Chapter 7: Older Sister and Older Brother

♠♠♠

Inside the train on the way back.

As expected, we were guided to a luxurious private room.

“Rin-chan was so cute……”

“I’d love to have her as a little sister.”

“Right! You get it too, Hina-chan!?”

“I’m not giving up my little sister~”

“Ehh~ Trade her for my dumb brother~”

“That’s a bit……”

The private room filled with laughter.

The long holiday ended, and we returned from my hometown to Seishin Town.

Surprisingly, my sister saw us off with a smile until the end, waving big and saying, “Come back soon~!”

The holiday felt like it ended in a flash. This might be the first time in my life I’ve had such a fun holiday.

Plus, it wasn’t just with family—I got to bond with my teammates too. Fujii-kun is still a provisional member, but I think as we get to know each other, he’ll become a full party member.

“Everyone? Starting tomorrow, we’ll be heading to the dungeon again. Any problems with that?”

“Okay~”

“I’m starting to feel a little anxious about keeping up with everyone……”

“You’ll be fine, Fujii-kun, right?”

“Haha…… I expected Kamui-san and Kagura-san to be amazing, but I never thought Hinata-kun would be that incredible.”

“Me?”

“Fujii-kun, Hinata-kun’s way more than that. Brace yourself.”

Me…… Did I do something amazing……? I think Shino and the others are way more impressive……

Another three-hour train ride. The time passed so quickly, it was such a fun trip.

We didn’t part ways right after arriving at the station—instead, we headed straight to the Kamui house.

Fujii-kun went home first since he had other plans.

Standing in front of the Kamui house after a while, I was struck again by its vastness. Having lived at my parents’ house for a bit made it feel even more pronounced.

“Welcome back.”

“I’m home.”

“Excuse us.”

Hina’s mom greeted us.

We handed over souvenirs right away. Hina went to another room with her mom, chatting happily, while Shino and I headed to the usual tea room.

At that moment—I sensed an indescribable, overwhelming presence coming from the tea room.

Shino noticed it too, and with a slightly tense expression, we entered the tea room together.

Sitting there was a woman with fiery red hair I’d seen on TV the other day. She glared at us with a sour expression, kneeling formally.

“……Hm? You…… You’re Kagura’s daughter, aren’t you?”

Overwhelmed by her intensity, I forgot to use telepathy until Shino poked me, prompting me to send it quickly.

“Yes. I’m Kagura Shino. It’s been a while, Kamui Akari-san.”

“……I don’t need your greetings. Why are you in my house?”

For some reason, she glared at us with open hostility, radiating an intense pressure.

Thinking Shino might be in danger, my body moved on its own.

Her sharp gaze shifted from Shino to me as I stepped in front of her.

“And you are……?”

“I’m Suzuki Hinata.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m a member of a party with Hinata-san and Shino-san here.”

“Hinata…… in a party?”

Her gaze sharpened further, and I could feel anger emanating from her. A deep, unfathomable anger. I didn’t know what she was mad about, but it was pure rage.

Just as I thought this could get bad, a familiar voice echoed from the hallway.

“Sis!”

The piercing killing intent vanished instantly, and the heavy atmosphere lifted all at once.

“Hinata, welcome back.”

“I’m home. And welcome back, Sis~”

Hina smiled as she spoke, and her sister’s eyes widened in shock.

“Hi…… nata? Did you just…… smile?”

“Yeah? Haven’t you heard from Mom yet? Thanks to Hinata-kun here, he’s been stopping my cold aura.”

With a surprised look, she shifted her gaze to me.

“I’m using my ability to suppress the cold aura Hina emits. It works within a certain range, so she’s free to act when I’m around.”

“……So that’s why Hinata’s been absent.”

“Akari-chan~ Surprised, huh?”

Hina’s mom came in smirking, and Akari let out a big sigh.

“Mother, you should’ve told me sooner. I nearly burned these two.”

“Absolutely not! Hinata-kun and Shino-chan are Hina’s precious friends, okay?”

“I see…… So you call Hinata ‘Hina’ because you share the same name.”

“Y-Yes.”

“……”

She closed her eyes quietly, seemingly lost in thought.

We were urged to sit down despite her being there, so we took our seats.

“You’re Hinata, right?”

“Y-Yes!”

