The Inoue

- 06 -

┌                                           . . .

NEW SISTER

. . .                                           ┘

5 years ago...

Kai, Ayato and Baji had gathered outside the building. Baji was leaning against the wall while holding a large apple on his head. Kai was positioned opposite him and poised to throw a sharp knife at the fruit, prompting Baji to express his worries about the risks involved in the activity. "Stand still," Kai commanded Baji who froze in place and closed his eyes, preparing for the chance that the knife might miss its target and strike him instead. Kai threw the blade at the apple and Baji sighed in relief as it struck its target successfully.

"That's how you throw a knife," Kai informed Ayato, making it clear that she had mastered the art of accurate knife throwing. He appeared to have recognized his inadequate fighting skills and opted to seek guidance from Kai who nodded at his request to teach him knife throwing. As Baji inquired whether he still had to hold the large apple, Kai replied "No," informing him that he was no longer required to hold the fruit as a target.

Kai handed Ayato a sharp, yet small knife and directed him to the wall, where several target markings were situated. "That's your target. Remember to breathe," Kai told him, and he nodded in response. Ayatto got in position and threw the knife with a focused, deliberate motion, managing to hit the center of the target in a manner that pleased Kai. "You did well on your first try," she commended him, pleased with his ability to perform the task so effectively.

The young trio was abruptly interrupted by the appearance of a young girl, running excitedly towards them. "Hi! I'm Hinata, your new sister!" she cheered to their surprise. "New sister?" Baji joked but Kai quickly corrected him by pointing out that she was not kidding. "She's serious, Baji," she affirmed, making it clear that the little girl was being sincere in her words.

The elder figure of Tenko arrived at Kai, Baji, and Ayato's vicinity, taking a position beside the eager little girl. "Children, this is your new younger sister, Hinata" Tenko announced, causing the girl to look at her newly acquired siblings again, with Kai's eyes capturing her attention. It appeared that the small girl was feeling drawn to Kai, feeling attached to her in an instant.

Since the day of her arrival, the small Hinata was practically glued to Kai's side, following her around like a little puppy. Kai initially attempted to ignore the little girl but the incessant pestering eventually proved to be too much for her. She finally spoke up, addressing Hinata directly. "Can you please stop following me?" Kai said in an agitated manner.

Kai was troubled by the events that had transpired, deeply angered at herself for her explosive outburst and the hurtful words she had shouted at a small, innocent child. The girl' sweet smiles and warm demeanor brought warmth to her heart but she also hated it, for these qualities reminded her of someone dear to her whose presence she could never again experience.

Kai felt remorseful over her actions and attempted to remedy the situation by obtaining some star candies to gift to the little girl to express her regret and ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, she was unable to locate her anywhere in the house. She approached Baji to request assistance in locating her. Baji informed her that the young girl had fled outside once she burst into tears.

Kai was overwhelmed with concern about the young girl who had taken off running outside in tears. It was quite likely that the small child might have become lost in her grief, as she was still unfamiliar with the location. Kai considered that the hill would be the most probable option for the little girl to seek solace. Taking no time to waste, she began sprinting with haste towards the hill.

Kai was finally able to locate the small girl who was crying atop the hill. It appeared that the little girl was unaware of the danger in her location. She attempted to warn her of the danger and warned that she should stay away from the edge. "Hinata, stay away from there. It's dangerous" Kai ordered. However, the girl failed to heed her warning and accidentally stumbled backwards, unfortunately tumbling to the ground.

Kai instantly rushed forward to rescue the girl as she fell back, reaching for her tiny hand and firmly grasping it. "Kai!" Hinata cried out as Kai pulled her with all her strength to the surface. Kai was relieved that she had managed to safely retrieve the small child. The child clung onto Kai tightly and she rubbed her back in a comforting gesture. "I'm sorry" Kai apologized to the young girl for her harsh words earlier.