Although the Shiba clan was one of the Four Great Noble Houses, their home was far from extravagant — in fact, it looked much like any ordinary family's residence.
Shiba Kaien usually lived in the squad barracks, since he was the one managing nearly all affairs of Squad 13. As a result, he didn't often come home.
"I'm back, Kūkaku, Ganjū!"
Footsteps immediately rushed out from deeper within the house.
"Big Brother!"
A boy with a solid, well-built frame and a head of black hair came charging out first, his face alight with joy.
"Why are you back, Big Brother?"
This was Shiba Kaien's younger brother, Shiba Ganjū.
Nobu watched the boy with a thoughtful expression.
Ganjū, for his part, quickly noticed Nobu and toned down his excitement a bit. "Big Brother, who's this?"
"This is Tachikawa Nobu — a friend of mine. He's here as a guest today."
At that, Ganjū immediately composed himself and gave Nobu a slight bow, his manners impeccable. "Nice to meet you, Nobu-kun."
"Nice to meet you," Nobu replied simply.
"Where's Kūkaku?"
"Taking her afternoon nap. Didn't Sister-in-law come with you?"
Kaien gave Ganjū a flick on the head. "She's busy with work. We're not even married yet — why are you always trying to get her to come over?"
Ganjū rubbed his head and muttered under his breath, "Not married but you're already living together…"
"What was that?" Kaien raised his hand again.
"Nothing! I'm going to wake up Sis!"
With that, Ganjū bolted back inside.
Nobu couldn't help but chuckle.
What a lively household. Must be fun living here.
Kaien laughed too. "That little brother of mine is just a bit too impulsive sometimes."
"I actually think he's a lot like you — sincere and straightforward. I like it."
Kaien raised an eyebrow at that, the corners of his lips tugging upward.
"Come on, let's head in."
The two walked through the entryway, and just as they stepped into the living room, a clear and furious voice rang out from inside.
"Ganjū! Are you looking to die?!"
"But Sis! We have a guest!"
"Guest, my ass! Kick him out! Tell him we're closed today!"
"Big Brother's back too!"
At the sound of that voice, Nobu's brow twitched slightly.
To be honest, one of the reasons he'd insisted on visiting Shiba Kaien's home today was because of this Shiba Kūkaku — hoping he could score some favorability points off her.
But from the sound of her voice, her personality was even more hot-tempered than he'd expected.
Before entering, Nobu had noticed a wooden sign hung by the door reading "Fireworks for Sale." For one of the Four Great Noble Houses to be running a side business like a common street vendor… it was definitely unexpected.
Ganjū stumbled out of a back room, hand over his face like a kicked puppy.
Trailing behind him was a figure who looked half-asleep and clearly disgruntled. Despite her tousled hair and groggy state, Nobu's eyes lit up the moment he saw her.
Although she was Kaien's younger sister, Shiba Kūkaku had the presence of a fully grown woman. She'd obviously just woken up — dressed in a white tube top and a side-slit white mini skirt. Her tanned skin radiated health, and her tall, athletic build was toned and strong, exuding both vitality and a powerful kind of beauty.
That said, she clearly wasn't in the mood. Her expression was sour as she scanned the room, eyes landing on Nobu.
The moment their gazes met, Nobu blinked.
THUD!
Without warning, Kūkaku kicked Ganjū flat on his back and stomped back into her room, slamming the door shut behind her.
Nobu: "…"
Kaien: "…"
Ganjū: "Ow…"
Kaien could only raise a hand to his forehead, sighing. "Sorry about that. Please, have a seat."
Nobu took a seat, and Ganjū — already used to his sister's violent outbursts — got up, dusted himself off, and dutifully went to pour Nobu some tea.
A few moments later, Kūkaku returned, this time fully dressed. She'd thrown on a red cropped jacket over her tube top and swapped her skirt for pants.
Her expression, however, was still stormy — she clearly hadn't recovered from her nap.
[Shiba Kūkaku]
[Favorability: 3]
Tch.
Nobu had only hoped to get about ten favorability points out of this visit, figuring they'd probably run into each other often. But now it looked like that wasn't going to be easy.
The look Kūkaku gave him clearly said: Who the hell is this brat?
Kaien quickly did the introductions again. "Kūkaku, this is my friend, Tachikawa Nobu. He's a student at the Shin'ō Academy."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Kūkaku," Nobu greeted politely.
Kūkaku sat across from him and took a sip of the tea Ganjū had poured. Without lifting her eyes much, she replied, "We're not that close. Just call me Miss Shiba."
Nobu: "…"
Damn, this girl's got attitude!
Kūkaku turned to Kaien. "Since when do you make friends with Academy students?"
Kaien, usually easygoing and laid-back, couldn't help but scold her at that. "Kūkaku, that's rude!"
She just rolled her eyes and looked away, clearly not taking him seriously.
Nobu quickly stepped in. "It's alright. Miss Shiba's just being honest. After all, I'm the one who showed up uninvited. If anyone should feel embarrassed, it's me."
Kūkaku glanced at him but said nothing.
[Favorability: 4]
Nobu let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness. At least she's still human.
Kaien, on the other hand, felt thoroughly humiliated. As a big brother, he clearly had no authority at all. "Nobu will be staying for dinner. You guys go get things ready."
Kūkaku turned to Ganjū. "Go make dinner."
"Yes, Sis," Ganjū replied meekly and scurried out of the living room.
Kūkaku finished her tea and stood up as if to leave.
"Where are you going?" Kaien asked.
"Still got some fireworks to finish. Call me when dinner's ready," she said over her shoulder, not bothering to turn around.
Kaien gave Nobu a helpless smile. "Kūkaku's got a hobby — she's really into fireworks."
Nobu grinned. "That's pretty cool. I love watching fireworks too."
Kaien, however, was screaming internally: How embarrassing! This is mortifying!
I never should've brought this kid home!
What the hell possessed him to insist on visiting anyway?!
Nobu glanced at Kūkaku's retreating figure. When he'd said he liked fireworks, she'd very clearly paused for a split second.
[Favorability: 5]