Gentle Old Eyes

22

Zeno was 11 when he first ever saw an Ubuyashiki. They didn't talk and the graceful woman just nodded at him to acknowledge him. And that was enough, he knew how the power system worked and truly respected the family. He later on learned the woman's name was Yoko, wife of the current oyakata-sama.

Zeno had not thought too much of them. They were the ones giving him his missions, that was all. Now recently since he had been promoted to the highest rank, a hashira, he finally got to meet the oyakata. The meeting went as well as it could have and now, he is still sitting here waiting as the others have already left.

Since the second time is right now, he wants to talk a bit more. Zeno is 16 and it's soon his time to depart. He decided, might as well inform the current head while he still has time.

The question burns his tongue. To let them know he exists or not?

He watches Ubuyashiki Kameki look towards him. The "oyakata" has one working eye and the other is already taken by the festering disease. Kameki is calm and smiles at him, then asks a maid to bring tea. When the tea is delivered and the maid gone only then does Zeno relax and sit down.

"Hello, it's nice to finally meet you oyakata-sama, without the presence of others" Zeno smiles and he knows the man is wary.

"Hello Zeno-kun, would you care to tell me the purpose why you stayed behind after the meeting tonight?" Kameki smiles and Zeno would love to just gaze into the gentle eyes of this person forever.

Something in his ear whispers to Zeno. This family will go far.

"Well.."