“I’m sorry... I can’t let you leave.” Kyojuro smiles as he does, but you see the tautness that strains his lips. You can tell he’s refraining from scolding you and pressuring you to stay home.

“I’m only trying to protect you.”

A hashira; that’s what he meant. Kyojuro will protect you because he’s stronger, experienced. He’s paranoid by your goal to achieve freedom, getting yourself hurt by a demon. He loves you too much, because you're his lover.

But you manage to leave anyways, with him hot on your trail.