Part 1: The Familiar Embrace
Takuto's entire body froze like a statue as Hana suddenly lunged forward and clung to him, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck. "Onii-chan! It's me, Hana Himura!" she cried out.
His mind was in complete disarray. The legendary composure he had gained through Phoenix Eye training shattered instantly. The girl in his arms felt achingly familiar, her presence pulling at strings of memory he thought were long broken.
Takuto: (Breathing heavily) "H... Hana? Are you... are you really Himura? How is this even possible...?"
Hana pulled back slightly, her deep reddish-brown eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Hana: (Voice trembling) "Brother... don't you remember me? I... I never forgot you. No matter how far apart we were forced to be..."
Takuto cupped her face with both hands. A blurred fragment of a memory flashed through his mind like a lightning bolt, awakening the dormant pain of his past.
Takuto: "Where have you been, Hana? After the house fire eight years ago... I thought I had lost everyone. I thought you, Mom, and Dad were all gone!"
Hana's face clouded with a mixture of agony and sorrow.
Hana: "That's a long story, Onii-chan. Even before the fire, because of the secrets Mom and Dad were keeping, I was sent away to another province for my own safety."
Confusion clouded Takuto's gaze. His Phoenix Eye sought the truth, but Hana's emotions felt too raw, too genuine to be a lie.
Takuto: "Another province...? Why wasn't I told anything?"
Hana: "We didn't know, Onii-chan. After the fire, the relatives I stayed with told me that Mom, Dad, and even you had passed away. They said they kept me away to protect me from trauma and from the people who wanted to hurt us."
Takuto bit his lip, a heavy silence falling between them on the street. His mind snagged on one detail: their parents' secrets.
Takuto: "Then... how did you find out I was alive? And why return only now?"
Hana looked directly into his eyes, sensing the lingering layers of suspicion in his gaze.
Hana: (A sad smile playing on her lips) "Brother... I know you doubt me. I understand how suspicious it looks for a stranger to suddenly appear claiming to be someone you thought was dead."
Hana: "How can I prove to you that I am truly a Himura—that I am your sister?"
Takuto paused. Despite his training, his heart yearned for this to be true.
Takuto: (After a moment) "Proof... yes. Do you have anything? An old photo, or a family heirloom?"
Hana smiled, as if she had been expecting this exact question.
Hana: "I do. I have something I protected with my very life."
She reached into her pocket and slowly drew out a folded, weathered photograph, handing it to him.
With trembling hands, Takuto unfolded it. The photo depicted his younger self, his parents, and a little girl with jet-black hair, all laughing happily.
The moment he saw the image, the floodgates of his suppressed memories burst open. The sounds of the street faded away, replaced by a vision from the past.
Vision: His father holding a young Hana tenderly. Seven-year-old Takuto standing proudly by his father's leg. His mother laughing while stroking his hair. Hana, in her father's arms, waving at the camera with a tiny hand. "Onii-chan! We're taking the picture now!" her sweet voice echoed in his ears.
Takuto closed his eyes tight, fighting the surge of emotion. The three months of rigorous training at the camp had built his discipline, but it was useless against this. The face in the photo was an exact match for the Hana standing before him.
Takuto: (Whispering to himself) "This... this is really our family photo."
He folded the photo back up and looked at Hana. The suspicion was gone, replaced by profound longing and joy.
Takuto: "I... I really did forget. I forgot our past."
Hana smiled radiantly and grabbed his hand.
Hana: "We've found each other now, Onii-chan. That's all that matters!"
Takuto nodded, though a small observation lingered. He looked at her short, lavender-colored hair and compared it to the black-haired girl in the photo.
Takuto: "By the way, Hana... your hair was black in the photo. It's a completely different color now."
Hana tilted her head slightly.
Hana: "Oh, that? It's just a teenage thing, Onii-chan! I thought the purple looked fashionable. It has nothing to do with searching for you."
Takuto: (Thinking to himself, 'I guess that makes sense... girls like to experiment with fashion.')
Part 2: The Walk Home
After confirming her identity, Takuto carefully returned the photo to Hana. Though she walked closely beside him, the psychological distance created by eight years of separation couldn't be bridged instantly.
Takuto: (Walking slowly) "Hana... I'm incredibly happy to see you. But... since we've been apart for so long... it still feels a bit surreal."
