Sunlight flooded the courtyard, shining on every tear-streaked face filled with hope.
Everyone embraced and said their goodbyes, leaving the headquarters that had borne so much blood, tears, and glory one after another, their hearts full of anticipation for the future.
Kirishima Bupai did not linger. He returned straight to the Kirishima Family estate in Kyoto.
Passing through the grand, luxurious, meticulously maintained courtyard, he merely waved casually at the servants who greeted him respectfully along the way, never slowing his steps.
He pushed open the heavy study doors, and the rich, tranquil scent of books greeted him.
Compared to his memories from two and a half years ago, the towering bookshelves on either side had clearly gained many more rare ancient volumes, lending them an even greater air of weight and erudition.
His father, Kirishima Jisō, the current head of the Kirishima Family, sat upright behind a broad red sandalwood desk, apparently having just hurriedly put something away.
Kirishima Bupai's gaze was sharp. He strode forward and snatched a small medicine bottle his father had hidden beneath the desk before he could finish putting it away.
"Old man! You..."
The instant he read the bottle's label, his eyes nearly popped out. "What the fuck! Viagra?!"
Beyond his shock, an inexplicable anger flared within him. Without another word, he viciously smashed the bottle against the floor.
Ignoring his father's attempts to stop him, he raised his foot and ground down hard, instantly crushing the expensive porcelain bottle and the little blue pills inside into powder.
"Ah! My medicine! Bupai! What the hell has gotten into you?!" Kirishima Jisō cried out in dismay, his face full of anguish and irritation.
"Me?!" Kirishima Bupai pointed at the powder on the floor, raising his voice. "You're the one who's lost it, old man!"