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After my conversation with Shinobu, I made my way back to Mitsuri, who was sitting on the edge of her bed in the Butterfly Mansion. She looked up as I entered the room, her pink and green hair cascading around her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, but there was also a hint of concern.
"What were you talking about with Shinobu-san?" Mitsuri asked, tilting her head slightly as she fiddled nervously with a strand of her hair.
I smiled, closing the door behind me and walking over to her. "Nothing you need to worry about," I said lightly, sitting down beside her. "Just a little discussion about some unfinished business."
Mitsuri frowned slightly, clearly not satisfied with my vague response. "Unfinished business? You mean about demons?"
I sighed softly, reaching out to gently take her hand in mine. "Yes, something like that. Shinobu wanted to know about a certain demon, and we discussed what needs to be done. It's nothing to concern yourself with, Mitsuri."
She studied me for a moment, her expression softening. "Alright, I trust you. But if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."
Her earnestness brought a gentle smile to my face. I leaned forward and kissed her forehead, eliciting a faint blush. "I'll keep that in mind. For now, though, we need to get ready. We're expected at Ubuyashiki's mansion."
Mitsuri blinked, momentarily startled. "Oh, that's right! We left so suddenly after everything... We need to explain what happened."
I nodded, standing and offering her my hand to help her up. "Exactly. Let's not keep him waiting."
•••
The journey to Ubuyashiki's mansion was peaceful, the setting sun casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. Mitsuri walked beside me, her usual cheerful demeanor masking the lingering tension from our recent experiences. By the time we reached the estate, the light had dimmed, and the mansion was illuminated by lanterns, their soft glow creating a serene atmosphere.
As we stepped into the courtyard, I noticed that all the Hashira were present, their figures gathered in a semi-circle near Ubuyashiki. Their expressions ranged from calm to curious, with some harboring subtle annoyance—particularly Sanemi, whose sharp gaze immediately locked onto me.
"Alex," Ubuyashiki greeted warmly, his calm, melodic voice breaking the silence. His pale complexion seemed even more ethereal in the lantern light. "It's good to see you both back safely. I trust there is much to discuss."
I inclined my head slightly in acknowledgment, though not with the deference the others often showed him. Ubuyashiki was not my master. I respected him, certainly, but I was my own person. "Indeed, Ubuyashiki. A lot has happened, and explanations are overdue."
Mitsuri stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Oyakata-sama, I apologize for leaving so suddenly without informing anyone. It wasn't my intention to cause worry."
"Your safety is what matters most, Mitsuri," Ubuyashiki said with his characteristic gentle smile. "I am glad to see you unharmed. Now, Alex, perhaps you can enlighten us about the events that transpired. Though Yuki has provided me with some details, most of the Hashira remain in the dark."
The other Hashira turned their attention to me, their expressions ranging from curiosity to skepticism. Mitsuri glanced at me nervously, as though sensing the weight of the room's expectations. Before I could open my mouth, Sanemi's scoff cut through the silence like a whip.
"Yeah, I'd love to hear what possessed you to vanish without a word and cause a damn commotion with that pillar of light," he said, arms crossed and his sharp gaze fixed on me. "Care to explain that stunt?"
I turned to him, my expression calm and composed, unfazed by his aggression. "The pillar of light was the result of a powerful magic I used," I began, my tone measured and deliberate. "Its purpose was to delay the rising of the sun."
There was a murmur of surprise among the Hashira. Even Giyu raised an eyebrow, while Rengoku leaned forward slightly, his fiery presence now laced with curiosity.
"Delay the rising of the sun?" Tengen asked, his voice skeptical but intrigued. "And what, exactly, was the reason for that?"
I shifted my gaze to meet his, then let it sweep across the others, ensuring my words reached everyone present. "I needed more time. The sunlight was interrupting my fight with Akaza."
The room fell silent for a moment, tension thick in the air. Obanai narrowed his eyes, while Sanemi's lips curled into a sneer. "Are you serious?" he snapped. "You're telling me you used some godlike magic to mess with nature itself just so you could have a longer fight with a demon?"
"Yes," I replied simply, my unwavering tone cutting through his disbelief.
Sanemi took a step forward, his posture aggressive. "You're either insane or so full of yourself that you think playing with the sun is no big deal. Do you even understand what kind of chaos that could have caused?"
~~~
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