed now at his early prime. But now, his eyes seem to show some certain bluish hue, as if indicating that he is not very pleased on what he saw.
Kenji silently walked away to the joint portion of the house, knowing well that he can't intervene at the situation. Maybe he will just ask Misao- san for permission to stay for the week.
"Otousan, you promised me! Remember? Why does it have to be him? It's no longer at the family rule!" Shiro choked, stumbling to his feet. "You know what I'm talking about Otousan, It's the…"
Soujiro lift his hand, halting the disgruntled Shiro and stalling the chance for Tenshi to hit back at his brother. "That your brother learned the Heaven Sword." He spoke.
Shiro's eyes widened, "How…how did you know I'm going to ask that?". Soujiro notioned both sons near him, provided that they don't get to each other this time he is around. "It's because I'm your father Shiro, I know what makes you visibly upset." He observed his twin sons, Tenshi who is furious with his brother hitting him and Shiro obviously wanting some answers. "It's about time, I'm going to tell you something. It's about the family rule: It's true that I shall pass my heritage…the heaven sword… to a son. What your grandfather Okina said is not the complete answer…"
"That the skills to be taught are to be separately between us brothers. To avoid rivalry" Tenshi said, "he made that rule."
"Right. BUT I had twin sons." Soujiro noted with a humorous tone at his voice, the twins look at each other with a puzzled expression. Ignoring their reaction, he continued. " It does not matter, but when Okina says that I shall pass my heritage to the eldest son, you two came along. You are born at the same time, same year. When Tenshi showed his interest early in ninjistu I let him do as he wish, and you Shiro, being ahead by a few minutes is naturally taught by the way of the sword. Yes you were told the separate skills, but that does not include the original deal on the inheritance of the Heaven sword skill."
"It's not making sense…" Shiro scratched his head, "NOW I'm really confused."
"I think I got it!" Tenshi piped in, serving as his twin's logical side. "Otousan what you meant was, being BOTH of us as your eldest son's, for us having born at the same year…meaning we both shall inherit the skill!"
"That's right." Soujiro smiled,
"But that didn't still answer my whole question," Shiro complained, "Why, why did Tenshi has to be taught behind my back all these years? WHY does he got to know it first before I do?"
"Because you will be jealous Shiro, and even if me and your mother explain it to you, you are too young to understand."
He hate to admit it, but Soujiro, his father, is right. "He might not say it," Soujiro continued, "…but your younger brother always look up on you. That motivates him to learn the Heaven Sword."
Tenshi nodded curtly, "Actually, that's when otousan decides to give me some training."
"Shiro, Tenshi. You two are my only children. I don't want to see you two fight without resolving to talking it over."
"Otousan," Shiro finally spoke, now much calmer and with a serious air around him. "Grandpa is now dying, he told me that it's my duty being the eldest of the two and as next to you, to protect everyone from harm. He told me that by due time, I shall inherit your sword, as a code of honor. Like you always say when I was young."
"Yes, that I assure you."
"Then why can't you let me teach me the Heaven Sword? Why not even NOW?"
"You are not yet ready, Shiro. Not yet."
"Just trust me like you do with Tenshi. Even for once." He finally said, and did not object like he usually does, instead he furiously left and went inside the dojo. He can't take the disappointment on him anymore, why they favor Tenshi. He didn't want to further elaborate, for it will all went to the event that happened nearly a decade ago when that "trip to Osaka".
The uneasy silence was broken when Misao came rushing outside to the dojo to meet them, greeting in front of her is only Soujiro and Tenshi, Shiro was nowhere in sight. She must have caught them in a father-and-son talk, for Shiro has the habit of walking away from sensitive matters like these.
"Soujiro…" she panted heavily, "Soujiro…we had to go to Himura's residence immediaetly."
"Why, What's wrong Misao?"
"Himura's daughter is kidnapped by some syndicate, we have to help them."
Soujiro nodded silently, "I will be prepared shortly, now go" and he made haste into the dojo to get some things.
Kenji has a SISTER?
Tenshi's eyes widened, he can't even recall Kenji having a sister. Maybe its because, Shiro is much closer to him. But he still does not have a slight memory of seeing a young girl in Himura's residence.
"Tenshi," Misao looked to her son, "Don't tell Kenji about this. He might worry and go look for her himself. Go tell your brother that we are going away for awhile."
"Kenji has a sister? How come I hadn't heard of her?" he nearly said out loud,
"Kenji's sister, Hotaru… she is not a very healthy child. That's why you haven't heard much of her." Soujiro said, helping Misao prepare and handing out her weapons. "It's a long story Tenshi, but we promise to be back soon." And with his indigo gaze meeting up with Shiro's questioning green eyes, "But your brother do know about her well, maybe it's a good time you can also both open up and talk."
"Hai." Tenshi bowed in respect, and watched his parents took off. But it wasn't after a short while, he heard small quick steps from behind him… quick steps running away. He quickly turned around, and saw a shadowed figure running out in a hurry…with a familiar reddish long hair.