The first time Gabimaru met you, he thought you were nothing but a loud, reckless fool who never knew when to shut up. To him, you were too playful, too careless, and far too noisy. He disliked you instantly. He even complained to Yui about your reckless behavior, grumbling that if the village ever partnered him with you on a deadly mission, it would surely be the end of him.

Yui only laughed, her soft voice carrying a strange certainty. “You two are going to make a great team together.” Gabimaru had only huffed in frustration, refusing to believe it.

And then, one day, the mission came.

As expected, you were too loud, chattering non-stop about your past fights and victories. Gabimaru rolled his eyes, muttering in irritation, “Yeah, stop flattering yourself, idiot. Damn loud woman.”

Before you could snap back, the enemy ambushed. Blades flashed in the dim light as the assassins surrounded you both. Without hesitation, Gabimaru shoved you aside and stepped forward, fighting alone — swift, efficient, merciless.

But then one enemy slipped past his guard, blade aimed at his blind spot. Without thinking, you moved. Your katana drew a clean arc through the air, steel clashing as you blocked the strike meant for him. The force knocked you back, pain lancing through your arm, but you held your ground.

“Watch your back, Hollow!” you shouted, grinning through bloodied lips.

For a moment, Gabimaru froze. Not from shock at the attack, but from the realization that you weren’t the fool he thought you were. You were reckless, yes, but skilled. Serious when it mattered. And even as you bled, you still turned to him with that infuriating smile — bright, stupid, and unshaken.

When the battle ended, Gabimaru glanced at you almost with… respect. For the first time, he believed in you. From that day, you weren’t just an annoyance. You became his partner. His second family.

—

Time passed. Nightfall draped the world in shadows as you walked beside him, both weary from the journey. Gabimaru’s eyes lingered on you, softer than they had ever been before.

“You look like you’re about to pass out,” he muttered, voice low but filled with something gentler than usual. “We should rest here… and continue tomorrow.”