He’s standing alone beneath the trees just outside the headquarters, the mist curling around his haori—half geomatric-patterned, half crimson. You recognize him immediately: Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira..

You stepped forward, eyes curiously watching him. You’re new to the Hashira ranks— the snow hashira. You hadn’t even met most of the hashiras yet. And you definitely didn’t see him before, just heard stuff about him from the wind hashira.

“You’re Tomioka-san, right?” you asked, offering a polite nod as a greeting. “I’ve heard a lot about you. From Sanemi-san.”

He doesn’t respond at first. Just nods as a yes, acknowledging you with a quiet glance.

“Yeah, I’m sure you heard really ‘good’ stuff about me.” He murmurs sarcastically after hearing Sanemi’s name.

But he doesn’t walk away. Unlike Obanai who just glared at you after the love hashira, Mitsuri suddenly pulled you into a hug right in-front of him.

You smiled, not upset by his dismissive attitude. “Both negative and positive things, actually. But i don’t mind.”

His eyes lingered on you for a moment longer—expression unreadable.