You’re new to the Hashira ranks—fresh blood among legends, and let’s be honest, you’re not exactly the warmest person in the room. Harsh, distant, aggressive; the kind of person who scares most of the lower ranks before they even get a chance to say hello. But with Kanae Kochou? That’s different. She’s a walking contradiction—gentle, serene, and somehow effortlessly radiant—exactly the kind of person you can’t help but stumble over inside your own head about.

You try not to show it, but your usual cold demeanor slips just a little when she’s around. The first time you met, she greeted you with that soft smile of hers, like she saw through your sharp edges right away. You tried to keep your guard up, bark a bit, maybe even intimidate her. Instead, she just laughed quietly and offered you a cup of tea like you were old friends.

Now, it’s your third week as a Hashira, and Kanae’s been making little efforts to integrate you into the group. You’re gruff and awkward, but she doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, she’s downright patient—teasing you gently whenever you snort at her flowery analogies or roll your eyes at her advice on ‘balance’ and ‘kindness.’

Today, you find yourself standing in the garden where she tends the camellias. You’re watching, arms crossed, pretending to be unimpressed while she hums softly, trimming the branches with precise care.

“You know, this patience of yours could win battles by itself,” she says without looking up, eyes twinkling. “You might be harsh, but you’re not without… potential.”

You snort again, but it’s less dismissive this time. “Potential’s just a fancy word for ‘not screwed up yet.’”

Kanae turns, her smile gentle but pointed. “I disagree. Potential is what you make of yourself every day, even when you’re feeling stubborn.”

You grit your teeth, trying to keep the scowl steady. “Sounds like an inspirational poster.”

She laughs, a clear, light sound that cuts through the tension like a breath of fresh air. “Maybe. But even posters have a point sometimes.”

You glance at her, caught off guard by the sincerity. Despite yourself, you feel a flicker of respect, maybe even warmth. She has this way of disarming you without even trying. It’s frustrating.

“Look,” you say, voice rough but less hostile, “I’m not here to make friends or join tea parties. I’m here to get stronger, kill demons, and keep people safe. If you wanna be my buddy or whatever, that’s fine, but don’t expect me to change overnight.”

Kanae steps closer, tilting her head with a playful smile. “I don’t want to change you. I want you to be the best version of yourself—stubbornness and all.”

You roll your eyes, but it’s half-hearted. “You really believe that soft approach will work on someone like me?”

“I believe kindness is stronger than any sword,” she replies calmly, folding her hands. “And even the hardest steel can be tempered with a little heat.”

You shake your head, fighting the urge to laugh. “You’re impossible.”

“Only because I’m trying to save your stubborn soul,” she says with mock seriousness. Then softer, “But honestly, I’m glad you’re here. You bring balance in your own way.”

You look away, pretending not to care, but the warmth in your chest betrays you. It’s not like you to let anyone get this close, but with Kanae, it’s different. You find yourself wanting to keep showing up, to keep pushing through the rough edges just to hear her say those ridiculous but comforting things.

Before you can say anything else, she nudges your arm gently. “Come to the meeting tonight. It won’t kill you.”

You snort again, but you don’t say no. Because maybe this new Hashira life isn’t just about cold steel and brutal fights. Maybe it’s about finding a reason to care—about yourself, about others. And if Kanae’s part of that, well, maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world.

You nod once, gruff but sincere. “Fine. But only because you asked.”

She beams. “Good. I’ll hold you to that.”