Hana: (Tossing her lavender hair with a cute smile) "I understand, Onii-chan. We'll just have to make up for lost time. I'm never leaving your side again."
Takuto: (Subtly evaluating her words) "Tell me... what was your life like growing up? And what were those 'secrets' of our parents?"
Hana: (With an innocent, guileless tone) "Secrets... I don't really know. They left me with relatives, but I don't think Dad ever told them the full story."
Hana's explanation seemed logical, yet Takuto's Phoenix Eye could still sense a faint Stella Flow emanating from her. However, the energy wasn't particularly strong.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'I feel a strange energy flow from her, but it's weak. If my Phoenix Eye is hereditary... Hana might possess some power too. But she seems completely unaware of it.'
Takuto immediately resolved to protect her. His cold, warrior instincts kicked in.
Takuto: (Calmly changing the subject) "Alright. Let's talk more about that once we get home."
Hana: "By the way, Onii-chan! The way you took down those thugs was so cool! Where did you learn to fight like that?" (Hana began mimicking his combat moves playfully.)
Takuto: (Scratching his head) "An acquaintance taught me."
Hana: "Whatever the case, you were amazing!"
(Hana's Thoughts): 'Onii-chan isn't telling me anything about his Phoenix Eye. Just like Ryu said... I have to hide it too. He must never find out about the Wolf Eye.'
They walked in silence for a while. Takuto glanced at his sister, his mind racing through the threats of the Shadow Syndicate, Kaede, and the white-haired Ryu.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'My responsibility has grown. Whether Hana has powers or not, I must keep her off the Shadow Syndicate's radar. If the truth about Crimson Aegis and Ayano's past comes out, Hana's life will be ruined. It's better if she doesn't know about my power yet.'
Takuto reached the high-security fence of their residence and punched in the secret code. As he opened the door, the sound of casual chatter drifted from the living room. It seemed Kaori and Ayano weren't at war for once; they were helping Aoi with her schoolwork.
Kaori: (At the study table) "Aoi. This equation is simple. If 3x + 5 = 14, what is the value of x? Answer calmly."
Ayano: (Handing a cup of coffee to Aoi) "Kaori-san... no need to be so tense. Aoi-chan! Just think of it like a pancake recipe—something fun!"
Kaori: "Nutrition and algebra have nothing in common, Ayano!"
The front door swung open.
Takuto: "I'm back."
The three girls turned toward the door in surprise.
Aoi: (Jumping off the sofa) "Nii-san! You're home early!?"
Aoi ran and hugged Takuto tightly. Ayano and Kaori stood up, their faces glowing with relief and joy.
Ayano: (With a bright smile) "Takuto-kun! We thought we'd have to wait the full three months! How was the training?"
Kaori: (Frowning, ever the disciplinarian) "Takuto! Why are you back early? Did you come back without Sora-sama's permission? I'll have to check on this!"
Takuto: "It's fine. I informed her before I left."
Kaori: (Crossing her arms and looking away) "Fine then... anyway, welcome back, Takuto-kun..."
As the three girls crowded around him, Hana quietly stepped into the living room from behind Takuto. Her lavender hair and oversized hoodie immediately drew their attention.
Aoi: (Peering from behind Takuto, eyes wide) "Um... Nii-san? Who is that girl? Did she come with you?"
Kaori and Ayano's gazes snapped to Hana.
Takuto placed a hand on Hana's shoulder, a look of genuine excitement on his face.
Takuto: "You guys are going to be surprised. This is... my long-lost biological sister!"
The room went silent for a split second before the three girls screamed in unison.
Ayano, Kaori, Aoi: "WHAT...?! SISTER...!"
The living room became as cold as ice. Aoi let go of Takuto and stared intensely at Hana. Ayano and Kaori were frozen, their minds flooded with a thousand questions.
Kaori: (Stiffly, staring at Hana's hair) "Sister? Takuto-kun... what does this mean? Didn't you lose your entire family in the fire?"
Ayano: (Eyes wide, gears turning) 'Takuto-kun has a sister? Why didn't the Shadow Syndicate know about this? Is this a new Crimson Aegis secret?'
Aoi: (With innocent, worried eyes) "Sister? So... are you here to take Aoi's place?"
