Sanemi Shinazugawa, the ultimate mood-killer, had Horitake so fed up he sent him flying with a single kick!
Still recovering, Sanemi didn't stand a chance. He didn't even react before Horitake's kick launched him back through the window, crashing into his hospital bed and furniture, sprawled amid the wreckage with swirls in his eyes.
Serves him right!
Horitake dealt with Sanemi cleanly and turned to Shinobu.
Over there, Kanae Kocho's spirit had vanished, fading to who-knows-where.
Shinobu, ever resilient, stemmed her tears. With Kanao's help, she rose from the sea of scattered petals.
Horitake approached, wanting to offer comfort but unsure where to begin.
That said, this fragile, poignant Shinobu was a side he'd never seen.
This Shinobu-nee had a different charm—one that stirred a desire to protect and cherish her.
Noticing Horitake, Shinobu glanced at him, subtly wiping her tears. She spoke calmly:
"Don't misunderstand. You didn't make me cry. I'm not that fragile. It's just… I was reminded of some old memories."
Horitake nodded, his admiration sincere.
"Shinobu-nee, the way you looked among the falling petals… it was beautiful."
Hearing such heartfelt praise from a man caught Shinobu off guard. She let out a soft chuckle, her sadness easing.
Her usual smile returned, but Horitake could tell it was softer, more genuine—closer to the warm smile he'd seen on Kanae.
Shinobu addressed him:
"Horitake-san, you won this spar. I'm no match for you."
Horitake scratched his head.
"It's only natural, but for some reason, I'm not thrilled about it."
"Beating up a woman—what's there to be proud of?" she teased.
"Come on, Shinobu-nee, you're no delicate flower. Your moves were relentless—poison gas, golden needles, shoe blades! One slip, and I'd have been done for.
I had to get serious to avoid a week in bed—and to respect you.
I just didn't expect my final move, Tempest Slash, to not only beat you but show me such a stunning side of you. Feels like I hit the jackpot."
Shinobu's heart warmed at his words, though she kept it hidden.
"Horitake-san, you beat me, made me lose face, and dragged up old memories. I'm a bit miffed. What now?"
Horitake spread his hands.
"Do with me as you please, Shinobu-nee."
She laughed.
"Forget it. What right do I, a mere Insect Hashira, have to punish the lofty Sky Hashira? Your status outranks mine—I wouldn't dare."
"I'm sensing some resentment in your tone," Horitake grinned. "That's not the Shinobu-nee I know."
Shinobu fell silent, reflecting.
What's wrong with me? Horitake was right—this wasn't her usual self.
It must be because she was missing Kanae, letting her emotions slip.
Well, that was half the truth.
Yes, Kanae's memory had stirred her sorrow, but that was just the trigger.
In this moment, Shinobu was at her most vulnerable.
No matter how strong, she was still a young woman. In such a fragile state, she craved someone to lean on.
Shinobu had always been fiercely independent, never relying on anyone.
But lately, things were different. A man had moved into the Butterfly Mansion—Horitake, strong, likable, and subtly pursuing her. It was only natural she'd start paying him more attention.
In her sadness and fragility, seeing Horitake approach, Shinobu—now viewing him as a friend—instinctively wanted to rely on him, her tone tinged with that faint resentment.
Wanting to rein in her unsteady emotions, she nodded to Horitake and turned to leave.
"Those memories got to me. I need to rest and clear my head, or my work will suffer.
I'll head back now."
As she walked away, Horitake called out.
"Shinobu-nee."
She turned. "What is it?"
After a pause, he said, "If you've got any burdens you can't let go of, talk to me. I'd be happy to help."
Shinobu considered it.
"If the chance comes… maybe."
With Kanao by her side, she started toward the mansion.
But then, that mood-wrecker Sanemi Shinazugawa struck again!
Dressed in his hospital gown, he barreled out, nearly crashing into Shinobu at the door, all reckless energy.
Barefoot, he stormed into the courtyard, facing Horitake with wild excitement.
"Horitake! That sword style you used, the one that cuts wind—what is it?"
Horitake smirked, realization dawning.
Got him. The Gale Sword Style had hooked Sanemi, just as planned. Now he'd come begging.
Shinobu, startled by Sanemi's fervor, paused at the veranda with the girls, watching the scene unfold.
Horitake faced Sanemi, cool and composed.
"Oh, that? It's another style I know—Gale Sword Style."
"Teach me!" Sanemi blurted.
"What?"
"Teach me!" Sanemi's excitement surged, his voice booming. "Please, teach me the Gale Sword Style! It's perfect for me!
If I learn it, my strength will skyrocket! Combine it with my Wind Breathing, and I could surpass Himejima, maybe even become the strongest in the Corps!"
Horitake stared blankly, as if to say, Are you kidding me?
Seeing Horitake's expression, Sanemi's bravado faltered.
"Well… maybe not stronger than you yet, but I'll surpass you eventually!"
Horitake snorted, anger flaring.
He raised his fist and decked Sanemi square in the face, sending him flying!
Like the earlier kick, Sanemi's injured body couldn't react or dodge. He crashed to the ground, clutching a budding black eye.
"You lunatic!" Sanemi roared.
"You're the lunatic!" Horitake shot back, glaring. "Is that how you ask for a favor? You're begging me! And you come at me with this entitled, high-and-mighty, arrogant attitude?
Is that how you show humility?
With that garbage attitude, why should I teach you the Gale Sword Style? Do I owe you something?
Where do you get the nerve to yell at me?
I'd sooner teach a dog than you!"
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