Timeline: 3 Years Before Main Story
Location: Butterfly Mansion Courtyard
POV: Split (Akira / Mitsuri / Kocho Sisters)
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Akira POV
The walk to Butterfly Mansion had been quiet at first, Mitsuri beside him, humming softly as she adjusted her haori.
Then Akira noticed it — a familiar black glare, cutting through the crowd of Hashira.
"…Of course it's him," Akira muttered. His jaw tightened. Every instinct screamed irritation. "…Iguro."
He slowed, eyes narrowing, scanning the distance. Iguro didn't hide it. He followed, silent, stalking him with that same obsidian glare. No words. No movement toward conversation. Just… watching.
Akira's hands clenched. "…Look, man. I don't care who the hell you are. Stop stalking me with that hostile glare or else."
The words were calm, but the edge was razor-sharp.
Mitsuri glanced at him. "…Huh? Who?"
Akira's eyes flicked to her. "…Ignore him. Just keep walking."
Iguro tilted his head slightly but said nothing, letting the hostile stare linger like a physical weight.
Akira stopped mid-step, voice low but commanding. "…That's it. I'm done being polite. You think you can follow me around, staring like you own the place? I don't care if you're Hashira or whatever — cut it out now, or you'll regret it."
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Mitsuri POV
Pink-and-green hair shifted slightly as she watched the scene unfold. Heart fluttering slightly at Akira's anger, yet a smile tugged at her lips.
"…He's angry," she whispered, voice barely audible. "And calm… but that anger… it's terrifying."
Shinobu and Kanae were standing nearby, leaning slightly over the balcony railing of the Butterfly Mansion courtyard.
Shinobu's arms were crossed, lips pressed in a thin line of frustration. "…Really? After all that careful planning? I was going to make him flustered again after he calmed down from the Hashira induction. And now he's angry. Ugh!"
Kanae grinned, fan covering her mouth. "Oh, I like this version even better. The Sun is angry and precise. He doesn't even need to move to dominate the situation."
Mitsuri tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "…Why is he staring at Akira like that? I've never seen him react to anyone like that…"
Shinobu's frown deepened. "Exactly. That's what's so frustrating. I planned the double confession, and now? Gone. He's in full control, and he's angry — not flustered. My chance is ruined!"
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Kocho Sisters POV
From the balcony, Shinobu and Kanae whispered, observing Akira and Iguro.
"Look at him," Kanae said softly. "He's ready to strike without hesitation. Calm… precise… yet the tension radiates."
Shinobu huffed. "And he's angry. That's my plan ruined. I wanted to tease him, fluster him just a little… now he's sharp, dominating, and aware of every movement. Ugh!"
Kanae chuckled quietly. "The snake doesn't even know what hit him yet. I've never seen Akira like this with anyone before."
Shinobu's eyes narrowed at Iguro, voice quiet but venomous. "And I hate him for daring to give the Sun that glare. Absolutely hate him."
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Akira POV — Warning Issued
Akira stepped forward, gaze fixed on Iguro. Every motion measured, deliberate. Hands hovering near Crimson Blade. Transparent World rippled faintly around him.
"…Look," he said, tone low, deadly calm. "…I've tolerated your glare long enough. I don't care if you're hiding behind etiquette, tradition, or some moral high ground. Stop stalking me. Stop glaring at me. Now. Or else."
Iguro's lips pressed into a line. Eyes steady, cold, unyielding — yet tension bled through his calm exterior.
Akira exhaled, a slow, controlled breath. "…Good. Now we're clear. I don't tolerate misinterpretation of my time with Mitsuri. You're lucky I'm restraining myself."
The words hung in the air, direct, precise, and uncompromising.
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Mitsuri Reaction
She blinked, hands fidgeting slightly. "…Akira… you're… scary when angry."
Kanae whispered, eyes gleaming, hiding a grin behind her fan. "Controlled anger. Look at him dominate without moving more than he needs. Beautiful."
Shinobu's lips twitched, a mix of frustration and admiration. "…He's ruined my plan. Utterly. But… impressive."
Mitsuri smiled faintly, pride swelling quietly. "That's my Sun… and he's always looking out for me."
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Cliffhanger — Battle About to Begin
Iguro didn't move, still glaring, still silent. Akira's fingers twitched near Crimson Blade.
"…I warned you," Akira muttered under his breath. "…One more step, one more hostile stare… I will make you regret it."
The Kocho sisters leaned closer, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Mitsuri clenched her sleeves, heart racing.
And in the courtyard, the Sun was fully awake, and the Snake was about to find out why he's called the Sun Hashira.