Saizo (SLBP PART 1)

Chapter Twenty-One

"And this here is my younger brother, Hotaru and here... Is my elder sister, Yuki." Saizo said with an emotionless face as he introduced his siblings to Lina.

They were eating at her grandma's restaurant and it's Lina's day off. He promised her to introduced his siblings to her someday and today was that someday.

"Oh... hello. Pleasure to meet you." Lina said politely as she bowed her head from her seat.

Yuki, a silver haired lady with enchanting beauty, smiled at her.

"Didn't know my brother was able to even be friends with a girl like you." she teased.

Saizo gave a low grunt of disapproval.

"Careful Yuki. There are people who might be listening in." he warned and Yuki waved a hand off.

"I know-I know. Heck I'm a ninja Saizo. And I graduated way before you so you're light years from reaching my stealth skills."

"..."

Lina giggled at their bickering before she felt a strong gaze on her. She turned to meet the stare of Hotaru, a splitting image of his elder brother just, a bit younger looking and has a blue shawl around his neck...

"?"

"You have weird tastes." was all Hotaru said.

Yuki tighten his shawl around his neck, causing him to choke and cough lightly.

"Manners Hotaru. Manners." she reminded in a sickening sweet voice as Lina sweat dropped.

"*ack* F-f-f *ack* F-f-fine!!!" Hotaru spluttered and Yuki, satisfied, released her hold on his shawl. "S-s-s-sorry Lina." he mumbled.

"Erm... Ano... It-it's fine..." Lina gave an awkward smile.

"So... has Saizo told you what our specialities are?" Yuki changed the subject and Saizo grunted.

"She doesn't need to know what lousy shinobi you two are."

"Hush Saizo. I have heard stories of how you praise the both of us when we're both not around."

"Really?" Lina chuckled as a very slight blush dusted Saizo's cheek. "Aww look, you're blushing!"

"Just admit it nii san. You are proud of us no matter how you hide it." Hotaru grinned, causing Saizo to cough awkwardly.

"Well to put it simply, I am known as the Mistress of Poison. I specialise in poison, poison herbs, poison kunai, poison bomb, you name it."

"And I specialise in the soul of the language."

"Huh? I can understand Yuki's ability but.. what exactly is the soul of the language?"

"He can manipulate people and make them obey him with just his voice." Saizo interrupted.

"Hey nii san! That was supposed to be my line!" Hotaru growled.

"I thought you wanted me to admit that I'm proud of you?"

"Yea but you didn't cut off Yuki nee chan!"

"That's because he doesn't want to get a beating from me like how he got when he was young. Isn't that right Saizo?" Yuki gave a terrifying smile but Saizo's face remained expressionless.

"You do know Saizo always gets caned by Yuki nee chan right?" Hotaru grinned at Lina and she nodded her head.

"I... I know the real reason too..." she said quietly.

All three Kirigakure went silent as their crimson eyes observed her.

"And... I honestly still love all of you. I enjoy your company.. I don't regret ever knowing any of you..." Lina tilted her head with a sincere smile.

The silence continued and Lina was doubting herself. Maybe she said too much?

But Hotaru decided to break the silence.

"Well maybe I'm a better person. I didn't go through the same curriculum as them." he teased, elbowing both siblings as he sat between them.

"You didn't go through them because we had a new Mizukage by then you cheat." Saizo sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Wha- hey! Not my fault that I can't control who the new Mizukage should be!!"

"Even if it was the old one I doubt you would have made it out alive." Yuki's shoulders trembled with laughter.

Even that comment caused Saizo to snigger at Hotaru.

"Wha- hey!!! I'm not that weak you know!"

Even with their dark sense of humour, Lina genuinely enjoyed the Kirigakure's company..

She watched on with a gentle smile as the three siblings continued their friendly rivalry...