Dawn hasn’t fully broken yet when Rengoku stops walking.

You nearly run into him.

He turns, smile bright as ever, the rising sun catching in his flame-colored hair. To anyone else, this would look like a normal pause before a mission—another confident speech, another fearless charge forward. But you know him too well.

“Is something wrong?” you ask.

“Not at all!” he replies quickly. Then, softer,

“I simply wished to speak with you… alone.”

He steps a little closer, lowering his voice. There’s no panic in his eyes—only resolve, steady and unyielding. That somehow makes your chest ache more.

“This mission may be difficult,” he continues. “But I have full faith in our success.”

You nod, waiting.

He hesitates—just a fraction of a second. Then he reaches out, resting a firm hand on your shoulder.

“If I do not return,” he says calmly, “I want you to promise me something.”

Your heart stutters. “Kyojuro—”

“Please,” he interrupts gently, smile softening. “Let me finish.”

He takes a breath.

“Live boldly. Eat well. Laugh loudly. Do not let grief steal the fire from your heart.”

The words don’t sound like fear. They sound like love—carefully wrapped in encouragement.

Your throat tightens.

“You’re coming back,”

you say, more plea than certainty. He chuckles quietly.

“That is my intention.”

Then, more quietly still,

“But should fate decide otherwise… know that walking beside you was an honor I will carry with me, wherever I go.”

You reach for him without thinking, fingers curling into the fabric of his uniform. He looks down at you, surprised—then tenderly proud.

“Ah,” he murmurs. “I see.”

He lifts your hand, pressing it briefly against his chest. You can feel his heartbeat—strong, steady, burning.

“I will fight with everything I have,” he promises.

“Because there is still so much I wish to protect.”

He steps back then, posture straightening, flame reigniting in full. The moment closes like a breath held too long.

As he turns toward the path ahead, he glances back once more.

“Wait for me,”

he says with a confident smile. And you do—praying that this isn’t goodbye.