Homecoming

"Ah, is that so? I am very proud of the progress you'vee made so far. It took me a decade or two to fully realize and recognize the nuances of my Zanpakuto, and the nature of who I was as a person. It was an arduous journey but one I am thankful for ending in success. If you wish to train or spar and learn the nature of your Zanpakuto or anything else, I am always here to give my undivided support."


Rio continued to consume her meal as the conversation continued between the two relatives. Rio would always make time for her siblings or relatives and aid them in their personal journeys. To her, that was gave her life meaning. To others, managing everything like that might've been the height of insanity, but to Rio, it had to be that way. It is what her family needed, especially in these periods of turmoil.

"My life here has been a cycle of trial and tribulation but ultimately one I have come to value in every aspect. I learned a lot on my path. What it meant to be mature, to actually step out of my foolish pride and operate in a way that benefits myself and the family. Concerning Papa..."

She paused, turning to gaze at Yahiko with a softened expression, one that held a hint of sadness as she revealed his condition.

"He's dying. His condition has been one that has persisted for years, and even though we've tried to find a cure or medicine, it doesn't seem as if we can do anything else to help..."

So he had an understanding of his Zanpakuto sooner. That was fine and all that, but the problem of power came. Yahiko lacked it fairly potently when it came down to it. He didn't have the strength to wield it all the way. "Mine didn't come into existence peacefully. Though nothing did on earth." He said giving an offhanded comment. Going again to his dating routine, as he listened. His eyes widened for a moment. Composure was lost as his digits curled around the pack. Almost crushing them but stopping short of it. His body released a breath lowering his shoulders. Yahiko's words were simple and to the point when it came to Yushiro. "I see, is Chidori aware?" He asked the question even though it was clear. Papa was the chink in his armor as the man saved him. From the darkness consuming him entirely.

Such a fitting metaphor that his Zanpakuto was his shadow. It was perfectly placed when it came to it. Yahiko's emotions had died the day his mother did. And Yushiro resurrected them only if barely. He let a sigh out as he finished the food. Still considering smoking now. But his ex told him he'd die someday from them. She also used to get on him about everything. Time was limited and Papa wouldn't want him to waste it. He'd need to improve and focus more on what came next. "I'll need to increase my strength..Cousin Rio do you know of anyways?" He asked the question, his eyes shifting. Yahiko's goal was to prepare for that day. When he needed to protect the family ideals and whatever he could.

Rio guarded the family alone for this time and no one helped her. Yushiro would tell him to be his own Man or live his own life. Independence was prided by his Uncle heavily. His time training in a free-form style left him without a defined style. But that was in part a good thing. The nature of his Zanpakuto required it, as he stood up. "Keep this confidential please." Walking a bit from the bench he reached into his pocket. Withdrawing a pocket knife sized weapon, his Zanpakuto blade. Altered for use in this regard and travel convenience. "Embrace Keieiichinyo." It happened quickly as a black smog rushed from the ground. Clasping to his torso and arms covering his upper body to his neck.

It seemed almost like black living flames dancing around his body. It was an intense feeling using his Shikai for the first time in a while. The darkness seemed strange like smoke across his body. But it was very much on his skin as he moved his arms. Showing it didn't move or slow down it was worn like a piece of armor. "This is my Zanpakuto's release. My Shadow is equipped with my body and allows me to increase the power of my Hakuda." He did this to change the mood, Yahiko didn't want to think about the old man dying. Not yet as he'd failed to see him. To return with a gift for his life being what it was.