Timeline: 3 Years Before Main Story
Location: Butterfly Mansion Courtyard
POV: Split (Akira / Hashira / Mitsuri / Kocho Sisters / Ubuyashiki)
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Akira POV
The silence had stretched long enough. Iguro's glare hadn't wavered, hadn't offered a single word of explanation.
Akira's patience, already fraying, snapped.
Transparent World shimmered faintly around him. Crimson Blade hummed. One step forward, one decisive strike — and the world seemed to pause.
The strike was precise, controlled, yet packed the weight of the Sun itself.
Iguro's feet lifted off the ground, propelled backward with such force that a small cloud of dust rose where he landed.
The courtyard gasped. Mitsuri's eyes widened.
"…Akira!" she whispered, voice tinged with awe.
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Hashira POV — Amusement Turns Serious
Kanae and Shinobu couldn't suppress their amusement at first.
Shinobu: "…He finally snapped. And… wow. Controlled, precise, terrifying. Beautiful."
Kanae: "Yes! My Sun doesn't even need to yell. One strike and… perfection."
Giyu Tomioka's brow furrowed. "Enough amusement. This is getting out of hand."
Gyomei stepped forward, voice rumbling. "Iguro, this nonsense stops. Explain your hostility, or step aside. Now."
Tengen Uzui twirled a kunai idly. "Seriously, stop stalking him, glaring at him like he owes you something, and clarify why you're behaving like this. It's ridiculous."
Sanemi's teeth gritted. "Finally! Someone with half a brain here to speak sense. Don't let it drag on any longer."
Iguro coughed slightly, trying to steady himself from the strike, but his hostile glare didn't fade completely.
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Akira POV — Running Out of Patience
Akira's hands rested lightly on Crimson Blade, Transparent World rippling faintly. Every muscle was coiled, ready.
"…One strike. That's all you get before I lose my temper completely," he said calmly, voice cutting across the courtyard. "…I will end this nonsense if it continues."
He exhaled slowly, carefully, regaining composure, but eyes never leaving Iguro.
"…Now speak. Explain this hostility. Or don't waste my time."
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Ubuyashiki Intervention
A soft but firm voice interrupted.
"Hashira… what is happening here?" Ubuyashiki's figure appeared at the edge of the courtyard, calm but concerned. His gaze swept over Akira, Iguro, and the assembled Hashira.
Shinobu rolled her eyes slightly, muttering under her breath: "…Finally. Someone says something sensible."
Gyomei bowed slightly, tone respectful but serious. "Master Ubuyashiki, it is this one's fault. Iguro has been showing unprovoked hostility toward the Sun Hashira. It escalated to the point of physical action."
Ubuyashiki's eyes widened slightly. "…Hostility? Physical action?"
Giyu stepped forward, tone firm. "Yes, Master. Iguro has been stalking and glaring at him without reason. The Sun Hashira has warned him multiple times. This strike was controlled — not lethal — but decisive."
Ubuyashiki's hands folded. "…This is serious. Hashira, stop any teasing or unnecessary commentary. Akira, Iguro… settle this now. I will not tolerate disrespect or unresolved conflict among my Hashira."
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Mitsuri & Kocho Sisters POV
Mitsuri's grip on her sleeves tightened. "…Akira… you… you're amazing… and scary."
Shinobu huffed. "…All my plans ruined. I was going to make him flustered again. And now? Gone."
Kanae chuckled quietly. "This is more entertaining than I imagined. The Sun Hashira doesn't even need to speak. One strike — and the lesson is taught."
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Akira's eyes never left Iguro, the air around him faintly shimmering with Transparent World.
Ubuyashiki's voice carried across the courtyard: "…I want answers, now. Resolve this like true Hashira. No childish games."
Iguro's lips pressed tightly together, but he still said nothing.
Akira exhaled slowly, running out of patience, ready to escalate further if silence continues.
The other Hashira leaned in, all tension and curiosity, while Mitsuri and the Kocho sisters watched quietly.
The Sun's patience is thinning… and the Snake's silence might cost him more than he realizes.
— To be continued 🔥🐍