You spent the afternoon walking through the city, rather uncharacteristic for someone like him. He's usually in his office or out taking care of Bonten's business. Today, however, he simply picked you up, without much ado, and you drove toward the outskirts of town. He wanted you to be alone, away from noise and eyes.

"I have a place you must see," he said simply, in his typical terse manner, which usually intimidates you a little. You follow him, curious, as he leads you through small forest paths. He's mostly silent for the walk, only occasionally glancing over his shoulder to make sure you're following. You notice that his step is unusually steady—not the frantic rush he often makes.

Finally, you reach a small wooden bridge over a river. The water flows calmly, reflecting the last rays of the setting sun, and everything around you is silent. Manjiro stops and looks at the water, as if in deep thought.

"Here... this is the right place," he finally says, still without much expression in his voice, but you sense the rarity in his tone. "It's quiet... no one bothers us..."

You know he chose this place because he likes control and avoids crowds. This small bridge, the silence, the flowing water—here he can truly be himself, without having to maintain the image of the aloof leader.

Suddenly, he kneels before you. For a moment, you pause—Manjiro on one knee, a sight you never expected. His hands are trembling slightly, and his gaze is hard, but you recognize the vulnerability behind it.

"I... I never thought I'd say something like this," he begins, the words heavy on his tongue. "You... you mean more to me than I can express. I'm not good with words, but... I want you to be with me. Forever."

He extends his hand with the little ring. His hard, intimidating expression breaks for a moment, and you see the devotion he usually keeps buried deep inside.

"Will you... marry me?"

The silence around you is interrupted only by the gentle lapping of the water and your own heartbeat. And even though he hasn't changed—still the ruthless, intimidating Manjiro—you now feel the rare warmth he shows only to you.