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Ever since ━ Kanae, Hayami noticed changes in her younger sister. The tragic death of the flower hashira two years ago took a toll on her, but it had a greater effect on her younger sister, Shinobu. The day Kanae died, Shinobu had become the new head of the butterfly estate just at the age of fourteen. And now, she is sixteen and the new insect hashira.
In the past two years, somehow as Shinobu continued pursuing becoming a hashira, she started being more like Kanae. The facade she had most of her life was now replaced with, Kanae's personality. She started talking less rageful, and less bitter. The frown she had on her face was now replaced with a calmer and more gentle facade. Although she acted more cheerful now, Hayami recalled the words she spoke to her dying sister;
"AND I WILL AVENGE YOU FOR SURE"
No matter how hard she tried to conceal her past behind this cheerful facade, Hayami knew that deep down Shinobu had shoved all her anger and bitterness. Just to keep her sister's smile alive.
The butterfly haori Kanae once wore, was now worn by Shinobu, even the handguard Kanae had on her nichirin sword was now attached to Shinobu's, abnormal-looking one.
The two were waiting just outside of the butterfly estate, today was the day Aoi would come home after her final selection. At least, they hoped and prayed she'd come home.
The wind blew ever so gently through their locks. The butterfly hairpin Hayami held onto was now pinned to her own hair, it was as if she had a piece of Kanae left with her. Every night she'd talk about her day grasping the hairpin in her hands. Hoping that the soul of Kocho Kanae would hear her.
Hayami glanced down at the more petite girl, staring at the sheathed katana strapped onto her belt.
"Shinobu-chan" Hayami started as the younger female looked up at the elder girl ━ her face was now a spitting image of her elder sister.
"What is it Hayami-san?" Shinobu replied, even the tone she used was similar to how Kanae spoke.
"Why exactly is your nichirin sword shaped like that?" Hayami questioned.
Shinobu glanced down at the nichirin sword strapped onto her belt before glancing back up at the taller female, "Well, since my small body prevents me from using my strength to its full potential, this sword is mixed with the poison I created using the wisteria flowers so even with multiple minor wounds the demon would soon die as the poison seeps into their body." She explained with a smile on her face.
Although the way she spoke was exactly how Kanae spoke, the words she used were still the same sarcastic and bitter words.
Hayami nodded in understanding at her explanation before turning her head back at the doors to the butterfly estate. And there she was, Kanzaki Aoi rushing in. Hayami let out a sigh of relief seeing the young teen run towards her.
