It is year 1872, and Ubuyashiki Kareki at age 24 is dying.

The man is very much on the brink of death. And Zeno is here. Sitting next to the man's bed, with Ubuyashiki Akari and a 11-year-old Kiriga who was trying to stifle his tears. Even Kareki's own mother isn't here.

Fumiko and other relatives were in another safe house, Kareki had not wanted them to see him die. Only Kiriga, heir and very soon to be oyakata, out of his children would have to see him die. Akari was silent, eyes closed but Zeno could see the silent tears and the trembling from the corner of his eye.

"Ouryu..u.. promise.. Kibutsuji.." Kareki was too weak to speak or even finish the full sentence. But Zeno knew what the man was asking for. The man holds out his hand stubbornly, ignoring his own pain.

Zeno slowly reaches out and takes the hovering hand. Zeno inhales sharply at the weak but determined grip Kareki was holding and clasps the trembling hand tighter.

"I promise, the time will come."

And Kareki smiled, one last gentle smile. His eyes gazed at Akari, loving and sending silent reassurance's. His words from the days before today had all been knowing. Aware of his soon to be passing.

Kiriga bites his lip as he struggles not to weep. The 11-year-old tried to rub his eyes subtly and tries not to let his lips tremble.

Kareki's hand starts loosing it's grip, and the light that is still shimmering in his eyes starts to fade. The knowing glint flashes one more time and then the man closes his unseeing eyes. Any strength left in Kareki disappears and his body shuts off forever. Letting the man rest in peace.

Instead of leaving to let the family mourn as he had meant to, Zeno froze in his place. Kiriga's tears and sobbing finally couldn't be contained anymore and the 11-year-old wailed.

Zeno didn't want to stay here to listen.
He wanted to leave rather than listen to the grieving. He is an outsider, not a part of the family.

Kiriga wails and Akari cries with a soft voice.

The 2 keep mourning, for the loss of a father. Because of the horrifying disease the family had. Because of the responsibility now on a 11-year-olds shoulders. Because Kiriga would have to say goodbye to his own children just like this when his time came.

And Zeno could only hold them.
Both Ubuyashiki Kareki's crying wife and son.

Who both cry for the loss of a great man.