Her younger sister seemed to care about this friend even more than she had expected.
Though it was only natural for someone like Xia Xi to be popular.
He was pure of heart and powerful, kind without being rigid.
He even frequently did things that were unruly and rebellious, revealing a touch of boyishness.
Of course, his height and looks were also among the very best in the Far East.
It was only reasonable for Shinobu to admire him...
She was still young and did not understand the feelings between adults.
Yes, she merely looked up to Xia Xi just as she admired the other Nine Hashira.
Kanae watched her sister sweating in the training ground, fiercely exchanging blows with Xia Xi.
Her breathing had clearly been pushed so hard that she did not even have a moment to catch her breath.
Yet her face wore a heartfelt smile she could not conceal.
Every movement spoke of her familiarity with and fond memories of this sort of training.
Kanae had always felt that Shinobu's feelings toward Xia Xi were merely the admiration of a junior for a senior, a child for an older brother.
Yet for some reason, an indescribable trace of bitterness still welled up in her heart.
I was here first.
How did Shinobu end up seeming closer to him instead?
When Shinobu Kocho had first gone to Yokohama, Kanae had worried that her sister's stubborn, competitive nature would keep her from getting along with that boy who was so indifferent to everything.
A hot-tempered little girl.
A boy who took nothing to heart.
However she looked at it, they did not seem likely to get along.
For that reason, she had repeatedly asked Xia Xi in her letters to be more patient with her.
But now, had