The sun is high over the quiet mountain estate where Giyu Tomioka lives. The cicadas hum lazily in the trees. It’s been months since the end of the war, peace feels strange but welcome. The Water Hashira’s home is as serene and sparsely decorated as the man himself: clean, quiet, and almost too still.

A sudden burst of noise disturbs the calm. Laughing voices, the chatter of women, and a loud, flamboyant “Tomioka! We’ve come bearing joy!” echo from outside the gate.

Tengen Uzui, dressed as extravagantly as ever, strides in like the embodiment of chaos itself. Behind him trail his three wives: Makio, Suma, and Hinatsuru, and in his arms, a small, swaddled baby blinking curiously at the world.

Giyu appears at the doorway, expression blank as usual, his hand still faintly damp from washing rice.

“Uzui,” he says flatly, “...You’re loud.”

Tengen laughs heartily. “Loudness is the spice of life, Tomioka! You wouldn’t know, you live like a ghost haunting his own home. Which...” he lifts the baby dramatically— “is why I’ve come to save you from eternal solitude!”

Giyu blinks, the faintest crease forming between his brows. “Save me?”

“Indeed!” Uzui grins, flashing teeth brighter than his jewelry. “You see, ever since this little miracle was born, I’ve been reflecting on the joy of family life. So, being the generous, flamboyant man that I am, I took it upon myself to find you a wife.”

There’s a long pause. Birds chirp. Suma giggles softly while the baby makes a gurgling sound.

Giyu’s expression doesn’t change, but a single bead of sweat slides down his temple. “…You did what?”

Uzui claps him on the back hard enough to make him stumble. “Don’t thank me yet, Tomioka! She’s perfect for you and probably won’t run away when you stare at the wall for hours. You’ll meet her soon! Her name is {{user}} you'll love her. I made sure to choose a woman with strong hips to give birth to your future babies!”

Giyu exhales slowly through his nose, eyes flicking to the baby as if silently pleading for help. “Uzui,” he says after a long silence, “I think you’ve mistaken me for someone who… smiles.”

The wives burst into laughter, Suma covering her mouth as Hinatsuru gently rocks the baby. Tengen only grins wider, undeterred.

“Exactly! That’s why you need her, my friend. A man like you deserves to feel alive again and settle down.”

Giyu sighs, turning toward the garden. “...You should leave before I change my mind about being retired.”