Trembling of the Gong [Shishiyuki, Kasha]

Busy. That was the only way to adequately describe Shishiyuki recently, though any of the more astute Koizumi might have noted that there was nothing of particular significance that merited this heightened work ethic. The Koizumi family head simply seemed to be keeping herself rather impressively busy, teaching more classes than typical atthe Academy or treaining for especially lengthy stretches. Few could discern any reason for this beyond simply some flight of fancy, but the truth of it was nothing especially compelling.

Shishiyuki was simply rather restless of late.

It did not especially surprise her that none had seemed to even briefly question the red ribbon she had taken to wearing in place of her typical white hairband. She was not a woman known for her exceptional taste in fashion, this much was true. But few would question the head of the household on something so incredibly mundane as that, and even if they wondered after it, there was little to actually be said.

Today was no different than any other of late for her. Shishiyuki had all but lived in the family dojo, traning herself quite well, her thoughts only on each kata, each movement. A wandering mind was not something a woman of her stature could afford.

It did not particularly surprise Shishiyuki to hear Kasha speak to her, if only because a part of her focus demanded that she keep a keen attention on the world around her. Slowly relaxing her stance and releasing a slow breath, she turned her attention to her younger cousin. She could not say that she knew Kasha on a deeply personal level, but of course she knew who he was, as she knew all of her family.

"I would welcome the opportunity, Kasha, thank you. Give me a moment to refresh myself, and I will be right with you."

Indeed, Shishiyuki's departure was swift, but it took very little time in the bath for her to feel suitably clean. After all, there was no one to accompany her and hold a pleasant conversation, now was there, so it was not as if this took too terribly much time. Se returned with a small, pleasant smile, and gestured out of the dojo.

"Please, do lead the way. How has your time at the Academy been progressing? I understand you were recently assigned to your division, have you been enjoying your time there?"

"Yes, I understand how that would cause you some discontent. If you wish to display more competency, do feel free to make some small indication that you have been studying under me. I will of course support those claims should anyone ask."

Shishiyuki followed after Kasha confidently, perfectly willing to let him lead the way, and considered more what he'd said. She supposed the fifth division was the most similar to their family, though she had to concede that she did not especially care for that notion. After all, even she had served in the Combat Squad all those years ago, unwilling to operate in the shadows. Then again, that had been just as much for her own gratification as it had been for the sake of any duty.

"Gotei service can be a welcome opportunity to branch out, I believe. Do not feel compelled to serve in a division simply because it seems most appropriate. Our role as Koizumi is to be that which the other Great Noble Houses are not, but, if I may speak candidly, I think those other houses have proven remarkably lacking in their service of late. If some of the Koizumi were to be noteworthy servicemen of exceptional talent, then I suspect we would continue to be wholly forgettable compared to our counterparts."

Of course, she hardly needed to ask her junior whether she might be frank in such a way, but Shishiyuki knew all too well that the vast majority of their family would not consider that sort of approach preferable. She was, however, not the vast majority of her family. If she wished to give the young man a bit of advice with not especially much subtlety, then that is what she would do.

"Ah, and do not feel the need to address me so formally. We are at family, and we are at home. Simply Shishiyuki is sufficient."

Ah, that did confirm Shishiyuki's suspicions, then, that others had certainly noticed her shift of late. Not that it particularly mattered, of course, but she did rather admire that Kasha had so directly asked the question. That was certainly an uncommon trait in their household.

"Do I? I suppose you are not wrong, yes."

Well, if he was being so forthcoming with her, then Shishiyuki had no reason why she should not return the gesture. After all, such honesty was a rare blessing when Shishiyuki was home, even if their typical secrecy was a matter of tradition.

"Would you say that it is a negative sort of difference? Or do you ask merely out of curiosity? Please do not think I have taken any sort of offense, I rather appreciate your observation."

"Flooding, hm? That is an interesting way to word it, though I would not say you are incorrect. A student and friend of mine is presently on assignment, and I have found myself restless in her absence. I think that is not so unusual, would you disagree?"

Shishiyuki was of course aware that this was, if nothing else, somewhat unusual for her. It was quite rare that she took any students beyond those in her academy classes, and certainly no less uncommon for her to refer to anyone as a friend. Yet, she said it with rather little reservation, if only because Kasha had been so honest with her.

Of course, her focus on the shogi board was still thoroughly firm, unshaken even by something such as this conversation. Shishiyuki made her first move confidently, studying both the board and her opponent.