At the tender age of 29, (Y/N) Rengoku found herself grappling with a reality she never envisioned. The tragic demise of her beloved husband aboard the Mugen Train, plunged her into a profound and shattering sorrow. The very fire that had once kindl...
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Chapter Thirty Two:
A week had passed, and Giyu found himself immersed in a sense of newfound purpose and belonging.
The rhythm of life with (Y/N) and her family had become second nature to him, a welcome change from the solitude he had grown accustomed to.
He cherished the moments spent bonding with Hinoko over shared interests and admired Kijuro's unwavering determination during their sparring sessions.
As Giyu and Kijuro engaged in their afternoon training, the clatter of wooden swords filled the air, echoing the camaraderie that had formed between them.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Hinoko moved with practiced efficiency, carefully preparing a spread of snacks for the three of them.
With a satisfied smile, Hinoko surveyed her handiwork, taking a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of domestic life. When everything was ready, she called out to Giyu and Kijuro, her voice carrying through the open space of the house.
"Hey, you two," she called, her tone warm and inviting. "Take a break! Snacks are ready."
Giyu and Kijuro hurried to Hinoko like eager children, their hunger evident in the way they practically pounced on the snacks.
Amidst their thanks, Hinoko chuckled at their synchronized gratitude, urging them to dig in heartily. "Eat up, there's more where that came from."
Just as she reached for a piece of food herself, she then remembered, "Oh, wait a minute. I forgot to grab the juice." Hinoko realized.
Before she could move, Giyu offered, "I'll grab it."
"Nope! Just stay there." Hinoko insisted, "I'll get it. Eat up, please." She told him.
However, Giyu's words caught both Kijuro and Hinoko off guard.
"Thank you, little flame," Giyu murmured softly, his tone unintentionally intimate.
Kijuro's gaze shot up, his mouth full, while Hinoko froze, her mind struggling to process the unexpected endearment.
In a moment of unintentional slip, Hinoko responded without thinking.
"No problem, dad."
As soon as the words left her mouth, her eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to cover her mouth in disbelief.
She and Giyu locked eyes, the air heavy with unspoken understanding.
A flush of embarrassment crept up Hinoko's neck, and she quickly excused, "I... I'm gonna get the juice."
Her steps hurried and flustered. Meanwhile, Giyu watched her retreat, a mixture of awe and amusement in his eyes.
He took a bite of his food, attempting to mask the rising embarrassment with nonchalance.
