Chapter 5: 5: The room
One book in particular caught his eye, a worn-out cover that stood in contrast to the newer, untouched volumes.
Curious, Kakashi pulled it from the shelf and flipped through the pages. There were handwritten notes in the margins, scrawls of thoughts and ideas—Rinko's, presumably. It wasn't just about business; it had personal reflections, frustrations, and aspirations.
A personal journal.
'So, there's more to this kid than just arrogance and a sense of entitlement,' Kakashi mused, flipping to another page.
The room, spotless and orderly as it was, seemed to hold layers of the person Rinko had once been. Kakashi knew that understanding these details might help him blend in better, but it also gave him a glimpse into the fractured life he was now living.
"I wish I could find my own path," one entry read. "Every time I think I've made a decision, I can feel Father's gaze, judging me. I'm not sure what he would think if he knew how often I just want to be free of this burden."
This journal offered a glimpse into a world where Rinko was more than just a privileged heir—he was a young man grappling with the weight of his family's legacy.
Kakashi found himself resonating with those feelings, reflecting on his own struggles to live up to the expectations placed upon him.
The room, spotless and orderly as it was, seemed to hold layers of the person Rinko had once been.
Kakashi knew that understanding these details might help him blend in better, but it also gave him insight into the fractured life he was now living.
He continued to explore, noticing a collection of framed photographs on the desk.
Each one captured a moment in Rinko's life—smiling with Weiss during a family gathering, standing beside Whitley with a confident grin, and one particularly candid shot of Rinko on a mountain hike, laughter evident on his face.
Kakashi paused, his gaze lingering on the photographs. The joy and warmth they radiated felt like a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere he had just experienced with Jacques.
At that moment, he felt the sharp sting of Rinko's regrets seep into him as he flipped to another diary entry, his heart heavy with empathy.
"I wish I could apologize to Weiss, to Whitley... to Winter. I said so many terrible things to them. But I somehow can't muster up the guts to even tell them... Father told me to be selfish. Bonds were meaningless; they only get in the way, he said. After hearing those words, it hurts."
The vulnerability in Rinko's words struck a chord within Kakashi.
He could sense the deep-seated conflict between familial loyalty and personal desires. Rinko had been conditioned to prioritize the family's reputation over genuine connections, leaving behind a trail of fractured relationships and unresolved feelings.
Kakashi felt a pang of sorrow for Rinko, realizing the true cost of living under Jacques Schnee's shadow.
It was a painful existence, one that echoed Kakashi's own past where duty often overshadowed connection. This young man had been trapped in a gilded cage, with expectations weighing down on him like an anchor.
He turned the page, searching for more insights into Rinko's thoughts and emotions. Each entry revealed glimpses of a mind tormented by the need for approval while longing for authenticity.
Rinko's regrets poured out in ink, each stroke revealing the turmoil of a heart caught between love for his family and the painful lessons taught by a father who valued ambition above all else.
The dislike her mother held upon him due to him resembling Jacques Schnee.
Kakashi sighed softly, realizing he couldn't ignore these feelings.
Rinko's struggle was not just a subplot in his new life; it was the core of his existence as Rinko Schnee.
To truly embody this character, he would need to understand and confront these emotions head-on, perhaps even navigate a path toward mending those broken bonds.
As he pondered the implications of Rinko's struggles, Kakashi closed the diary and set it back on the shelf.
This room, with its impeccable order and haunting memories, would become his training ground—not just for adapting to the role of Rinko but for confronting the shadows of the past.
Determined to honor Rinko's experiences, Kakashi knew he had to take action.
He had to step beyond the expectations laid upon him and find his voice, even if that meant challenging Jacques's narrow views on relationships. The path forward wouldn't be easy, but Kakashi felt a flicker of resolve igniting within him.
For the past few days, Kakashi had remained confined to his room, immersing himself in the vast knowledge of Remnant. Stacks of books lay on the desk, detailing everything from the history of the world to the inner workings of Huntsmen academies.
He read about Grimm—the terrifying creatures that plagued humanity-and the advanced weapons Huntsmen used, a blend of ranged and melee capabilities. The concept of Aura, an energy source that shielded and enhanced individuals, particularly caught his interest.
Yet, despite all his reading, Kakashi felt something was missing.
'This body... it hasn't unlocked Aura,' he realized. It was strange. Even though he was inhabiting Rinko's body, he knew there was more potential within it. He just had to find a way to tap into it.
Kakashi decided it was time to meditate, focusing on the energy within. Sitting cross-legged on the floor of his pristine room, he closed his eyes and controlled his breathing.
He had done this countless times as a shinobi, reaching deep within himself to access his chakra. He hoped that the principles would be similar here. In the silence, he concentrated on the flow of energy, trying to feel something beneath the surface, something more than just the physical.
Minutes passed, then hours.The world faded as his senses tuned inward, searching for the elusive power that the people of Remnant called Aura. Suddenly, a subtle warmth spread through his body, starting from his chest and radiating outward.