As I waited, stiff with tension, a man eventually arrived.

Shanao

(Is this Yoritomo Minamoto? My brother?)

Yoritomo Minamoto

…

My brother entered the room without saying a word and promptly sat down on the floor. He was tall with a large frame and excellent upright posture. His sharp gaze found its way to me. I hurriedly lowered my head, feeling as if my heart had been seized by the coldness of his gaze.

Yoritomo Minamoto

…

Yet not a word escaped his lips.

Shanao

?

When I looked up, I saw the same emotionless eyes staring coldly at me, just as before. For the first time, I met my brother. He radiated no joy, no familial love. Just a cold, inhospitable air of indifference. I tried to find a place in his face that was similar to my own, but I could see nothing of myself in his frozen expression.

Shanao

(Please...say something...)

I was never expecting some tearful warm embrace... But still, he's my brother. My own blood. Surely, he must feel something? And yet still we sat, the physical distance between us remaining as unchanged as his emotions... I felt a searing pain in my chest as my unconscious expectations were quickly shattered.

Yoritomo Minamoto

So you're Shanao?

Shanao

...!

My brother, who had kept silent until now, finally spoke to me.

Shanao

Indeed. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Shanao, the child of Yoshitomo Minamoto.

Shanao

Please forgive me for visiting you so suddenly.

Yoritomo Minamoto

I'm Yoritomo.

In contrast to my nervous, trembling voice, my brother's was flat and calm.

Yoritomo Minamoto

Come closer.

I did as he said. At a somewhat closer distance, my brother stared deeply into my face.

Yoritomo Minamoto

You've come a long way.

Shanao

I am just grateful for the chance to see my brother...

Yoritomo Minamoto

I see.

His replies were curt.

Shanao

(I can still feel it...there's still a wall between us... Does he really not see me as family?)