A Gathering of Unease

The Hashiras walked alongside Giyuu in silence, their footsteps echoing through the quiet streets of the city. Rengooku, the Flame Hashira, walked on the opposite side of Giyuu, his eyes fixed on the young water Hashira with a warm smile. "Giyuu-kun, I see you're doing well," he said, his voice booming through the air. "Though I sense there's something troubling you. You're not one to shy away from a fight, but I can see it in your eyes." Giyuu's expression remained stoic, but a hint of discomfort flickered across his face. Rengooku's warm demeanor was something he had grown accustomed to, but it still made him uneasy. Meanwhile, Mitsuri, the Love Hashira, walked on Giyuu's other side, her eyes sparkling with interest. She had always had a soft spot for Giyuu, and her gaze lingered on him, searching for any sign of vulnerability. "Giyuu-kun, I'm sure whatever it is, you can tell us," she said, her voice gentle and coaxing. "We're all here for you." Gyomei, the Blind Hashira, walked alongside them, his cane tapping against the ground. He reached out a hand and placed it on Giyuu's shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "Giyuu-kun, we trust you. Whatever this meeting with the Ubuyashiki family entails, we'll face it together." Muichiro, the Mist Hashira, trailed behind them, his eyes fixed on Giyuu's back. He had always been a bit reserved around the young water Hashira, but his gaze was filled with concern. He cleared his throat and called out, "Giyuu-kun, is there anything I can do to help?" Giyuu's response was brief. "No, Muichiro-san. I've got this." As they approached the Ubuyashiki estate, Kocho, the Insect Hashira, skipped ahead, her eyes shining with mischief. She looped her arm through Giyuu's, pulling him along. "Come on, Giyuu-kun. Let's go see what kind of trouble we can stir up." Giyuu's expression remained impassive, but a hint of annoyance flickered across his face. Kocho's teasing was something he had grown accustomed to, but it still grated on his nerves. As they arrived at the Ubuyashiki estate, Ubara Ubuyashiki himself greeted them, his face grave with concern. "Giyuu-kun, thank you for coming. I fear we have a matter of great importance to discuss." The Hashiras parted, allowing Giyuu to step forward. Whatever this meeting entailed, Giyuu was ready to face it, surrounded by his fellow Hashiras, even if they weren't exactly friends.