“……Take good care of our Hinata.”

“Yes!”

Her red eyes slowly opened and met mine.

Unlike the earlier anger, I could see a deep kindness in them now.

“If you ever need my strength, just say so anytime.”

“Th-Thank you.”

The intensity from earlier was still burned into my mind, making it hard to act normal around Akari-san. Shino seemed the same, sneaking glances at her.

“That aside, why is a daughter of the Kagura family with our Hinata?”

“Shino-chan’s in a party with me and Hinata-kun.”

“Hinata…… She’s that Kagura family’s daughter.”

“Sis……”

I’d gotten used to it lately, but I’d heard the Kamui and Kagura families were bitter enemies. It was like that when Shino first showed up too. This just confirmed it again.

Hina’s eyes turned sad as she confirmed that fact once more.

The next moment—

“You foolish granddaughter!”

An old man appeared out of nowhere beside her and unleashed a serious side kick at Akari-san.

She blocked it effortlessly with her right hand as if it were nothing, and a loud BOOM and shockwave spread out, making Hina’s beautiful silver hair billow dramatically.

“Grandfather, it’s been a while.”

“Indeed it has! Looks like your skills have sharpened even more.”

“……Have you gotten stronger too, Grandfather?”

“Aye! I’ve met some strong youngsters lately.”

“I see. I can roughly guess who.”

“Indeed! But, Akari.”

“Yes?”

“The Kagura girl is no longer an enemy—she’s become Hinata’s friend.”

“Even you, Grandfather…… What are you thinking? There’s no way we can reconcile with that Kagura family.”

“That may be true of the Kagura family as a whole, but it’s not necessarily the case for this girl, Kagura Shino, sitting here.”

“But the blood of the Kagura family flows in her veins.”

“I know that.”

The old man sighed and took a seat. I could see Akari-san’s right hand, which had blocked the kick, was swollen.

To think such a powerful kick could come from that small old man…… Size really isn’t everything, huh.

Maybe it’s because Grandfather’s level is high……?

That might be part of it. But is that alone enough to make him that strong……? Could I block it that easily right now?

As I pondered this, Grandfather took a sip of the tea Hina’s mom brought and slowly shifted his gaze to Shino.

“Back in my youth, I fought the Kagura family plenty. The fact that there’s no one left in the current Kagura family who can fight is all my doing.”

“It’s not your fault, Grandfather. It’s your achievement. In the long history between the Kamui and Kagura families, never has the balance of power shifted so much—only in your generation.”

“True. But…… what did that accomplish, granddaughter?”

“…………”

“What changed after I made every Kagura bow before me? The sun still rises, the moon ascends at night, and the stars shine unchanged. People go on as always, nations keep fighting as usual. Explorers chase their dreams in dungeons, scattering their lives.”

A deep sadness seeped from every word Grandfather spoke.

I imagine someone who spent years steeped in battle might feel an immense void when they finally notice the pile of bodies at their feet.

I don’t know why I can think that way right now. But I wanted to face the answer Grandfather had reached in my own way.

“Our family reigned as the pinnacle of Japan’s martial houses. And what did we gain? All I’m left with is doubt. Wars abroad have increased lately, and threats to our country have grown. What did I bring to this nation by breaking the spirits of the Kagura family’s warriors and stripping away their strength? I still wonder.”

“Grandpa……”

“But my worries are just pebbles in the grand flow of the world. Strong ones rose from the Kagura family again. I’ve come to think it’d have been wiser to stand back-to-back rather than wash blood with blood…… But I could never bridge the Kamui and Kagura families. Then someone appeared who did. I think that’s—fate.”

Hina reached out and took Shino’s hand.

“Granddaughter, I won’t tell you to get along or stop opposing that man. But we shouldn’t obstruct the path Hinata chooses. Hinata and the Kagura girl—what becomes of them, we should watch over and support.”

“……”

Akari-san clenched her fists, still seeming unconvinced. But seeing Hina smile while holding Shino’s hand, her hostility toward Shino softened.

“Alright, alright~ Let’s end the heavy talk there. That guy’s about to come back, so let’s have a family dinner together for once. Akari-chan? Hina-chan can eat properly now too, you know?”

“Thanks to him too?”

“Yes. Thanks to him, Hina’s gained a lot of freedom. There are limits, but she can even take baths now, so you two should bathe together today.”

