Duty-Bound: Chapter 40
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Mikan's arm wasn't fully healed yet, but she had insisted to continue her duty as the heiress to this land. Even after her banishment, her sense of duty never faded. That was what he loved about her. Despite everyone's bad treatment towards her, she always faced everything bravely; her resolve never wavered.
"How's Rei-shishō?"
While gazing into her eyes, he told her everything.
Finding her mentor was easier than he thought. Rei's place was just where Mikan had described it. Her mentor's first reaction when they met almost took him by surprise. Years of training had helped him to act quickly, so he was able to defend himself from Rei's katana with his own.
"Rei-dono, I come here on Mikan's behalf," he said while blocking Rei's second attack.
Since Rei didn't give any sign of recognition for her name, he pulled his sword away and jumped back a few feet before throwing Mikan's hira-shuriken at him. Of course, Rei caught it easily, but he still lunged at him afterwards. Confused beyond words, he could only play along with Rei and slowly realised that the man was sparring with him.
Half an hour later, Rei finally stopped and looked at him in the eye. "Tell me, Natsume-dono. What is the message from my little sister?"
Blushing sheepishly, she averted her eyes. "A year after learning shuriken-jutsu, Rei-shishō, or should I say Aniki came to love me as his sister."
He wanted to know why she didn't tell him earlier but decided against it as it could wait until later.
"Your suspicion about that elder is right. Part of the deed was done by him."
"Then… What is the relationship between them?"
He knew she was referring to Ruka. After taking a deep breath, he told her, "They are uncle and nephew."