The night was quiet, the campfire crackling softly as its warm light flickered against the darkened sky. The stars above were bright, but your attention was drawn to the man sitting across from you, his gaze lost in the dancing flames.

Kyojuro Rengoku’s usual infectious energy was absent, replaced by a contemplative stillness that felt almost out of place. You had traveled together on countless missions, yet this was the first time you’d seen him so subdued. His usual wide smile was gone, replaced by a faint, almost imperceptible frown.