𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬

Trials and Tribulations

s dawn broke over the Ubuyashiki estate, the sun’s rays streamed through the trees, illuminating the path ahead. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Today was the day Obanai and Giyuu had decided to reveal their relationship to the other Hashira. A mix of excitement and anxiety bubbled within Obanai as he walked alongside Mitsuri and Shinobu, the support of their friends feeling like a lifeline.

As they approached the main hall, the group fell silent, the weight of the moment settling over them. Obanai's heart raced, each beat echoing in his ears. He exchanged a glance with Giyuu, who was already sitting with the other Hashira, his expression resolute. They were ready to face whatever reactions awaited them.

Mitsuri broke the silence, her voice bright but a hint of nervousness threading through it. “Remember, we’re all here for you! No matter what happens.”

Obanai took a deep breath, the warmth of her encouragement wrapping around him like a shield. “Thanks, Kanroji. I just... I want them to understand.”

Shinobu stepped closer, her eyes sharp yet reassuring. “Just be honest. It’s all you can do.”

As they entered the main hall, the other Hashira were already gathered for their morning meeting. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sounds of laughter and friendly banter. However, as Obanai and Giyuu stepped into view, conversations began to die down, and all eyes turned toward them.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Sanemi said, a smirk crossing his face. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, an amused glint in his eyes. “I thought you were too busy with your new ‘friend’ to join us.”

Obanai’s heart sank at the playful jab, knowing exactly what Sanemi meant. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure. “We have something important to tell you all,” he said, forcing the words out.

As the room quieted, Obanai felt his stomach churn. He could feel Sanemi’s gaze, assessing and skeptical. Obanai’s heart raced as he cleared his throat, ready to speak.

“We wanted to be honest with all of you,” he began, his voice steady despite the nerves tightening his throat. “Giyuu and I... we’ve been spending a lot of time together, and it’s developed into something more.”

Murmurs rippled through the group. Some looked surprised, others skeptical. Sanemi leaned forward, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Wait a second. Are you saying you’re together now?” He leaned back, arms crossed with a grin. “Aren’t you the one who called Tomioka a dullard, Iguro? You’re a traitor!”

Obanai flinched at the word “traitor,” the sting of it cutting deeper than he had expected. “I’m not betraying anyone, Sanemi. I’m trying to be honest about who I am.”

Sanemi chuckled, but his expression was serious. “This is ridiculous. You two? Together? You’ve always hated each other,well iguro does or now did!”

“Yes,” Giyuu said, his voice calm and unwavering. “We’ve found something in each other that we want to nurture.”

Sanemi's expression hardened, disbelief etched across his features. “This is a joke, right? You’re supposed to be a Hashira, not some lovesick fool.”

“Enough, Shknazugawa,” Shinobu interjected, her voice firm but calm. “This isn’t just about duty or missions. Iguro and Tomioka have chosen to share their lives, and that deserves respect.”

“But it’s unnatural!” Sanemi shot back, frustration boiling over. “You can’t just ignore tradition!”

Obanai felt a surge of anger at Sanemi’s words but also a profound sadness. He had hoped for understanding, but instead, he faced condemnation. “I’m not asking for your approval, Shinazugawi,” he replied, his voice steady. “I just want you to accept us for who we are.”

At t moment, Gyomei stood, his towering figure radiating calm authority. “While I cannot condone this relationship due to my beliefs,” he began, his voice deep and steady, “I respect both of you as Hashira and as individuals. I wish you both happiness.”

Obanai felt a flicker of relief at Gyomei’s words, a glimmer of hope amidst the tension.

“Thank you, Himejima,” Giyuu said softly, his eyes meeting Gyomei’s with genuine gratitude.

Sanemi’s eyes narrowed, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “You’re both making a mistake, and it’s going to cost us.”

As Obanai prepared to respond, Mitsuri stepped forward, her voice filled with passion. “SHINAZUGAWA, please! Can’t you see how happy they are? They deserve a chance to be together! We should support them, not push them away!”

“Support?!” Sanemi snapped, the intensity of his words echoing off the walls. “What if this leads to disaster? What if one of them gets hurt? It’s reckless!”

Shinobu’s eyes narrowed, and she spoke with quiet intensity. “Love can be a strength, Shinazugawa, not a weakness. We’ve all fought alongside each other through hell. Shouldn’t we trust each other to make our own choices?”

The tension in the room thickened, each Hashira weighing their words. Obanai felt a deep sense of vulnerability. This wasn’t just about him and Giyuu; it was about the whole group.

“We know the risks,” Giyuu said finally, his voice steady. “But we’re choosing this path together. Isn’t that what being Hashira is about standing by each other, even in difficult times?”

Sanemi looked as if he wanted to argue further but ultimately fell silent, frustration lingering in his eyes. The murmurs of the other Hashira filled the silence, their voices low and thoughtful.

Rengoku, who had been standing quietly at the back, stepped forward, her voice soft yet firm. “If they are happy, why should we try to change that? We should be strong enough to accept each other’s choices!”

Obanai glanced at Giyuu, his heart swelling with gratitude for their friends who were willing to stand by them.

In that moment, the tension began to ease slightly, the Hashira looking more contemplative than combative. The support of his comrades felt like a balm to his wounded spirit.

“Maybe this will strengthen us as a team,” Mitsuri said, her voice filled with hope. “If we support each other, we’ll fight even harder together!”

Obanai met Giyuu’s gaze, the connection between them deepening as they both felt the weight of their friends’ words. “We just want to live our lives as ourselves,” Obanai said, his voice steady. “Together.”

After a long silence, Sanemi finally spoke, his tone begrudging but softer than before. “Fine. Just know that I’ll be watching. I still think this is a mistake, but I won’t stop you.”

Gyomei nodded, a sense of acceptance in his demeanor. “It is ultimately your choice. We’ll respect it, even if we don’t understand it.”

The atmosphere shifted, a sense of resolution settling among the Hashira. They had opened a door to understanding, and while not everyone was ready to embrace it fully, the willingness to accept was a step in the right direction.

As the meeting adjourned, Obanai felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. They had faced the storm together, and though the path ahead remained uncertain, they were no longer alone.

As they exited the hall, Giyuu took Obanai’s hand, their fingers entwined. The warmth of Giyuu’s touch steadied him, reminding him that they would face whatever came next side by side.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm light over the estate. With each step forward, Obanai felt a growing sense of hope. They would continue to navigate their relationship, the trials they faced only serving to strengthen their bond.

As they walked towards the training grounds, Obanai turned to Giyuu, a soft smile breaking through his earlier uncertainty. “Thank you for being by my side,” he said quietly.

Giyuu met his gaze, his eyes filled with warmth. “Always.”

And with that simple promise, they moved forward together, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahea

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Can't believe this book will be ending soon...