“Sis! With Shino-chan too……”

“……Fine.”

“Sis……! Thank you.”

“……If that’s okay with Hinata, I’ll support it. Even knowing she’s from the rival Kagura family.”

It’s nice to see her come to some resolution.

Akari-san clearly adores Hina—her eyes are pure kindness when she looks at her.

It’s clear how close the two sisters are.

It hasn’t even been a day since we parted, but I miss my sister dearly……

“I’m home.”

A tall man appeared from the hallway—Hina’s dad was back.

“Welcome back!”

“Welcome back, Hinata. It’s been a while, Akari.”

“I’m back, Father.”

“Hm. Work still tough as ever, I see.”

“Lately, there’s been some odd activity abroad…… but nothing overt.”

“I see. Call me anytime you need strength.”

“Yes. That’s reassuring.”

Everyone took their usual seats.

Facing the room, the Kamui family sat on the right, while Hina, Shino, and I sat on the left as usual. But this time, Akari-san took an empty seat on the left too.

They must’ve kept that seat open for her to come back anytime.

It was a bit early, but dinner was brought in and set on the table.

It’s always lavish, but today’s spread was even more extravagant. Fujii-kun would’ve been starry-eyed seeing this—it’s a shame he’s not here.

As we started eating, Hina surprisingly talked excitedly about the trip.

Usually, Shino does most of the talking and we respond, so seeing Hina chatter so freely was unexpectedly a first.

She kept talking with a smile, like she’d returned to her childhood.

Akari-san and Grandfather, listening, wore faint smiles—different from their usual selves.

From Grandfather’s old stories and Akari-san’s demeanor, it’s clear the Kamui family values its martial heritage. But Hina’s Absolute Ice making a normal life impossible might’ve united the family’s will in a way.

Shino, who’d been tense the whole time, gradually relaxed, smiling as usual and chiming in to liven up Hina’s travel stories.

After dinner, Akari-san led us to the dojo.

“Hinata, you’ve been diving into dungeons since enrolling, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So your level’s gone up?”

“Yep.”

“……Show me that strength.”

“Got it, Sis.”

Hina and Akari-san faced off. Hina held a wooden sword, while Akari-san stayed barehanded.

I sat seiza-style at the edge of the dojo with Grandfather and Shino, watching them.

“Begin!”

At Akari-san’s command, Hina dashed forward at full speed.

In less time than it took to blink, Hina closed the distance, swinging her wooden sword from a blind spot in Akari-san’s field of vision.

Hina’s wooden sword was blocked directly by Akari-san’s left arm, and she transitioned into her next move. A moment later, a shockwave and a loud sound reverberated through the dojo.

I knew she was strong, but Hina’s graceful movements stole my attention.

Until now, it had mostly been against monsters, often taking them down in one hit or a short time, but I’d never seen her face a strong human opponent like this.

In just a few minutes, the two exchanged hundreds of incredible blows.

When they briefly separated, Akari-san’s gaze turned to me.

“Hinata, you’re still suppressing Hina’s cold aura, right?”

“Yes.”

“And if you stop, the cold aura spreads, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Can you keep the cold aura from leaking out of this dojo while also protecting yourself and the others?”

“I think I can.”

“Good. Do it. Hina, come at me with everything you’ve got.”

“Sis……”

“Show me the full extent of your Absolute Ice now.”

“Okay!”

At Hina’s signal, I partially adjusted the fully active skill ‘Absolute Ice Dissolution,’ focusing it on the dojo walls, myself, Shino, and Grandfather.

In that instant, an overwhelming silvery-white world erupted from Hina’s body.

Beautiful ice, yet its immense power felt cold enough to drive onlookers to despair.

“Absolute Ice…… To think it’s grown this powerful……”

Grandfather muttered quietly beside me.

The ice enveloped Akari-san. A worried expression crossed Hina’s face as she saw it.

But in the next moment, a blazing red flame erupted from Akari-san’s entire body, hot enough to melt even Absolute Ice.

If the Absolute Ice hadn’t been contained, the dojo would’ve turned into a scorching inferno in no time. The flames pouring from Akari-san seemed capable of incinerating everything.

“Hina, worrying about me…… You’re still far from it.”

“Yes!”

