Wait..what!? (sanegiyuu)

chap 10

A "few" weeks had passed, and the day of Ren's third birthday had arrived.

The estate was bustling with quiet activity, as it was a special day for the little boy. Despite the humble times of the Taisho era, Giyuu and Sanemi had done their best to prepare a simple yet joyful celebration for Ren.

The morning started with the sweet aroma of rice cakes and sweet red bean soup, filling the air as Giyuu prepared breakfast.

Ren was already up, his small hands trying to help Giyuu with the preparations.

"Ma, can I help?" Ren asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Giyuu smiled softly at his son. "Of course, Ren. You can help me mix the ingredients."

As Ren stood on a small stool, carefully stirring the mixture under Giyuu's watchful eye, the door slid open, and Sanemi entered, carrying a small wrapped gift.

"Happy birthday, Ren" Sanemi said, his usual gruffness softened by a rare smile.

Ren beamed at him. "Thank you, Sanemi-san!"

Giyuu glanced over at Sanemi, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good morning, Sanemi."

Sanemi nodded, his eyes lingering on the scene before him-a small, happy family. "Morning, Giyuu."

The morning passed in a blur of laughter and simple joys. Ren's excitement was contagious, and even Sanemi found himself swept up in the happiness of the day.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the other Hashira began to arrive, each bringing small tokens and gifts for Ren.

Mitsuri arrived with a small toy, her face lighting up at the sight of Ren. "Owahhh!! Happy birthday, Ren! Look what I brought for you!"

Ren's eyes widened in delight. "Thank you, Mitsuri-neesan!"

Shinobu followed close behind, carrying a small package of sweets. "Happy birthday, Ren," she said with a warm smile. "I hope you like these."

Ren nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Shinobu-neesan!"

Kyojuro, with his ever-burning enthusiasm, brought a wooden sword. "For the future warrior!" he exclaimed, handing it to Ren, who accepted it with wide eyes.

"Thank you, Kyojuro-jiisan!" Ren said, struggling to hold the large sword.

Throughout the day, the adults took turns playing with Ren, who was overjoyed by all the attention and affection.

The garden echoed with laughter and happy chatter, a stark contrast to the usual somber training sessions.

As the sun began to set, Giyuu and Sanemi gathered everyone for the small celebration meal. The table was set with an array of simple dishes, each one carefully prepared by Giyuu with some help from Sanemi.

"Time for the birthday meal," Giyuu announced, lifting Ren up to his seat.

Ren looked around the table, his eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, everyone!"

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, with everyone enjoying the rare moment of peace and camaraderie.

Ren, full of energy, chatted animatedly about everything he had done that day, making everyone laugh with his innocent enthusiasm.