𓆩♡𓆪 brought to you by : 𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 and co.

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// your POV // 

ʚɞ

Morning came quietly, the sunlight filtering through the trees as I walked through the village. Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru had already left for their mission, their determined faces lingering in my mind. Tengen was also off handling his own assignment, though I knew it wouldn't take him long. Left with time to myself, I decided to visit Shinobu at the Butterfly Mansion. It had been a while since I last checked in, and I wondered how everyone there was faring.

As I strolled along the path, the sound of laughter drew my attention. A group of children ran freely in a nearby field, their carefree energy filling the air. For a moment, I stopped to watch them, a bittersweet pang tugging at my chest. So much innocence, untouched by the burdens of the world. It had been a long time since I'd felt anything close to that kind of freedom.

From the moment I could walk, my life had been about preparation and expectation. My father had trained me relentlessly, determined to mold me into something extraordinary. Back then, it was just the two of us—until he remarried. His new wife, Hana, was kind and patient, balancing out his strict demeanor. A Hashira herself, she often stepped in when his training pushed me too hard.

He tried teaching me Stone Breathing, his own style, but no matter how hard I worked, I couldn't master it. I failed at every other style I attempted, each rejection weighing heavier on my spirit. By the time Hana intervened, I was ready to give up entirely.

She suggested I try one last technique: Spirit Breathing. Her belief in me rekindled a spark of hope, and against all odds, it worked. Spirit Breathing became mine, and for that, I owed Hana everything.

Without her faith, I wouldn't have become a Hashira. And I never would've met Tengen.

// flashback : first hashira meeting //

I had just been named the Spirit Hashira, the newest member of the Corps. The title felt heavy, but also thrilling. Hana had entrusted me with so much, and I was determined not to let her down. Still, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous about meeting the other Hashira. They were legends, after all.

The Master introduced me, his calm voice filling the space. "As you all know, Y/n L/n will be joining us as the new Spirit Hashira. Please make her feel welcome."

Standing beside him, I scanned the group before me. They were a diverse bunch, each one exuding a unique aura of power. Some seemed friendly enough, but most avoided my gaze entirely.

"Hello! I hope we can all work well together!" I said, waving slightly, but my enthusiasm was met with silence. Tough crowd.

I walked over to take my place among them, ending up beside a tall man with striking white hair and a vivid red mark across his face. His presence was almost overwhelming. I couldn't help but glance at him, trying to gauge his skill.

He caught me staring and shot me a glare. "What are you looking at?"

Unfazed, I asked, "What's your breathing style?"

"Sound," he replied with a smirk. "The flashiest of them all."

I nodded, still unsure what "flashy" had to do with combat.

"The name's Tengen Uzui," he added.

"Y/n L/n," I replied, though he clearly already knew. His next words caught me off guard.

"You've got style," he said with a small smile.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. He seemed strong, confident—someone worth knowing. But I didn't expect him to take an interest in me.

The Master's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Y/n, if you don't mind, could you showcase your abilities for us?"

I straightened, eager to prove myself. "Of course."

"Uzui, would you spar with her?" the Master asked.

Tengen grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Sure. You ready?"

I met his gaze with a smirk of my own. "Are you?"

The spar was intense, but I held my own. By the end, I'd earned his respect—and, though I didn't realize it at the time, a place in his heart.

I smiled at the memory as I continued walking. Becoming Tengen's wife had been the best decision of my life, even if it wasn't without complications. The biggest issue? His family had no idea I existed. Tradition dictated that he could only have three wives—no more, no less. Our marriage had been his choice, but I often felt like an outsider, a secret that couldn't be shared.

I understood his reasons, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

By the time I reached the Butterfly Mansion, night had fallen. The warm glow of lanterns welcomed me as I slipped inside. Shinobu and I had become close over the years, so I let myself in and headed to her quarters. Sliding the door open quietly, I saw her asleep, her serene face illuminated by the soft moonlight. Smiling, I closed the door gently and turned—only to come face-to-face with her wide-awake form.

"Y/n!" she said, startled. "Did you need something?"

I stumbled over my words, caught off guard. "Ah—no, I just wanted to see how everyone was doing."

Her sharp eyes narrowed. "Are you okay? Do you need more medicine—"

"Shhh! Don't talk about it out loud!" I hissed, glancing around nervously.

She crossed her arms. "Have you still not told anyone? It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I don't want anyone worrying," I muttered, avoiding her gaze.

Ever since I was six years old, I'd suffered from an illness called hypoplasia. It caused my organs to be fragile, like brittle glass. Only three people knew about it—my father, Hana, and Shinobu. I had confided in Shinobu because of her medical expertise, and she'd created a medication that kept the symptoms at bay.

Even Tengen didn't know the full extent of it. I couldn't bear the thought of him worrying more than he already did.

Shinobu sighed. "Well, you should tell everyone when you're ready. Would you like to stay the night?"

I glanced out the window. The moon hung high, the world bathed in shadow. "That's a good idea," I admitted.

She smiled. "It's no trouble at all. You're always helping others—it's time you let yourself rest."

She showed me to a guest room, where I changed into a spare robe and slipped under the cool sheets. As sleep began to claim me, I thought of the life I'd built, the secrets I kept, and the people I cherished. For now, that was enough.

// word count : 1072 //

this chapter has been edited from the previous one

(a/n): qotd - If you had to have one breathing technique, what would it be? <3