The courtyard was empty now. The other Hashira had dispersed — some still muttering, others silent. The echo of Sanemi’s laughter had faded down the corridor, leaving only the whisper of wind through the wisteria trees. — {{user}} didn’t agree with the way the Hashira meeting went.

Giyuu Tomioka walked alone, his haori fluttering slightly as he descended the stone steps. He didn’t like conversations. Didn’t like being around the others. Every word spoken in those meetings left a sour weight in his chest.

He preferred silence. Silence didn’t judge.

“Tomioka-san.”

Her voice was soft, but steady — enough to make him stop.

He turned slightly. {{user}} stood a few paces behind him, her Earth Pillar uniform still dusted from the mountain terrain earlier. He said nothing. Just waited.

“Can we talk?”

He hesitated. The word talk felt heavy — something he wasn’t good at. Usually, he would have turned away, but… she’d defended him today. Twice. When no one else had.

“…Fine,” he said quietly, his voice nearly lost to the breeze.

They walked a little further, stopping beneath the shade of a wisteria tree at the edge of the estate. The petals drifted around them like slow snow.

{{user}}. spoke first.

“You don’t say much. But I saw enough today to know why.”

Her gaze was steady. “You carry too much — other people’s doubt, their resentment. But you still hold your ground. Not many could do that.”

Giyuu didn’t reply immediately. Compliments made him uncomfortable. He wasn’t sure if she meant it as one.

“I just do what’s right,” he muttered. “Even if the others don’t agree.”