Mamoru stood before the desecrated grave, fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. Onimaru's low growl rumbled in the still air like a warning drum, while Gyomei's beads clicked harshly in his hand as he breathed through his anger. The samurai who had shown them the grave bowed his head, his voice heavy with rage.
"Who would dare commit such blasphemy?" Mamoru's voice trembled, more with fury than fear. "The corpse of Ryuma… and Shusui, both stolen , what use does a man have for corpse ?!"
The samurai lowered his gaze. "All evidence points to the Beast Pirates. Kozuki Moria's crew those noble pirates were wiped out to the last man. Their captain, obliterated. Not a body remained."
Mamoru's jaw tightened. "Damn those beast pirates…" he muttered through gritted teeth, his breath sharp as the wind in the northern hills.
"Yes!" the samurai spat, hand gripping the hilt of his katana. His knuckles turned pale. "Ever since they stepped foot on our shores, our great Wano has begun to rot. They defile the land, our ancestors, our honor. When will it be enough !"
His voice cracked, his face a storm of helpless fury.
At those words, Mamoru and Gyomei clenched their fists in unison, their silence louder than any vow. Onimaru's growl deepened, ears flattened back. None of them spoke, but the fire in their eyes said everything.
Timeskip
Snow brushed across the cobblestone streets of Ringo, carried by the ever-present northern wind. The graveside fury had cooled into a burning resolve within Mamoru, though his steps now were lighter, more familiar.
He walked at the head of their small group, Gyomei's towering frame steady just behind him, and Onimaru trotting loyally at his side. The streets of Ringo came alive as people recognized him , the son of their lord returned.
"Lord Mamoru! It warms my heart to see you back!" called an elderly woman from her stall, bowing low. She sold steaming buns, their fragrance filling the air. "I prayed for your safety every night."
Mamoru smiled warmly, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, obaasan. Your prayers carried me home."
A group of children ran up, their cheeks red from the cold. "Mamoru-sama!" one boy shouted, tugging at his sleeve. "Is it true you went with Lord Oden? Did you fight pirates and strong beasts?!"
Mamoru chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. "I saw much and learned even more. One day, when you're older, I'll tell you everything."
Another villager, a fisherman with rough hands, placed a hand to his chest and bowed deeply. "The north feels whole again with you here, my young lord."
Gyomei, silent as always, observed from behind, noting the deep respect the people held for Mamoru. He could see how the boy's presence soothed them how the weight of recent fears seemed lighter just from his smile.
Onimaru barked cheerfully, leaping at a group of children who squealed and laughed, hugging the fox. For a moment, Ringo felt alive again, despite the grief that lingered like a shadow at the graves.
As they walked further, Mamoru's home slowly came into view. The familiar estate, with its tiled roof and snow-dusted courtyard, stood firm against the northern winds. And there, at the gate, waiting was Ushimaru.
Mamoru's heart leapt at the sight. His father's presence was commanding as ever, but now, with relief softening his stern features, he seemed warmer than Mamoru remembered.
"Father!" Mamoru called, waving his hand energetically. Onimaru let out a joyous bark and sprinted ahead, his paws scattering snow.
Ushimaru's lips curved into a rare smile as he bent slightly to pet the fox. "Good to see you too, Onimaru," he said before turning his gaze to Mamoru.
Mamoru ran up, his voice breaking with joy. "Father!! I've returned!"
"I see that." Ushimaru's voice rumbled, steady but warm. He looked his son up and down, noticing the way Mamoru carried himself now ,firmer, sharper, with a quiet strength. "Good to have you back, my son. You've grown. And I see you've brought a companion with you."
His eyes shifted to Gyomei, the towering figure who bowed politely.
"This is Himejima Gyomei," Mamoru said proudly. "His a great and trusted friend of mine."
Ushimaru nodded approvingly. "Then he is welcome in this home."
Gyomei lowered his head, a humble smile crossing his lips.
"Come," Ushimaru said, opening the estate doors wide, his tone lightening. "Come inside. I would like to hear of your travels, your trials, and everything you've seen."
Mamoru's heart swelled. He stepped inside, Onimaru bounding ahead, Gyomei following quietly behind. For the first time in a while , he felt whole yet at the back of his mind, the desecrated grave and the stolen black blade lingered, a reminder that peace in Wano was only an illusion.