In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the clouds, bathing the earth in brightness and warmth.
Hisana rubbed her eyes, awakening from a sweet dream.
However, it wasn't the rising sun that woke her, but the shouts coming from outside the window.
"Ha!"
"Ha!"
The sounds were clear and firm, full of vitality and vigor.
Hisana pushed open the door and window, her gaze falling upon the figure in the courtyard who was vigorously swinging her sword—Rukia.
She saw her with a focused expression, each strike accompanied by a powerful shout, as if she was unleashing all her strength.
Hisana couldn't help but shake her head, a pang of heartache welling up within her.
Ever since Rukia set the goal of becoming a Shinigami, she had become exceptionally diligent and hardworking.
Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight entered the room, Rukia was already in the courtyard, beginning her arduous training.
Hisana had repeatedly advised Rukia to rest more, but each time the answer she received was:
"Reiji-sama said that the path of training lies in perseverance. If one lacks willpower, no matter how long they study, it will be useless."
"Brother also gained his current strength through day after day of training."
Rukia always said this, her eyes sparkling with determination.
Hisana knew that for Rukia, becoming an excellent Shinigami was not only a personal pursuit but also a promise and reverence for that Lord.
Watching Rukia's continuous growth, Hisana's feelings became increasingly complex.
She understood that the Brother's position in Rukia's heart might be higher than her own, because there was a special bond and emotional connection between them.
But at the same time, she also felt relieved and proud, because Rukia was steadily moving towards her dream.
"Brother, Brother… With that Lord by my sister's side, does my sister truly still need me?"
Hisana thought silently, a faint sense of loss welling up in her heart.
However, she took a deep breath, telling herself to bravely face reality.
Although she couldn't teach Rukia to become stronger like that Lord.
But she would protect her sister in another way, supporting her in achieving her dreams.
Putting on her coat, Hisana inadvertently glanced at the mirror.
The person in the mirror was radiant, with fair and delicate skin, as if emitting a faint glow.
She gently touched her cheek, feeling the warm sensation, and an inexplicable joy welled up in her heart.
"Have I really become prettier?"
Recalling the compliments she usually received from others, she murmured softly, her gaze fixed on herself in the mirror.
Stroking her rosy cheeks, Hisana couldn't help but lose herself in thought.
She recalled everything that had happened recently; since coming here, she had begun to feel an unprecedented happiness.
The company of her family made her feel incredibly warm.
Rukia, Nemuri, and Aura should have the most to say about this matter.
They witnessed Hisana's transformation, from her initial taciturnity to her current cheerfulness and optimism.
Hisana smiled more and more, and her eyes gradually regained their luster.
Changes in life and psychology can indeed change a person; Hisana's complexion was getting better and better.
She was no longer the woman who was pursued by hardship.
Recalling every little bit since coming to the Aozaki Family, Hisana couldn't help but be a little dazed.
She was grateful for the love and warmth given by this family, and also thanked fate for letting her meet that kind Lord and these lovely children.
"Rukia, how long have you been practicing?"
Hisana pushed open the door and saw Rukia diligently practicing swordsmanship, her forehead covered in sweat.
Rukia stopped her movements and replied with a smile:
"Sister, I haven't been practicing for long, only an hour."
Nemu Kurotsuchi thoughtfully wiped her sweat.
Hisana looked at her sister with heartache, knowing that she had always been very hardworking.
She walked forward, gently stroking Rukia's hair, and said:
"Rest a bit, don't overwork yourself."
Rukia nodded obediently and followed Hisana into the room.
Hisana poured Rukia a glass of water, and the two sat on the bedside, chatting.
Hisana inquired about Rukia's training today, and Rukia excitedly told her about her progress.
"Sister, Brother said I'm getting more and more amazing!"
Rukia said confidently, her eyes sparkling.
Hisana smiled and encouraged her:
"Yes, my sister is certainly amazing! But you also need to pay attention to your health, don't push yourself too hard."
Rukia nodded obediently, indicating that she understood.
She looked at Hisana and suddenly asked curiously:
"Sister, you seem to be in a very good mood today, is there something happy going on?"
Hisana was slightly startled, then smiled.
She said, "No, I'm just happy to see you working so hard."
In fact, the joy deep within her was not only because of Rukia's growth, but also because she had found true happiness belonging to her here.
Rukia blinked, seeming to understand something.
She took Hisana's hand and said softly:
"Sister, thank you for being so kind to me. We will always be together from now on, never separating."
Hisana's eyes welled up with emotion; she hugged Rukia tightly and whispered:
"Mm, we will always be together."
"Are you hungry? Sister will go make you something to eat now, you go wake up Reiji-sama."
Wiping her eyes, Hisana looked at Rukia, who was covered in sweat from practicing, and shook her head.
Ever since Aozaki Reiji personally taught her, she had become even more diligent.
According to her, she absolutely had to become a Shinigami and join the Eleventh Division.
Hisana also vaguely knew about her sister's thoughts.
So regarding this matter, she also turned a blind eye.
"My training isn't over yet, why don't you go, Sister?"
Rukia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly shook her head.
"You child…"
Hisana looked at Rukia and shook her head helplessly, a surge of doting affection welling up in her heart.
She sighed softly, then turned and walked towards Aozaki Reiji's room on the other side.
Although young ladies from various noble families lived in the Aozaki Family, for Aozaki Reiji, there were also differences between people.
Even if Rukia and the others came later, he was more willing to live with them.
Accompanied by the crisp sound of the door opening, Hisana entered Aozaki Reiji's room.
"So handsome!"
When Hisana saw Aozaki Reiji lying on the bed with his eyes closed, a hint of astonishment flashed in her eyes.
Her gaze lingered on his handsome face, and she couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
Aozaki Reiji lay quietly on the bed, his breathing steady and deep, like an immortal in slumber.
Hisana took careful steps, afraid of waking him.
Her heart rate quickened, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
Although she had seen Aozaki Reiji many times.
But every time she saw him, she would be shocked by his unparalleled beauty.
His existence seemed to transcend the boundaries of mortals, shining as dazzlingly as the brilliant stars in the sky.
Rukia and the other two girls gave Hisana great confidence, making her feel that she also belonged to the good-looking type of people.
However, standing beside Aozaki Reiji, she felt overshadowed.
His light was too dazzling to ignore.
"Oh…"
Hisana looked at Aozaki Reiji.
She completely forgot about everything around her, completely unaware that there was another person lying beside her.
A young lady with brown skin.
"Miss Hisana is interested in this bad guy?"
Yoruichi slowly opened her eyes, looking at Hisana with a rolling smile in her eyes.
"Do you want to be sisters with me?"
"Ah?"
Hisana's face turned even redder.
"My Lords, I just… came to ask you two to have breakfast."
Before she finished speaking, Hisana hurriedly exited the room.
"What a lovely woman!"
Looking at Hisana's retreating figure, Aozaki Reiji couldn't help but exclaim with emotion.
"Why did you tease her?"
"It's fun!" Yoruichi made a cute sound, "Miss Hisana is indeed cute."
Her eyes sparkled with cunning, seemingly very satisfied with her recent prank.