Hana looked at the two potential "rivals" (Ayano and Kaori) and then at the worried little girl.
Hana: (Sweetly, addressing Aoi) "No, dear. No one can take a sister's place. I'm just a missing piece of his past. I'd love to be your friend."
While her words comforted Aoi, they only deepened the suspicions of Kaori and Ayano.
Kaori: (Reaching for her tablet) "Just like we did with Ayano, we need to run a background check. I need to test her Stella Flow. This is vital for Takuto's security!"
Hana's eyes widened. She looked genuinely baffled.
Hana: "Stella Flow? What's that? What are you talking about? What does that have to do with anything?"
Takuto's heart sank. It was confirmed—Hana knew nothing about the world of powers. He realized Kaori was about to expose everything.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'Crap! Kaori is using those terms again! It's too early for Hana to find out what I'm hiding.'
In a blur of speed, Takuto moved toward Kaori. Thanks to his Shadow Step training, he was there in an instant. He firmly grabbed Kaori's right hand—the one holding the tablet—stopping her mid-sentence.
Kaori froze. The sudden physical contact and Takuto's proximity sent her heart racing. Her face flushed a deep crimson, and her professional demeanor vanished.
Takuto: (Holding her hand, voice low) "Kaori. Wait. I need to talk to you. In my room. Right now."
Kaori stammered, overwhelmed by his firm command and the warmth of his hand.
Kaori: (Blushing furiously) "Huh... what... why... why your room... just the two of us? Can't... can't you say it here, Takuto?"
Her choice of words carried a double meaning that made Ayano and Aoi smirk.
Takuto: (Ignoring her embarrassment, focused only on damage control) "Wait. This is a secret matter."
He turned to the others.
Takuto: "Aoi, Ayano, Hana. Please wait a moment. I'll be back after I talk to Kaori."
Takuto: "And Ayano-senpai... please don't tell Hana anything strange while I'm gone."
Ayano nodded, realizing Takuto was trying to keep Hana in the dark.
Takuto led Kaori by the hand, pulling her toward the stairs to his room.
Part 4: The Private Consultation
Once inside the room, Takuto shut the door and let out a sigh of relief. The immediate danger of the secret being exposed had passed.
Takuto: (Back turned to Kaori, voice relieved) "Kaori, I'm sorry for being so sudden. But your words were about to make things very complicated."
Kaori stood motionless beside him, her face still red. Takuto realized he was still holding her hand.
Takuto: "What's wrong, Kaori? Your face is so red. Are you feeling okay?"
Kaori's embarrassment peaked. She glanced down at their joined hands.
Kaori: (Voice barely a whisper) "You're... you're still holding my hand..."
Takuto jumped, finally realizing what he was doing. He let go immediately, his own face heating up.
Takuto: "Ah... I'm so sorry, Kaori! It was... it was just such an urgent matter... I didn't mean to!"
Kaori: (Exhaling, trying to regain her professional mask) "It's... it's fine. Just don't do it again. Now... tell me the important matter."
Takuto composed himself and glanced at the door.
Takuto: "What we're about to discuss is something Hana must never know."
Takuto: "My Phoenix Eye is a hereditary power from my parents. It's highly likely Hana has a similar potential. Did you see her reaction when you mentioned 'Stella Flow'? She was completely lost."
Kaori: (Nodding) "Yes. She seemed genuinely confused."
Takuto: "Exactly. She knows nothing about Stella Flow, the Shadow Syndicate, or Crimson Aegis. I felt a faint Stella Flow from her on the street, but it's weak. She might have a variant of the Phoenix Eye that hasn't awakened yet."
Takuto: "Kaori, the main reason I came back early is that I felt like someone even more dangerous than the Syndicate was watching me."
He looked her straight in the eye with unwavering resolve.
Takuto: "I lost Hana eight years ago because of my family's secrets. Now that I've found her... my mission is to keep her as far away from this superpower world and the Shadow Syndicate as possible."
Kaori understood. Her warrior spirit aligned with his. "I see. Then we can't use our usual methods for a background check. We must treat her like an ordinary student and keep our secrets hidden."
Takuto: "Yes. But only you and I can know the full extent of this. I think we should tell the leader of Crimson Aegis, though."
