When Horitake confirmed it was Mitsuri Kanroji knocking at his door, he sucked in a sharp breath!
Next door was Mitsuri. Here was Shinobu.
If those two met…
Yikes—a catastrophic clash like Mars hitting Earth!
Not quite a full-blown love triangle, since Horitake hadn't confirmed a relationship with either, but if they crossed paths and figured things out, their impression of him would tank.
Mitsuri might be fine—her gentle nature would likely soften the blow.
But Shinobu? That was another story. He'd just started building a bond with her these past few days. A meeting like this would freeze their relationship solid!
They can't meet!
Horitake made his decision and sprang into action, sparking with Sky Thunder Breathing as he bolted from Sanemi's room. He dashed to his own, throwing on clothes and tidying up in a flash.
With nothing much to pack, he raced to the hallway.
Crackling with electric arcs, he found the triplet sisters first, bidding a hasty farewell:
"Sumi! Kiyo! Naho! I've got an urgent mission and have to leave now. I'll come back to see you when I can. Be good, you three!"
The triplets nodded, dazed but understanding, chorusing:
"Bye-bye, Lord Horitake!"
Still sparking, Horitake found Kanao next:
"Kanao, I've got an emergency and have to go. I'll be back sometime. I know you don't talk much, no need for a coin flip. See you!"
Kanao, a bit stunned, gave a small, smiling nod, silently bidding him farewell.
Horitake, electric arcs flaring, rushed to Shinobu's workspace and flung open the door—manners be damned.
Shinobu and Aoi were working inside. Perfect—no need to track Aoi down separately.
He blurted out his goodbye:
"Shinobu-nee! Aoi! I've got urgent business and have to leave. See you! I'll come back when I can. Shinobu-nee, I'll miss you. Aoi, don't overwork yourself. Bye!"
Shinobu nodded with her usual smile.
"Alright, Horitake-san. You seem in a hurry. Goodbye."
Aoi quickly added, "Take care, Lord Horitake!"
"Take care!"
With those final words, Horitake shot out like lightning, sprinting down the hallway, slipping on his shoes at the entrance, and leaping over the wall into his own courtyard.
Aoi stood at the window, watching Horitake's frantic movements. Turning to Shinobu with concern, she said:
"Lady Shinobu, someone's at Lord Horitake's house. I heard knocking from next door."
"Hm." Shinobu nodded faintly, unfazed, continuing her work.
"Lady Shinobu, I heard a woman's voice calling for him!"
"Hm."
"It was soft and delicate—the kind that makes men melt!"
"Hm."
Aoi grew exasperated.
"Lady Shinobu, aren't you worried?"
Shinobu looked up, smiling as always.
"What's there to worry about? Aoi, why are you so invested in Horitake-san's affairs?"
Aoi deflated, muttering, "I'm just worried for you, Lady Shinobu."
"Aoi, this potion's ruined. Get another set of ingredients."
"Yes!" Aoi hurried to comply.
As she fetched the materials, Aoi grumbled inwardly:
"What's there to worry about?" Hmph. Lady Shinobu messed up a simple potion—she's clearly distracted with worry. So dishonest!
Horitake, unaware of the Butterfly Mansion's dynamics, focused solely on Mitsuri.
After vaulting the wall into his courtyard, he rushed to open his gate.
At the entrance, Mitsuri had been knocking for ages with no response, her face clouded with worry.
"Huh? No one's here? But… Lord Horitake said he'd wait for me at Corps headquarters. Did he leave early, or…"
As a girl, her mind spiraled to worst-case scenarios, her heart racing.
"Maybe… I should ask the neighbors. They might know where Lord Horitake went."
(Friendly reminder: the neighbor is the Butterfly Mansion.)
Bang! The door swung open just as Mitsuri had the thought. Horitake, slightly frantic, saw her worried expression.
He sighed in relief, flashing a warm, friendly smile.
"Sorry, Mitsuri! I got caught up with some stuff and kept you waiting. My bad for being rude."
Seeing Horitake, Mitsuri's face lit up, cheeks flushing pink, her heart fluttering for reasons she couldn't pinpoint.
She greeted him shyly:
"Lord Horitake—no, Lord Sky Hashira…"
"Hm? It's been a while, and you're being so formal? Didn't I say before? No 'Lord'—it's awkward. Just call me by my name."
Facing Horitake, Mitsuri was a mix of shy and nervous.
"Well… before, you were a rookie like me. Now you're the Sky Hashira, stronger than the other Hashira, so I…"
"I said, no 'Lord.' We're close friends, aren't we?"
"Uh… Horitake-nii?"
"Hm? Yeah, that works!"
Mitsuri giggled, clenching her little fists in excitement. Horitake was still as approachable as ever, and her joy bubbled over.
"I thought becoming the Sky Hashira would make you untouchable, but you're still the Horitake-nii I know. That's so great!"
"No big deal, no big deal. By the way, Mitsuri, how'd you find my place? How'd you know this was my house?"
Horitake voiced the question nagging him.
Mitsuri blinked, pointing to the side of the gate.
Horitake leaned out and saw a wooden plaque with two bold characters: Horitake!
He slapped his forehead, exasperated.
It was a Nihon custom to mark one's home with their surname.
No doubt, Gotō had arranged the plaque while furnishing the house.
Horitake's body originally bore the surname Inotama, but after crossing over, he refused to use it. Plus, his fabricated backstory left everyone unsure of his true surname.
Gotō, likely stumped, had just used Horitake's name for the plaque.
Horitake sighed, helpless. So that's how Mitsuri knew.
He couldn't blame Gotō—the guy was just being thorough. Too thorough, even.
Standing at the gate, Horitake glanced at Mitsuri, then back at his unfurnished house, a wave of frustration hitting him.
By all rights, he should invite Mitsuri in, offer her tea, let her sit.
But…
Where was the tea? The kettle? He didn't even know if he had cups!
Feeling like a failure, Horitake faced Mitsuri with deep apology.
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