Wait..what!? (sanegiyuu)

chap 9

A Few Moments Earlier

The Hashira had been going about their usual routines when their crows arrived, each delivering a summons from Master Ubuyashiki. The message was clear: there was an urgent meeting, and all Hashira were required to attend.

As the group made their way to the meeting hall, they couldn't help but notice the tension in the air.

Mitsuri, with her characteristic cheerfulness, tried to lighten the mood with small talk, but even she could feel the undercurrent of unease.

"I wonder what this is about!!"Kyojuro mused, his voice full of curiosity.

"It must be something significant if Master has called all of us," Shinobu added, her keen eyes observing the expressions of her fellow Hashira.

Approaching the meeting hall, they heard muffled voices from within.

Uzui, always one for making an entrance, reached for the door handle.

"Hold on," Mitsuri whispered, her ear pressed against the door. "I think Giyuu and Sanemi are already in there."

Curiosity piqued, the Hashira listened intently. Through the door, they could hear Kagaya's calming voice, followed by the tense, hesitant tones of Giyuu and the gruff replies of Sanemi.

Uzui exchanged a glance with Kyojuro, and with a nod, he decided it was time to enter.

As he pushed open the door, the room fell silent, just in time for Giyuu's voice to ring out clearly.

"..Shinazugawa-san.. , you're Ren's father."

The door swung open fully, revealing the stunned faces of the other Hashira as they processed Giyuu's confession. The room was heavy with shock and silence.

Present Time - Inside the Meeting Hall

Giyuu stood there, eyes fixed on Sanemi, his heart pounding in his chest.

Sanemi's expression was a mixture of confusion, disbelief, and anger. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"What?" Sanemi finally managed to say, his voice low and dangerous. "What did you just say, Tomioka?"

Giyuu took a deep breath, summoning all his courage. "You're Ren's father, Shinazugawa-san I.. I should have told you sooner."

The rest of the Hashira were frozen in place, their eyes wide with shock.

Mitsuri's hands flew to her mouth.

Kyojuro's usually bright expression was replaced with a look of concern. Shinobu's eyes narrowed slightly, her analytical mind already working through the implications.

Sanemi took a step back, his hand reaching out to steady himself against the wall. "You're lying. This..this can't be true."

"It is true," Giyuu said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was scared and didn't know how to tell you."

Sanemi's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white. "You had no right to keep this from me, Tomioka. No right!"

Before Giyuu could respond, Master Ubuyashiki's gentle voice broke through the tension. "Sanemi, please, let us discuss this calmly. There is much to understand and many questions to be answered."