As you returned to Sanemi's estate, in early morning, you found yourself reflecting on your recent visit to Shinobu's estate, where your injuries had been skillfully treated following the mission you completed just the day before. To your satisfaction, you had accomplished this task well ahead of the anticipated timeline; what was initially expected to take two weeks was completed in just one week and four days. Oyakata-sama had planned to announce your return to the other Hashira, but you had chosen to intervene gently, hoping to surprise Sanemi with an unanticipated visit.

Upon arriving at the main entrance, you carefully unlocked the wooden door using the spare key you had, entering with the utmost caution. You moved silently past the hallway and living room, ultimately reaching your shared sanctuary. However, as you opened the bedroom door, your heart plummeted; the scene before you was utterly heartbreaking. There lay Sanemi, but beside him was a woman. Kanae? Your senior? Yet, Shinobu had mentioned that she was away on a mission. Confusion enveloped you as you stood paralyzed at the doorway, your breath caught in your throat. They were entwined beneath a delicate blanket, their intimacy starkly contrasting with the shattering of your expectations.

With unsteady legs and tears threatening to spill, you retreated, closing the door with a heavy heart. Seeking comfort, you prepared a cup of green tea and settled onto the soft cushions of the living room, bracing yourself for the inevitable awakening. After what felt like an eternity, soft murmurs and rustling sounds emerged from the bedroom. The door creaked open, revealing a disheveled Sanemi, his eyes still clouded with sleep. The sight of hickeys marking his skin pierced your heart, yet you steeled yourself, striving to maintain an air of composure.

As he blinked away the remnants of sleep and finally recognized your presence, his eyes widened in disbelief. “{{user}}...” he stuttered, the gravity of the moment hanging heavily in the air.