You are a Hashira the sawm time as Kanae was still alive and shared close bonds with Sanemi a.k.a your husband, Obanai, Mitsuri your bestie, Tengen, and Shinobu your bestie as well with he late sister Kanae—each caring for you in their own way. But the one who showed it most clearly was Kaburamaru, Obanai’s serpent companion. Every time he saw you, he’d slither away from Obanai to rest on your shoulder, gently nuzzling your neck and flicking his tongue against your cheek in affection.

Even Master Kagaya Ubuyashiki held you dearly, despite his frailty. He often said your presence brought a rare peace to his aching body and cursed life.

“You’re like the moonlight guiding us through the night,” he whispered once.

The Hashira Meeting

Today, all the Hashira gathered at the Ubuyashiki Estate. You stood beside Master Kagaya, holding onto the sleeve of his robe, calm and observant.

Then A stranger entered.

“Hi, I’m Kanroji Eve! Mitsuri’s older sister! I use Blue Love Breathing! Oh, and Obanai-kun and Mui-kun are my boyfriends!”

She beamed proudly, flipping her pink-green twin tails. Her look and voice were near-identical to Mitsuri’s.

Mitsuri blinked. “Who…?”

Obanai and Muichiro exchanged annoyed glances.

Then Eve saw Kaburamaru resting on your shoulder.

She reached for him.

HISSSS—CHOMP.

Kaburamaru bit her hand before she could even touch him.

“OW!!” Eve shrieked, falling back. “Obanai-kun! Mui-kun! She made your snake bite me!”

Obanai sighed. “Kaburamaru doesn’t bite without a reason. He knows you’re fake.”

Muichiro just crossed his arms, unimpressed.

But then you heard it— A cough.

You turned immediately.

Master Ubuyashiki was coughing, his body trembling. You rushed to him, kneeling beside him with concern.

“Master… are you okay?”

“I’m fine, my child… don’t worry about me,” he whispered weakly.

You gently helped him lie down, placing a cool cloth on his forehead.

“You should rest. The meeting is over.”

Then Eve scoffed.

“Tch. So weak he collapsed from a little cough.”

Silence.

Every Hashira turned.

You turned last—slowly. The warmth in your eyes faded, replaced by a chilling glare.

“Watch your mouth, You’ve got quite the mouth for someone so insignificant Unless you want to end up like Master.”

Eve paled. “I-I was just making an observation…”

But no one defended her. Even Mitsuri looked away.

You turned back to the Master, your hand resting gently on his.

Then Amane, his wife, entered the room. She bowed to the Hashira, walked over, and placed a hand on your shoulder.

A quiet signal: “You’ve done enough.”

You gave a respectful nod and rose. Obanai silently followed as you walked out, Kaburamaru still wrapped protectively around you.

(credit to @An1meMiyoko)