Now, Hina unleashed the full force of her Absolute Ice, clashing with Akari-san, who wielded her flames.

As if responding to Hina’s swordsmanship, the Absolute Ice formed countless sharp icicles, striking Akari-san from all directions.

“Kid, do you feel Hina’s will in those icicles?”

“No. It looks like they’re attacking on their own.”

There was an inconsistency in the attacks. They were just following Hina’s movements automatically, with a slight lag—a split-second delay. For powerhouses like them, even a moment could be fatal, and I could tell.

It should’ve been my first time seeing a battle between titans, yet I understood it instinctively.

“Hina’s Absolute Ice tries to protect her but doesn’t obey her. It doesn’t reflect her will either. It only moves when she suppresses her emotions.”

Hina’s gaze, Akari-san’s gaze, their movements, the rhythm of their breathing, their unique powers, swordsmanship, martial arts—everything unfolding before me burned into my mind like slow motion.

Three minutes.

Inside the dojo, evaporated Absolute Ice formed droplets that spread across the ceiling, dripping down and creating puddles.

I’d never seen melted Absolute Ice before, so it was shocking. My Absolute Ice Dissolution breaks down the ice completely, leaving no puddles.

Hina was breathing heavily, while Akari-san looked down at her with the calm ease of twisting a baby’s arm.

“That’s enough.”

“Y-Yes! Th-Thank…… you very much!!”

Hina bowed deeply, and something—sweat or water—dripped from the gaps in her silver hair.

As Akari-san withdrew her flames, I used ‘Absolute Ice Dissolution’ to dispel all the cold aura.

The hellish scene from moments ago vanished, and the dojo returned to its peaceful state—or rather, back to normal.

“I forgot to breathe while watching.”

“Same here. Their fight taught me so much.”

“I’ve heard the decisive battle between the Kagura and Kamui families was brutal, and now I get it a little. I…… I want to get stronger so I won’t lose.”

“Yeah…… I want to get stronger too.”

Honestly, I don’t know what someone like me, a ‘Level 0,’ can do.

Everyone here except me has immense talent and has worked tirelessly to improve. I don’t think I could ever surpass them.

But—

“Hinata, the Kamui family dojo is always open. Use it anytime.”

“Grandfather…… Thank you.”

“Hm. And if you want me to teach you more, you could always get engaged to Hina.”

“Grandpa!!”

Hina’s panicked voice echoed through the dojo, showing she’d heard.

Now it was just me and Shino alone in the room.

“Was that okay, Shino?”

“Yeah. I wanted the sisters to have some time together today.”

Hina had suggested Shino join them in the bath, but Shino insisted it’d been a while for the sisters, so we’d wait until Hina’s bath was done.

“Hinata-kun.”

“Hm?”

“Use ‘Clean’ on me~”

“Sure~”

I held my hand toward Shino, activating the skill.

She closed her eyes, savoring the colorless bubbles that enveloped her, leaving her body clean in seconds.

“Thanks~! Hinata-kun! Every household needs a Hinata-kun, right~?”

“Ahaha…… I think a Level 0 like me would just be a burden……”

“Muu…… You’re saying that again……”

Seems I upset her again.

I used ‘Clean’ on myself too, refreshing my sweaty body.

“Still, their sparring today was incredible.”

“Yeah, really amazing. Hina seemed stronger than when I first saw her, too.”

“……True. Hunting in dungeons makes you stronger bit by bit.”

Shino gave a wry smile for some reason.

Everyone’s levels are rising, after all……

“But I realized a party isn’t just about strength. I want to do my best at whatever I can.”

“Hehe, I’ll come along too, you know?”

“Hm? Of course. You’re a party member, Shino.”

“Yeah!”

Right on cue, Hina returned.

“I’m back~ Thanks again today, Hinata-kun.”

“Did you get to relax with your sister?”

“Yeah! I had so much fun talking with Sis after so long! Five years, maybe? It was great~”

It’s great that Hina’s gradually talking more.

I want us to keep getting along as party members.

“Well, we’ll head out now. See you at school tomorrow.”

“Yeah! See you tomorrow, Hinata-kun, Shino-chan.”

Hina saw us off as we left the Kamui house.

On the way back, I enjoyed casual chat with Shino until we reached the Kagura house.

