Timeline: 3 Years Before Main Story
Location: Butterfly Mansion Courtyard
POV: Split (Akira / Hashira / Mitsuri / Kocho Sisters)
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Akira POV
Akira's patience was wearing thin. Every second that Iguro held that hostile, unreadable glare pushed him closer to snapping. Fingers brushed against Crimson Blade instinctively, muscles tensing.
"…Alright," Akira muttered, voice calm but cold. "…I've warned you."
Iguro still didn't flinch. Still didn't speak.
The air seemed to tighten around them. Mitsuri's grip on her sleeves trembled slightly, aware that Akira's calm was dangerously close to tipping into controlled fury.
Before Akira could step further, a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Enough."
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Hashira Intervention POV
Gyomei Himejima stepped forward first, massive form solid and immovable. His voice rumbled like rolling stone. "Akira, stand down. Iguro, speak. Explain yourself."
Tengen Uzui's hands rested on his dual swords, tone sharp. "This nonsense stops now. Whatever grudge or misunderstanding you think exists, it ends here and now."
Sanemi Shinazugawa bared his teeth, pacing slightly. "You're stalking him. You're glaring at him like a snake ready to strike. And for what? Say something, or I'll assume you've lost your mind."
Shinobu Kocho's eyes narrowed, lips pressed into a thin line. "…This is unnecessary. Akira has done nothing to provoke you. Stop the silent intimidation."
Kanae smirked softly, almost entertained. "Oh, this is delightful for us observers, but… unacceptable."
Kyojuro Rengoku's voice boomed cheerfully, yet firm. "Hashira do not allow petty hostilities to fester. Resolve it openly. Iguro, speak now."
Iguro's black eyes flicked briefly toward the group, then returned to Akira. Silence. Complete.
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Akira POV — Patience Fraying
Akira exhaled sharply, irritation now burning at the edges of his composure. His jaw tightened. "Seriously?"
He gestured with one hand, blade humming faintly at his side. "…I've been patient. I've been polite. I've even explained myself once. And still you glare at me? No reason, no words. Just… hostility. You're lucky the other Hashira are here, because I am this close to making sure you regret it."
His eyes scanned the group, seeking reinforcement, and found Mitsuri, pink-and-green hair trembling slightly, quietly worrying.
"…I don't want to fight," he said, voice lowering. "But I'm running out of patience. You've left me no choice in words."
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Mitsuri POV
Mitsuri shifted beside him, lips pressed into a thin line. Heart beating fast, but pride swelling.
"…That's my Sun," she whispered. "…He's calm, but I can see it — he's ready to snap if this doesn't end."
Shinobu and Kanae leaned forward, amused, whispering quietly.
Shinobu: "…And my chance to fluster him? Gone. Ruined by… this."
Kanae: "Relax. This is far more entertaining. Look at him handle it."
Mitsuri's eyes darted between Akira and Iguro. "…Why won't he just answer?!"
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Hashira POV — Pressing Iguro
Giyu Tomioka's voice was low, firm, carrying authority. "Iguro. You have no right to act like this. This hostility is baseless. Speak, or stand aside."
Gyomei stepped closer, hands clasped over his beads, the sheer weight of his presence pressing down. "Hashira do not create conflict without reason. Resolve it openly. Now."
Iguro's silence stretched on, almost disrespectful in its stubbornness. Every second, Akira's controlled fury edged closer to action.
Tengen muttered, exasperated, twirling a kunai idly. "Unbelievable… He's clearly in the wrong. This is ridiculous."
Sanemi muttered under his breath, teeth gritted: "If I were him, I'd already be taking names."
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Akira POV — Running Out of Patience
Akira's eyes flicked back to Iguro, irritation coiling like a spring. Transparent World shimmered faintly around him, his fingers brushing the hilt of Crimson Blade.
"…Alright," he said sharply. "…This ends now. I don't know what you think you're doing, but I am done standing here listening to silence while you stalk me like some viper. One more second, and I will make you regret it. Consider this your final warning."
His words cut through the courtyard like a blade. Every Hashira turned to watch, a mix of curiosity, concern, and restrained amusement in their eyes.
Iguro's eyes flickered briefly — a crack in his calm facade — but he said nothing.
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Mitsuri & Kocho Sisters POV
Mitsuri's hands clenched tightly. "…Akira… please… don't lose control."
Kanae whispered softly: "He's handling it perfectly, Mitsuri. Calm, precise… but that warning? Deadly serious."
Shinobu scowled, arms crossed. "…He's angry. And my little plan… ruined. Utterly."
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Cliffhanger
The courtyard fell silent.
Akira's gaze never left Iguro. Fingers poised, Crimson Blade humming faintly. Transparent World shimmering.
"…One last chance," Akira said, tone razor-sharp. "Speak. Or move. I don't care which. Just stop this nonsense."
Iguro's black eyes remained unreadable, yet tension thrummed in the air.
The Kocho sisters leaned closer. Mitsuri gripped her sleeves.
And in that quiet, dangerous moment, Akira realized his patience had limits — and Iguro was testing every one of them.
— To be continued 🔥🐍