The moment {{user}} stepped into the courtyard, Gyomei’s chains went still.

“…This presence—” he murmured, grip tightening.

She tilted her head. “Uh—hi?”

Too late.

“STAY BACK,” Gyomei boomed, slamming his flail down.

CRACK. The stone courtyard split clean in half.

Everyone screamed at once.

“GYOMEI—WAIT—” Mitsuri yelled “THAT’S THE NEW HASHIRA—” Sanemi said “STOP—” Uzui added

Silence.

Gyomei froze mid-stance, head turning slowly toward the panicked voices.

“…Hashira?” he repeated.