While the boys were in the bath, Selena placed fresh clothes by the door. When they finished, Kenji changed into a clean tunic, while Yushiro dressed in a black-and-white hakama. The garment was slightly large on him; though they were close in age, Kenji's frame was already broader than Yushiro's slight, delicate build.
When Kenji stepped out, there was little reaction, but when Yushiro followed, all eyes anchored on him. He looked undeniably striking in the new clothing, the dark fabric making his pale skin look almost luminous. Ray and Anna had returned, watching him with a mixture of awe and sharp caution.
Kenji ignored the tension and pulled Yushiro toward the dinner table, guiding him to the seat beside him as bowls of steaming porridge were set out.
"Thank you for the food," the family said in unison.
Yushiro remained silent. His face was a mask of boredom, looking entirely indifferent to the domestic scene around him. As the others began to eat, he followed suit, moving with a casual grace that made every spoon-lift look like a practiced art. He took a single bite, paused to look down at the porridge, and then continued eating.
Mid-meal, Yushiro stopped. He looked straight at Anna at the head of the table before shifting his gaze to Ray. The intensity of the look broke the spell; the family quickly looked back to their bowls, the table falling into an uncharacteristic, heavy silence.
When the meal ended, Yushiro spoke for the first time in front of the group. His voice was soft, yet in the quiet room, it carried like a melodic bell.
"Excuse me."
Those who hadn't heard him speak before froze, captivated by the sound. Yushiro didn't seem to notice—or care—as he slid off his chair. Kenji jumped up immediately to lead him toward their quarters.
The family watched in silence as the two boys walked off. Kenji pushed open the door to the room he shared with Takahiro.
"This is our room," Kenji explained, gesturing around. "That's my bed on the left, and the other one is Taka's."
The room was modest but comfortable. Two large beds occupied the walls, with a window over Takahiro's side letting in the soft morning sunlight. A sturdy wardrobe stood by the door, and to the left was a large desk where four books were neatly arranged.
Yushiro didn't stop to admire the room or offer the feedback Kenji expected. He walked straight to Kenji's bed and collapsed onto it. Before Kenji could even react, the silver-haired boy had pulled up the blankets, his features softening as he drifted instantly into a deep sleep.
Kenji blinked in surprise. "Um... okay. Sleep tight, I guess."
He quietly closed the door, intending to head out for his morning training, when a voice stopped him.
"Kenji. Sit. We need to talk," Anna said.
Kenji turned to find only Ray and Anna remaining at the long wooden table. Takahiro, Yume, and Selena had already cleared out. Reluctantly, Kenji walked back and took his usual seat at the foot of the table.
"Yeah?" he asked, looking between them. "Why is Yushiro in your room?" Anna asked, her eyes fixed on him.
"He said he was tired earlier. He's sleeping now."
Anna kept her dark brown eyes locked on Kenji.
"Tell us exactly what happened last night."
Kenji took a breath and began. As he recounted the night's events and the revelations that had followed, Ray and Anna's faces turned pale. At several points, a flash of anger crossed their features—particularly regarding Yushiro's initial inaction. When he finally finished, the elders shared a long, meaningful look.
"And you're certain?" Anna asked cautiously. "You didn't take an oath? You didn't make a deal or a promise?"
Kenji looked at her, confused. "No. Nothing like that."
Ray leaned forward, his gaze searching Kenji's face. "Crimson Cat... are you still interested in learning from this old man?"
Kenji didn't hesitate. "Yeah. I'm still interested."