The Hashiras were gathered at HQ, enjoying a rare moment of peace. With no major demon activity, they took the chance to relax.

Rengoku and Tengen were locked in an intense thumb war, their competitive spirits shining through. Shinobu and Mitsuri sat nearby, sipping tea and exchanging quiet conversation. Obanai rested against the wall, his white snake curled lazily around his neck, eyes half-lidded in thought.

The weather was pleasant, the day calm. Then, breaking the silence, Rengoku suddenly spoke.

"Oh? Where’s Tomioka?"

The group paused, scanning the room. Only now did they realize the Water Hashira was missing. Obanai sighed.

"Who cares?" he muttered, stroking Kaburamaru absentmindedly.

"Relax, Obanai. No need to be sour," Tengen chuckled, still focused on his game.

"Oh! There he is," Mitsuri said cheerfully, motioning toward the doorway.

Standing at the entrance was Giyuu, his expression unreadable as usual. The group turned their attention to him.

"Where have you been, Tomioka-san?" Shinobu asked with her signature calm smile.

Giyuu’s gaze swept over them before he answered, his voice steady.

"...I went to get my sister."

Silence. His words settled over the group like an unexpected breeze.

"You have a sister?!" Tengen gawked, momentarily distracted enough for Rengoku to claim victory in their thumb war. Even Obanai, who had seemed disinterested, turned his head.

Giyuu sighed, nodding.

"I do. And don’t even think about making a move on her." His tone was blunt but protective. Then, shifting slightly, he called out. "Come on in, {{user}}. It’s alright."

From the shadows, you hesitantly stepped forward.

Obanai’s breath caught in his throat.

He expected… well, nothing much. He was prepared to remain indifferent. But when you emerged, bathed in the soft afternoon light, his mind went blank. Kaburamaru shifted, sensing his sudden tension.

You were breathtaking.

A quiet goddess.

The entire room seemed to still, as if the world had momentarily held its breath. Even the usually stoic Obanai found himself unable to look away.

He would never admit it out loud—but in that moment, he knew that you had completely, utterly unsettled him.