The following morning, Isshin awoke with a pronounced yawn, his stomach growling in hunger. His early rising had become a daily ritual, and today was no exception. As he stretched his limbs and body, he felt invigorated after yesterday's grueling training session with his father. With renewed energy, he rose from his bed and gave his belly a comforting rub.
"Breakfast is ready, Isshin!" His stepmother, Hana, called out from downstairs, signaling that the morning meal was prepared. Obliging the call, he made his way down to join his family.
After greeting his family members, Isshin quietly sat down for breakfast, mindful of his father's strict etiquette rules regarding mealtime.
Once the meal was over, Isshin's father, Jinpachi, summoned him to his room. "Isshin, meet me in my room after you've finished everything. I have something to discuss with you," he said before taking his leave.
After completing his morning routine, which included bathing, meditation, and study, Isshin made his way to his father's room as instructed. "Father, you called for me," he announced his presence and awaited his father's words.
Jinpachi's demeanor was sincere and serious as he broached a topic that immediately sent chills down Isshin's spine: his mother. Isshin nodded, his curiosity piqued, and he patiently awaited his father's revelation.
"The story begins with your true mother, Akira Tsunayashiro," Jinpachi began, taking a moment to gauge Isshin's reaction. He revealed the truth about Isshin's mother, which also meant that Hana was his stepmother, and Ichiro was his stepbrother.
Isshin remained surprisingly stoic, his lack of emotional reaction surprising his father. He had expected tears, anger, or shouts, but Isshin remained eerily composed.
"Your mother and my late wife hailed from the Shinigami faction, the sworn enemies of the Quincies," Jinpachi continued, going on to explain the complexities of the Soul Society, the royal palace, and the enigmatic Soul King.
As hours passed during the explanation, neither of them paid attention to the passage of time. Jinpachi provided Isshin with the basics of his mother's heritage.
"So, my mother was first married into the Tsunayashiro clan, one of the five noble families in the Soul Society. She was wed to them for political reasons, as part of the Kasumioji clan, and didn't love her groom," Isshin summarized after hours of absorbing the intricate details.
"It's indeed a complicated relationship," Isshin noted internally before turning his attention back to his father.
"I'm relieved that you've grasped the situation without making a fuss," Jinpachi commented, though his outward demeanor masked the concern he felt for what might be transpiring in his son's heart and mind.
"Dad, I have a question," Isshin asked, his contemplation evident.
"What is it?" Jinpachi inquired, his interest piqued.
Isshin wore a mischievous grin as he posed his question, "How did my beautiful mother ever fall in love with an ugly bastard like you?" He skillfully dodged his father's wrathful fist, which missed him and instead hit the floor.
"You impudent brat!" Jinpachi exclaimed in irritation, his fatherly pride wounded by the strong words his son had thrown at him.
"Alright, on a more serious note, why was my mother expelled from the Soul Society and labeled a traitor?" Isshin asked, shifting from jest to genuine curiosity. His question redirected his father's attention from anger to calm reflection.
"That's a story for another time, son. I have something to show you before I go," Jinpachi said urgently as he turned to retrieve a red box, elegantly tied with a golden thread.
Isshin felt an inexplicable connection to the box or its contents. He sensed a powerful bond, even though the spiritual energy emanating from the box was faint due to his sensitivity.
"I knew you would sense it, my son. I'm proud of you," Jinpachi unexpectedly praised him, leaving Isshin taken aback by his father's straightforwardness, unsure of the reason behind the praise.
"Open the box," Jinpachi urged calmly, pushing the container toward Isshin.
Isshin examined the box carefully before stating, "This... it's a hilt?" Confusion lingered in his voice, and he gripped the object firmly, feeling its intricate design.
"Actually, this hilt belongs to your mother, Akira. It's a Zanpakuto, a family heirloom passed down through generations in their family," Jinpachi explained, his gaze fixed on Isshin as his son's grip tightened around the hilt, now understanding the significance of the golden hilt adorned with a red ribbon and a diamond pattern in its center, in a straight line.