The Butterfly Mansion buzzed with morning energy. The girls were up early, bustling about with vibrant cheer. Aoi and the doe-eyed trio—Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho—deftly prepared breakfast for seven, setting the table with practiced ease.
Horitake, ever courteous, didn't oversleep. He rose, freshened up, and joined the girls at the table, offering heartfelt thanks for their efforts. Breakfast passed as pleasantly as dinner, filled with chatter and warmth.
Afterward, Shinobu, ready to leave, prodded the dawdling Horitake. "The Pillar meeting's about to start. We can't be late."
Horitake, wiping his hands, strolled out leisurely. "No rush, Sister Shinobu. We've got time, right?"
Shinobu's tone sharpened. "Time? Sure, but Pillars arrive early. You're not making the Master wait, are you?"
"Fair point," Horitake conceded. "Let's go."
Together, they left the Butterfly Mansion, hurrying to the Ubuyashiki estate, where the Pillar meeting would convene on the familiar white pebble courtyard under the veranda—a place reserved for significant gatherings.
Shinobu was right—they were late. The other seven Pillars stood in a solemn line, radiating strength and composure. From left to right: Sanemi Shinazugawa, Gyomei Himejima, Muichiro Tokito, Kyojuro Rengoku, Tengen Uzui…
Wait—where were Mitsuri Kanroji, Obanai Iguro, and Giyuu Tomioka? Oh, right—Mitsuri wasn't a Pillar yet, though she was close. Obanai was perched in a tree, coiled like a snake. And Giyuu… well, he stood apart, facing the opposite direction, exuding isolation.
Definitely ostracized, Horitake thought.
Shinobu, her smile sly, asked, "These are the Corps' Pillars. First impressions?"
Horitake chose his words carefully. "They're strong, no doubt. But… a bunch of problem children. The Master's a genius to keep them in line."
Their arrival drew the Pillars' attention. Kyojuro, ever enthusiastic, greeted Shinobu first. "Yo, Shinobu! You're the last to arrive this time!"
Tengen's gaze locked onto Horitake. "Who's this kid beside you? The one who flashily took down Upper Moon Five, Horitake!?"
Horitake, addressed directly, couldn't stay silent. "You nailed it, Sound Pillar. I'm Horitake, and yeah, I killed Yushiro. Nice to meet you all, seniors. Sorry for being a bit late—my bad."
Gyomei, who'd met Horitake before, responded warmly. "Indeed, it's you, Horitake. To think you've slain an Upper Moon in mere months. Your strength is a blessing to the Corps. Namu Amida Butsu…"
"Long time no see, Master Himejima," Horitake replied. "You're too kind. Yushiro was the weakest Upper Moon—nothing special. Your presence still intimidates me as much as ever."
Sanemi, the Wind Pillar, wasn't so friendly. Scowling, he sneered, "So you're the one who killed Upper Moon Five? You don't look that tough."
Horitake had expected this attitude but still bristled. With a strained smile, he shot back, "Wind Pillar, you're right. A little girl said the same yesterday—I don't look strong. But whether I am? I bet you'd love to find out."
His jab hit its mark. Sanemi's temper flared, his hand gripping his Nichirin Blade. "Oh, interesting! Let's see if you're worthy of standing with us."
Horitake's hand drifted to his own blade, his smile unwavering. "A spar? I'd be honored."
He was ready to fight. With someone as brash as Sanemi, only a thorough beatdown would earn respect.
The other Pillars reacted variably. Kyojuro's eyes gleamed. "Oh!? Sanemi, a duel with Horitake? What a thrilling bout!"
Tengen egged them on. "Horitake! I hear your Thunder Breathing is flashier than the classic style. Show it off in style!"
Gyomei clasped his hands, silent. Muichiro… was distracted, staring at a bird hopping on the roof.
Obanai, from his tree perch, intervened. "Hold it. Fighting here, in the Master's presence, is disrespectful. Your strength would wreck this place—an insult to him." He leapt down, joining the line. "I'm curious about your skills, Horitake, but save it for after the meeting, somewhere less crowded. Right, Tomioka?"
Horitake's attention shifted to Giyuu, who stood alone, radiating an aura of disconnection. Expressionless, he murmured, "Fight or don't. Doesn't matter."
Somehow, that single line doused Horitake's fighting spirit. Sanemi's anger fizzled too.
Horitake sighed, addressing Giyuu. "Tomioka-senpai, no wonder you're so isolated."
Giyuu replied flatly, "I'm not disliked."
"That obliviousness is exactly why you're disliked!" Horitake retorted.
Sanemi, now irritated, barked, "Hey! You fighting or not?"
Horitake's mood soured, Giyuu's words draining his drive. "Whatever you want. I'm done."
Sanemi, feeling his pride stung, was about to snap when Shinobu stepped in. "Sanemi, the Master's arriving soon. You want to disrespect him?"
Sanemi, fond of Shinobu's late sister Kanae, always softened for her. Grumbling, he ruffled his white hair and rejoined the line.
Suddenly, he whirled back, pointing at Horitake and Shinobu. "Shinobu, what's your deal with this guy? Why'd you show up together? And why defend him?"
At that, every Pillar—except the distracted Muichiro and aloof Giyuu—turned, their eyes boring into Horitake and Shinobu, curiosity burning.
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