- Y/n Tsugikuni -

Chapter 3 - Loose Ends -

The sliding doors opened softly, and
Y/n stepped inside with his usual composed demeanor, kneeling before Oyakata-sama. His mind, however, wasn’t nearly as calm.

“Tsugikuni Y/n,” Oyakata-sama began, his voice steady as ever. “We’ve gathered intelligence about a demon near the capital. It is likely one of the Twelve Kizuki. I am entrusting you with this mission.”

Y/n didn’t immediately respond, his expression blank. Internally, however, he was already rolling his eyes. Another solo mission.

Another day of trying to avoid unnecessary collateral damage while fighting a demon. At least this time, the public won’t blame me directly for the destruction... I hope.

"Understood, Oyakata-sama," Y/n replied smoothly, his voice laced with just a hint of dryness. He gave a formal bow, though inwardly, he was already plotting how to get this over with.

“Tsugikuni-san. You are a Hashira now, and this is your responsibility.”

Y/n stood up, offering a polite smile. “I’ll try my best to not level the entire city this time, Oyakata-sama. But no promises.” He gave a playful grin, one that barely hid his sarcasm.

The master looked at him for a brief moment, a slight glint of amusement in his eyes.
“I trust you will handle it appropriately?” His tone was firm but understanding.

Y/n couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh, stepping backward toward the door. “Well, with a task like this, I might just get a medal or an invoice for property damage.”

His voice was laced with playful sarcasm, though it was clear he wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea.

After his departure, Shinobu stepped into the room with her usual grace. She gave a slight bow to Oyakata-sama before turning her attention to the mission.

“Ubayahiki- sama, I overheard Tsugikuni-san’s assignment. I’d like to request permission to accompany him,” she said in a voice as sweet as ever, but there was an edge to her tone, like she was already preparing for a battle of words.

The master looked at her with a raised brow, his calm demeanor unwavering.

“You are outside your patrol region, Kocho-san. This is his mission. Let him do his best.”

Shinobu didn’t falter, though her smile remained as polite as ever. “With all due respect, Oyakata-sama, I fear the only danger on this mission won’t be the demon.”

“It will be Tsugi-san’s utter lack of concern for… well, anything. Have you forgotten his last shopping trip with Kanao?”

The master allowed himself a quiet chuckle. “Ah, I see. Perhaps Kanao has grown stronger from it?”

Shinobu’s smile twitched, the faintest sign of an eyebrow quirk before she answered, “Or perhaps she's just emotionally scarred.”

With a small, knowing smile, the master gave a slight nod. “Let him handle it. He is a Hashira now, after all. Have faith in him, Kocho-san.”

Shinobu’s expression softened, and she bowed, though her tone remained concerned. “Very well.”

---

Tokyo didn’t sleep.

Light buzzed overhead, half-flickering like they were just as tired of being ignored as Y/n was. Somewhere down the alley, someone was laughing too loud. Farther away, a woman screamed.

Not the demon kind. Not yet, anyway.

Y/n stood on the rooftop, hands resting on his knees, eyes scanning the chaos below. People, streetlights, chatter. So much movement. So many ways things could go wrong.