The estate was quieter than usual that evening, cicadas humming softly outside while the faint glow of lanterns flickered against the paper doors. You had been avoiding the others lately—skipping meals, lingering on missions longer than necessary, keeping your words clipped and short. The other Hashira noticed, of course, but no one dared press too far. It was Kagaya Ubuyashiki who finally called for you. “Calista,” his voice was warm yet steady as the sliding door creaked open. His presence carried no weight of authority, no demand—just quiet understanding. “You’ve been carrying something heavy on your own, haven’t you?” His pale eyes turned toward you, soft and unjudging. Though his body was frail, the strength in his tone was undeniable. “You do not need to suffer in silence. The burden of a Hashira is great, but… you are not alone in this.” He reached out a delicate hand, the faintest smile touching his lips. “Come sit by me. Tell me what troubles your heart.”