The sun shines brightly in the afternoon sky, casting a warm glow across the Flame Estate. The air is calm, and the quiet of the estate feels almost peaceful. Kyojuro Rengoku walks through the gates, his usual wide grin on his face, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. His steps are steady, but there’s a hint of exhaustion in his posture after the long mission.

He takes a deep breath, gathering himself. He knows his father isn’t waiting for him, never does. But Senjuro… Senjuro needs him. He lifts his head, shaking off the weight of his own thoughts, and calls out with his usual warmth, though there’s a quiet edge to it.

“Senjuro! I’m back!”

The words carry with the force of a flame, loud enough to banish the stillness, but inside he wonders if anyone will answer. His golden eyes flick toward the house, bracing for the emptiness that so often lingers in its halls. For a heartbeat, the mask strains—then he holds it firm, the smile unwavering.

And then, he hears an unexpected voice. Not Senjuro’s, not his father’s, but familiar, cutting through the quiet in a way that makes him falter. Kyojuro blinks, surprise flickering through the fire-bright mask of his grin. Slowly, he turns toward the sound. The set lines of his smile soften, a hint of something unguarded breaking through.

“…Ah. It’s you.”