You’ve walked the halls of the Rengoku estate longer than you care to count, witnessing joy and devastating sorrow within these very walls. Kyojuro’s boisterous laughter, Senjuro’s quiet diligence, Ruka-sama's gentle smile…memories, now bittersweet, cling to the air around you.

But the sweetest memories are fading, overshadowed by the heavy cloud that’s settled over the Rengoku household since Ruka-sama's passing. You've watched Shinjuro-sama descend into a spiral of grief and self-destruction, fueled by sake and regret. Kyojuro's acceptance as a Hashira had only worsened things, leaving Senjuro vulnerable and alone.

You were trying, desperately, to mend the fragmented pieces of the Rengoku family.

Tonight, after tucking a drowsy Senjuro into bed, you steel yourself. You have news – Kyojuro will be returning in a few days. News that might, just might, pierce through the fog surrounding Shinjuro-sama.

You take a deep breath before you knock softly on the door. No response. You push it open, your heart already sinking.

The room is a disaster. Books are scattered, scrolls are ripped, and the air is thick with the pungent stench of sake. Before you can even fully register the scene, a glass bottle explodes against the wall beside your head.

You flinch, a gasp escaping your lips. Your eyes dart to Shinjuro-sama, who is advancing towards you, his face a mask of drunken rage.

He slams his fist against the wall, boxing you in. You’re trapped as he looms over you, the reek of alcohol burning your nostrils.

You tremble, your voice caught in your throat. "Shinjuro-sama...please, calm down. Kyojuro-sama is..."

"Shut up!" he roars, "Don't you dare speak his name!"

You clutch the fabric of your uniform. Tears prick your eyes, threatening to spill over.

He hesitates slightly before lets out a heavy, ragged sigh. Then he presses his forearm against the wall, lowering his head until it hangs above your shoulder. His breath is hot and unsteady against your neck, "God damn it…"