Kaori: "Shizune-sama might know something about Hana's background. Regardless, I will help you keep her in the dark for her own safety."
Takuto: (Smiling slightly) "Thank you, Kaori. Now... let's head back down and introduce my sister to her new home."
They left the room together, bonded by a new shared secret.
Part 5: The Chaos Continues
When they returned to the living room, Aoi, Ayano, and Hana were waiting. Seeing them walk down together, Ayano developed a mischievous grin.
Ayano: (Whispering) "Kaori-san... is your face finally back to normal? Was the 'important matter' in Takuto-kun's room really that important?"
Kaori: (Scowling) "Stop daydreaming, Ayano! It was a security matter regarding Hana!"
Takuto: (Taking control) "Okay... Aoi. Let me introduce you properly."
Aoi stood excitedly in front of Hana.
Takuto: "Hana, this is Aoi Mizuka. She lives with us and is like a little sister to me. Aoi, you can think of Hana as an older sister."
Aoi: (With bright eyes) "Hana-neechan! It's nice to meet you!"
Hana: (Smiling sweetly and hugging Aoi) "It's even nicer to meet you, Aoi-chan."
Takuto: "And Hana, these two are Kaori Ichinose and Ayano Daichi. We live together... they basically help look after my safety."
Hana: (Her eyes narrowing for a fraction of a second) "Oh... guardians. Nice to meet you, Kaori-san, Ayano-san." (There was a faint hint of 'rivalry' in her tone.)
Takuto: (Getting to the heart of the matter) "Hana. Where are you staying for now? Did you come all the way from the other province by yourself?"
Hana: "Currently, I'm just renting a tiny apartment in Neotokyo. My only goal in coming back was to find you, Onii-chan... and now that I have..."
Hana gazed at Takuto with endearing, soulful eyes.
Hana: "Brother... I came all this way just to see you again. Please... let me stay here with you!?"
Takuto considered it for a split second. Keeping Hana under the protection of the Crimson Aegis was the most logical way to ensure her safety from the shadows.
Takuto: "Alright. We have a spare guest room. You can stay here. However, you must follow the house rules set by Kaori."
Hana: (Nodding vigorously with joy) "Yes, Onii-chan! I'll follow every single rule!"
Part 7: The Battle for Onii-chan
As the conversation wound down, Ayano instinctively moved to Takuto's side. At that moment, her "mischievous senior" persona took over.
Ayano: (Softly grabbing Takuto's arm and whispering into his ear) "Takuto-kun! You must be so exhausted after three months of intense training! You should relax and enjoy my warm care over a nice cup of coffee."
Kaori: (Exploding in anger) "Ayano Daichi! Takuto just got back! He has security reports to review! Are you really trying to take advantage of his exhaustion right now? Get off him!"
Kaori shoved Ayano away and immediately claimed Takuto's other arm for herself.
Kaori: (Trying to soften her voice) "Takuto... I'll cook you a nutritious, garlic-free meal. Just sit back and rest."
Ayano: (Pulling him back) "No! Takuto-kun prefers my pancakes!"
The two girls began a tug-of-war with Takuto's arms, leaving him standing stiffly in the middle, trapped between their bickering.
Hana watched this scene unfold, her reddish-brown eyes flickering with a mixture of amusement and feigned disappointment.
Hana: (Sighing, muttering under her breath) "Oh... it seems Onii-chan is living a very... vibrant life. Two girls at once? They really seem like a handful."
Takuto: (Overhearing the misunderstanding) "Hana! No! This isn't what it looks like! I can't control them—they're just fighting! I didn't do anything!"
As Takuto scrambled to explain himself...
Ayano: (Seizing the opening, she lunged toward his face for a surprise kiss) "Takuto-kun! Didn't you miss me?!"
Kaori: (Losing her temper completely, she shoved Ayano's back) "That's enough, Ayano! Stop taking liberties with him!"
Due to Kaori's forceful shove, Ayano missed Takuto entirely and nearly slammed her head into the wall. Takuto stood there with his eyes squeezed shut, wondering how his peaceful return had turned into such a chaotic disaster.
Hana: (A faint, predatory "Wolf" smile played on her lips) "Phew... it looks like Onii-chan's daily life is going to be quite entertaining."
[END OF CHAPTER 22]