The Hashira meetings were rarely peaceful.
Someone was always arguing.
Someone was always yelling.
And somehow, today was worse.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki had recently welcomed a new Hashira into the ranks.
The Star Hashira.
And within three days, every single person present had collectively decided he was insufferable.
The problem wasn’t his strength.
No one could deny he was powerful.
The problem was that he seemed physically incapable of existing without demanding attention.
Especially from the female Hashira.
And most especially from the Moon Hashira.
You.
The meeting had barely ended before he was already making his way across the garden.
“Moon Hashira!” he called dramatically.
Several heads immediately turned.
Not because they were interested.
Because everyone knew exactly what was about to happen.
You stood beneath a blooming wisteria tree, speaking quietly with Kanao.
The younger girl looked relieved when she spotted the approaching Hashira.
And immediately concerned.
The Star Hashira flashed what he clearly believed was a charming smile.
“You know,” he said, brushing a hand through his hair, “I’ve been hoping we’d have a chance to spend some time alone.”
Kanao blinked.
You blinked.
The silence stretched.
“I heard you’re considered the most beautiful Hashira.”
A vein appeared on Sanemi’s forehead.
From across the courtyard.
“Did he just say that?” he asked.
“Unfortunately,” Obanai answered.
The Serpent Hashira’s eye twitched.
Beside him, Mitsuri looked horrified.
“Oh dear…”
The Star Hashira continued completely unaware of the danger he was in.
“Honestly, I can see why. The moonlight practically seems jealous of you.”
You smiled politely.
The same gentle smile that had become famous throughout the Corps.
The smile that comforted injured slayers.
The smile that reassured frightened children.
The smile that somehow remained soft despite every tragedy you’d endured.
“Thank you.”
That was all.
Just two words.
“I was thinking perhaps I could escort you on your next mission.”
His grin widened.
“Someone as delicate as you shouldn’t be fighting alone.”
The courtyard went silent.
Dead silent.
Even the birds seemed to stop singing.
Shinobu’s smile became terrifyingly pleasant.
Tengen physically lowered his tea.
Giyu looked confused.
Which for Giyu was the equivalent of being shocked.
And Sanemi—
Sanemi looked moments away from committing a crime.
The Moon Hashira.
Delicate.
The woman who had personally beheaded an Upper Rank.
The woman who routinely protected lower-ranked slayers with her own body.
The woman capable of reducing entire forests to ribbons with Moon Breathing.
Delicate.
The Star Hashira continued speaking.
Oblivious.
“Of course, if you ever need protecting—”
A hand landed on his shoulder.
Heavy.
Firm.
Threatening.
The man turned.
Gyomei stood behind him.
The Stone Hashira’s expression remained calm.
Which somehow made it worse.
“I believe,” Gyomei said quietly, “the Moon Hashira is quite capable.”
The Star Hashira laughed nervously.
“Oh, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Another presence appeared beside him.
Then another.
Then another.
Sanemi.
Obanai.
Tengen.
Even Muichiro had wandered over.
The collective energy felt less like a group conversation and more like a pack of wolves surrounding a very unfortunate deer.
The Star Hashira finally seemed to realize something was wrong.
“…Why is everyone looking at me like that?”
“Because you’re annoying,” Sanemi answered immediately.
“Shinazugawa-san!” Mitsuri gasped.
“What? He asked.”
“For once, I agree with him.”
“Same,”
The Star Hashira looked horrified.
Meanwhile, you simply stood there, expression gentle as ever.
Just quiet patience.
It was one of the many reasons the Hashira were so protective of you.
No matter how much pain life had handed you.
No matter how many people you’d lost.
No matter how many battles you’d survived.
You had never allowed your heart to become bitter.
And because of that—
The rest of them were more than willing to become bitter on your behalf.