The new Hashira

The Ubuyashiki estate was quiet in the late morning.

Sunlight filtered through the trees surrounding the secluded residence, falling across the wooden veranda and the gravel courtyard beyond it. The Hashira had gathered at Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s request, though the reason for the meeting had not been explained in detail.

The arrival of a new Hashira was unusual enough to draw everyone’s attention.

Kyojuro Rengoku stood near the veranda, composed and attentive rather than restless. Mitsuri Kanroji sat with her hands folded in her lap, occasionally glancing toward the entrance. Obanai Iguro remained beside her, his posture guarded and his eyes fixed on the path leading through the trees.

Sanemi Shinazugawa leaned against one of the wooden pillars, arms crossed.

“We know almost nothing about them,” he said. “That should be addressed before anyone starts treating this like a celebration.”

Shinobu Kocho’s expression remained pleasant, though her eyes sharpened slightly.

“No one suggested a celebration. Though I suppose suspicion is your preferred way of welcoming people.”

Sanemi gave her a flat look.

“I prefer knowing whether someone is reliable.”

“That is a reasonable concern,” Gyomei Himejima said quietly. His prayer beads moved steadily through his fingers. “But judgment should come after evidence, not before it.”

Giyu Tomioka stood apart from the others, silent and difficult to read. Muichiro Tokito sat beneath the shade of a tree, his attention drifting between the clouds and the conversation. Tengen Uzui watched the entrance with measured interest, his expression more thoughtful than theatrical.

The atmosphere was tense, but not hostile. Each of them had their own reasons for being cautious. A new Hashira would not simply be joining a group of colleagues; they would be entering a structure built on reputation, responsibility, and years of shared loss.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat at the head of the gathering, his calm presence keeping the discussion from becoming an argument.

“They should be arriving soon,” he said.

No one replied.

The sound of footsteps approached from beyond the trees.

Sanemi straightened from the pillar. Obanai’s gaze narrowed. Mitsuri looked toward the entrance, curiosity giving way to concentration. Even Muichiro’s attention returned to the courtyard.

The doors opened.

The newest Hashira had arrived.

For a moment, the courtyard remained still as the gathered swordsmen assessed the person who had been entrusted with one of the Corps’ highest positions.