The Kocho sisters—Kanae's spirit and Shinobu's living form—one embracing, one standing still, found solace in their fleeting connection.
Shinobu was now utterly convinced: her sister was truly by her side, her spirit standing before her.
But with this realization came a wave of unease.
Her resolve to sacrifice her life for Kanae's vengeance had been exposed to her sister. Surely, Kanae was furious—or at the very least, far from pleased.
For the first time in ages, Shinobu felt a familiar sensation, like a child who'd misbehaved, awaiting her sister's scolding.
Though it made her nervous, she had to admit—it felt comforting.
Horitake, standing behind Shinobu, addressed Kanae's spirit. "Kanae-nee, you've heard what foolish thing Shinobu-nee plans to do.
"So, let's hear your stance. Do you agree with Shinobu-nee sacrificing her life to avenge you?"
Kanae's spirit shook her head vigorously, like a rattling drum.
Pouting, she huffed, "How could Shinobu do something like that? Sacrificing her life to avenge me? That's absolutely unacceptable! I'd never agree to it!"
Horitake stepped closer to Shinobu, placing his hands on her shoulders, his body half-pressed against hers. He looked at Kanae's spirit with a half-smile, then asked Shinobu, "Shinobu-nee, guess what Kanae-nee said? You don't need to guess her exact words—just her stance.
"Do you think Kanae-nee approves of you sacrificing yourself?"
Shinobu stared at the empty space before her, imagining her sister's angry glare.
She faltered. "Well… she probably doesn't approve, right?"
"You knew that! You could guess that much!" Horitake teased sharply before continuing, "Exactly. Kanae-nee's stance is firm—she absolutely does not want you throwing your life away for her vengeance! Think about it. Think about how you'll explain yourself, how you'll make excuses, how you'll face Kanae-nee.
"Just speak to the air in front of you. Kanae-nee's spirit is right there—she'll hear you."
"This… like this?" Shinobu hesitated, gazing ahead.
Though nothing was visible, she could almost see her sister, glaring at her with indignation.
Was it the bond of true sisters, their hearts in sync?
Indeed, Kanae's spirit stood there, hands on hips, frowning angrily at Shinobu.
Shinobu's defiance crumbled. Like a little girl caught in the wrong, she fidgeted, a mix of grievance and overwhelming longing for her sister.
Her eyes red, she spoke softly, "Sister, I'm sorry. If I'd reached you in time to help back then, you wouldn't have been so badly hurt by Douma. You wouldn't have left us."
Seeing her sister's pitiful, sorrowful state, Kanae couldn't stay angry.
She sighed and said, "How could I blame you? I was too naive back then, too weak to hold on until help arrived, barely lasting until dawn."
Horitake relayed her words to Shinobu.
Shinobu, eyes still red, poured out her heart. "Sister, you were my most important family. When you left me, it felt like the sky was collapsing.
"If it weren't for Kanao and the others needing me, I would've followed you back then."
Kanae shook her head, frustrated. "How could you think like that? The dead are gone forever, but the living must be stronger." (Horitake relayed.)
"Because of your death, I was shaken to my core. I have to admit, I wasn't in my right mind back then.
"I started mimicking you in every way, trying to bring you back through me—your mannerisms, your style, your smile… everything was my way of missing you."
"When I saw you change like that, it broke my heart. I felt like my death was irresponsible, leaving you all behind." (Horitake relayed.)
"Sister, don't ever say that! Life and death aren't things we can control!"
"But Shinobu, your state has been getting worse lately. If Horitake-san hadn't called you out tonight, I wouldn't have known you had such a plan!
"I'm really upset!" (Horitake relayed.)
"I'm… I'm sorry, Sister. I just wanted to avenge you so badly."
"Revenge might be important, but it's not the most important thing in life, and it's definitely not worth giving up your life for.
"Shinobu, you're so young, so beautiful, with so many vibrant years ahead. Being this extreme isn't worth it! I don't want you sacrificing your life for my revenge! You're my sister, not my shadow.
"I want you to live better, happier—not trapped in grief and hatred.
"That would break my heart." (Horitake relayed.)
"I'm sorry, Sister. I… I always feel like I failed you."
In the moments that followed, under Kanae's gentle scolding, Shinobu turned into an apology machine.
All she could say was "I'm sorry," expressing remorse to her sister, unable to find other words.
She was sorry for everything.
Sorry for not saving her sister in time back then.
Sorry for not being able to avenge her now.
Sorry for worrying her sister even more.
As the saying goes, the one who ties the bell must untie it; a heart's illness needs a heart's cure.
Kanae was both the bell's ringer and Shinobu's cure.
Just moments ago, Shinobu had been so stubborn. Despite Horitake's anger, even after he broke through her defenses, she clung to her tragic resolve.
But a few words from Kanae softened her stance, dissolving much of her obsession with sacrificing herself for revenge.
No one could rein in Shinobu—except her sister.
And Horitake had brought her sister into the picture.
Kanae continued with a mix of gentle reprimands and touching reassurances.
Her blend of firmness and kindness finally shattered Shinobu's resolve to let Douma devour her.
It was Kanae's final, sternest words that sealed it: "If you really sacrifice your life to avenge me, Shinobu, when you meet me in the afterlife, I won't acknowledge you as my sister!"
When Horitake relayed those words, Shinobu broke completely.
She sobbed, pleading with Kanae, admitting her mistake, vowing never to entertain such foolish ideas again, begging her sister's forgiveness.
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