"Hizashi... Brother?"
As that calm, gentle voice echoed in her ears, Yukina slowly straightened up, her hand gradually withdrawing from her Ninja Tool Pouch. Her face was filled with startled confusion, and her words carried uncertainty as well.
"It's me."
Very quickly, she received an affirmative answer.
At that moment, standing in the center of the room before her was a member of the Hyuga Clan's branch family—the younger twin brother of the current clan head, Hyuga Hiashi, and one of Yukina's older brothers, Hizashi Hyuga.
"Y-You... why are you here, Brother Hizashi?"
Upon hearing that confirmation and the familiar voice, a delighted smile immediately blossomed across Yukina's face. As she spoke, she quickly walked into the room.
Bang!
As the door shut, Yukina stopped in front of Hizashi Hyuga. Her hollow, beautiful eyes were accurately "fixed" upon his face.
"I came to see you."
Looking into Yukina's empty eyes, Hizashi Hyuga paused slightly. After a moment, he answered in as calm a voice as he could manage.
"Really? Sit down. Why didn't you tell me in advance?"
Yukina was clearly overjoyed that her brother had come to see her. She immediately urged Hizashi Hyuga to find somewhere to sit while she reached for the teapot beside her.
"I wanted to surprise you."
Seeing Yukina turn and feel for the teapot, Hizashi Hyuga's voice remained quite calm, but his expression had already changed. A layer of guilt slowly surfaced on his face.
"This really is a surprise!"
By then, Yukina had found the teapot. As she spoke, she skillfully poured the tea, then walked accurately to the table in the room without relying on a cane, setting down the cups and teapot.
"Sit down, Brother Hizashi!"
Noticing that Hizashi Hyuga was still standing there without any intention of sitting, Yukina