Heroes in the Fabric of Rebellion

Chapter 18

The air in the Kyruin estate was thick with silence, broken only by the rhythmic clinking of Satsuki's boots against the polished floor. She strode through the grand hall, her expression unreadable, her sharp eyes focused ahead. Yuuki trailed behind her, seemingly unaware of the tension building in her sister's every step.

Yuuki, as usual, carried herself with a carefree demeanor, twirling her sheathed sword idly in one hand. Her Goku Uniform hung loosely on her figure, its once-pristine shine dulled from a lack of maintenance.

Yuuki: "Satsuki, you're walking so fast. What's the rush? Did someone finally break one of your little school rules again?"

Satsuki didn't answer, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her gaze remained fixed forward until they reached the training hall. She stopped abruptly, and Yuuki nearly bumped into her, laughing lightly.

Yuuki: "Geez, no need to slam the brakes like that! What's so important—"

Satsuki turned on her heel, her sharp gaze cutting Yuuki's words short. Her tone was low but brimming with authority.

Satsuki: "Enough. Draw your blade."

Yuuki blinked, taken aback by the sudden order.

Yuuki: "Whoa, whoa. What's this about? You've got that look on your face like you're about to start a war."

Satsuki: "This isn't a request, Yuuki. Draw your blade."

The seriousness in Satsuki's voice made Yuuki hesitate. She shifted her weight uneasily, her playful smirk faltering.

Yuuki: "Fine, fine. You're the boss, after all."

She unsheathed her sword lazily, holding it with one hand while tilting her head.

Yuuki: "But seriously, what's got you all wound up? Did someone mess up the tea service again?"

Satsuki didn't dignify the comment with a response. Instead, she unsheathed her own blade with a swift motion, its edge gleaming menacingly under the training hall's lights.

Satsuki: "Defend yourself."

Before Yuuki could fully process what was happening, Satsuki lunged. The first strike was fast, deliberate, and aimed directly at Yuuki's side. Yuuki barely managed to parry, stumbling back from the force.

Yuuki: "What the hell, Satsuki? Is this some kind of test?"

Satsuki's next attack was even fiercer, pushing Yuuki further back. The younger sister's form was sloppy, her counters lacking the precision she once prided herself on.

Satsuki: "This is no test, Yuuki. This is reality."

Yuuki gritted her teeth, trying to keep up with Satsuki's relentless assault.

Yuuki: "Okay, I get it! You're mad about something. But can you at least tell me what I did wrong?"

Satsuki's blade clashed against Yuuki's, forcing her to kneel under the pressure.

Satsuki: "You've grown weaker. You're careless, unfocused, and unworthy of the Kyruin name."

The words hit harder than the blade itself. Yuuki's eyes widened, her grip on her sword faltering.

Yuuki: "W-What are you talking about? I've always been like this, Satsuki. You're the one who's always been so uptight—"

Satsuki stepped back, lowering her blade momentarily. Her expression was cold, but there was a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

Satsuki: "You've mistaken my leniency for acceptance. Your laid-back attitude has become a liability. I can no longer afford to ignore it."

Yuuki staggered to her feet, clutching her sword tightly.

Yuuki: "So what? You're just gonna beat me into submission? Take away everything I've worked for?"

Satsuki sheathed her blade with a calculated motion, her next words cutting deeper than any weapon could.

Satsuki: "No. I'm relieving you of your responsibilities."

Yuuki froze, her heart sinking as the weight of Satsuki's words hit her.

Yuuki: "You're kidding, right? You can't just... you can't just strip me of everything!"

Satsuki walked past her, her tone unyielding.

Satsuki: "You've proven you're no longer capable of holding your position. Until you can prove otherwise, your Goku Uniform and blade are mine."

Yuuki spun around, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and desperation.

Yuuki: "You're my sister! You're supposed to have my back, not kick me to the curb!"

Satsuki paused, glancing over her shoulder.

Satsuki: "And as your sister, I refuse to let you tarnish the Kyruin legacy any further. Consider this an opportunity to reflect on your failures."

She gestured to the butler standing silently in the corner of the hall.

Satsuki: "Take her uniform and weapon."

The butler stepped forward, his movements precise and methodical. Yuuki recoiled, clutching her sword tightly.

Yuuki: "No! You can't just—"

Before she could protest further, Satsuki's glare silenced her. The butler approached, extending a hand.

Butler: "Lady Yuuki, please comply. Prolonging this will only make it more difficult."

Yuuki hesitated, her grip trembling as she reluctantly handed over her sword. The butler carefully took it, then began unfastening her Goku Uniform with practiced efficiency.

As the butler finished, Yuuki stood there in her standard academy uniform, stripped of the symbols of her power. She looked at Satsuki, her eyes blazing with a mixture of defiance and pain.

Yuuki: "You'll regret this, Satsuki. One day, you'll see how wrong you are."

Satsuki didn't flinch, her gaze unyielding.

Satsuki: "Perhaps. But until that day comes, you'll remain under my watch."

Yuuki stormed out of the hall, her footsteps echoing loudly. Satsuki watched her go, her expression remaining cold and unreadable.

The butler approached, holding the confiscated items.

Butler: "Shall I secure these in the armory, Lady Satsuki?"

Satsuki: "Yes. And ensure she is monitored closely. Yuuki may not see it now, but this is for her own good."

The butler bowed, leaving Satsuki alone in the hall. She stood there for a moment, staring at the door through which her sister had just left. Her grip tightened on the hilt of her blade.

Satsuki (thinking): "This is the burden of leadership. Sacrifices must be made—even if they come at the cost of family."