At that moment—

“Shino!”

A large man charged out from the entrance at incredible speed.

“!?”

“……Hey, you. Who are you?”

“Uh, nice to meet you. I’m Suzuki Hinata.”

“Suzuki Hinata……? Who’s that?”

“Stupid brother! S-Stop it!”

Shino stepped between me and the man.

It was the other figure I’d seen on TV with Akari-san—Shino’s brother.

“Shino! Who’s this guy!?”

“It’s none of your business, stupid brother!”

“It is my business! Th-That guy…… N-No way! H-He’s not your b-b-b-boyfriend, is he!?”

Boyfriend!?

“N-No! N-Not yet……”

“Not yet!?”

“J-Just drop it! Geez……”

“Wait, Shino. I won’t approve! I won’t accept some weak-looking guy like him!”

“Hinata-kun! Don’t mind him, whatever my stupid brother says doesn’t matter, okay?”

Ahaha…… This is the total opposite of Hina and Akari-san’s relationship.

But like Akari-san, Shino’s brother clearly treasures his little sister.

“Hey, you! If you want to date Shino, beat me first!”

“Stupid brother! H-Hinata-kun! Don’t mind him, s-see you tomorrow!”

“Wait! I’m not done—”

Shino’s brother’s massive frame didn’t budge no matter how much she pushed.

I wanted to help Shino, who looked troubled, but what could I do?

In her fluster, Shino said something unexpected.

“B-Big brother……? I-I’d like you to stop……”

“!? Sh-Shino……? W-What did you just……?”

“I said…… I just want to go inside now…… Big brother.”

“Sh-Shino called me…… B-B-B-Big brother……!?”

As his soul seemed to leave his body, Shino pushed his back, guiding him into the house.

She glanced back at me, raising her right hand as if to say “sorry” before heading inside.

♠♠♠

At the Kagura House.

“Hah!? W-Where am I……?”

“Stupid brother…… What are you doing……?”

“Shino!? I-I had some weird dream…… You had a boyfriend……”

“He’s not my boyfriend! It’s Hinata-kun. He’s a party member.”

“!? It wasn’t a dream!? ……Huh?”

“What’s wrong?”

Shino’s brother, Touma, stared at her intently.

“……Can you hear my voice?”

“!? I-It’s nothing!”

“Shino! You didn’t raise your level, did you!? I told you absolutely not to—”

“S-Shut up! It’s none of your business, stupid brother!”

Shino dashed to her room as if escaping, while Touma clenched his fists.

♠♠♠

At the Kamui House.

Akari, Akira, and Jizou stood before a thick iron box.

“It’s true…… She’s getting stronger.”

“Yeah.”

Inside the iron box was their beloved sister and daughter.

The box was designed to contain Hina’s Absolute Ice, a special magic tool powered by magic stones to trap her cold aura—a room made just for her.

But now, a faint chill was leaking out. When her level was still single digits, it could contain it perfectly, but after leveling up in dungeons, her Absolute Ice had grown too powerful, starting to exceed the box’s capacity.

“If the kid’s nearby, she can live normally and even sleep, right?”

“As he told us, there’s no issue sleeping in the next room, and no cold aura damage, just like Hinata-kun said.”

“Then shouldn’t we make the kid marry Hina no matter what?”

“Father, her partner should be her choice, not the family’s……”

“But if this keeps up, it’ll break eventually. And then……”

“Grandfather!!”

Akari instantly understood what he was about to say and flared with anger.

“The kid wouldn’t mind if it’s Hina.”

“……As her father, I want to give my daughter more options. Akari, how’s that thing going?”

“We haven’t found it yet. We’re searching for it, but there’s no telling when we will. And from sparring with her today, Hina’s gotten much stronger.”

“True. This cold aura says it all……”

Akira touched the faint chill leaking from the box.

“Eventually…… we’ll have to settle things with the Kagura family. I’ll go all out to get it.”

“Akari! A duel with that man won’t end safely!”

“I don’t care. For my sister, I’d give my arms, legs, eyes—anything. Hina is—the hope of the Kamui family. We have to protect her.”

“Akari…… You’re my precious daughter too. I won’t let that happen. We’ll find it somehow—the Delta Magic Stone.”

Akari clenched her fists, glaring at the leaking cold aura from the iron box.