The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

39

As Sanemi walked away, the crowd's murmurs settled, and I turned my attention back to the trial, forcing myself to shake off the sting of his words. There was no time for distractions; each Hashira would have their turn, and I was determined to prove myself, especially with him watching, testing me.

Master's voice rose again, calm and steady. "Tengen Uzui, step forward."

Tengen sauntered toward his designated boulder with his usual confidence, his gaze sweeping the crowd before landing on me for a brief, knowing moment. Despite his missing arm, he moved with ease, radiating the same undeniable power and presence as always. There was an almost palpable anticipation from the crowd as he took his stance, his remaining blade glinting in the sunlight.

Tengen squared his shoulders, positioning himself before the massive enchanted stone, his eyes narrowing in focus. I could feel the tension in the air—the unspoken question hanging around the arena. Would he falter? Could he still wield his power effectively?

But Tengen only smirked, the challenge seeming to fuel him. He raised his sword, a spark of his usual flamboyance flashing in his eyes. "First Form: Resounding Blast!"

In a flash, he lunged forward, his movements fluid and graceful despite the lack of his second arm. With a single, sweeping strike, he unleashed a wave of sound that crashed against the boulder with a thunderous roar. The vibrations from his attack split the rock instantly, sending fragments spiralling outward in a dazzling display of power. The ground trembled under the force of his strike, and the crowd gasped in awe as the boulder shattered in one clean, explosive movement.

With a flourish, Tengen twirled his sword and sheathed it in one fluid motion, flashing the crowd a grin that was nothing short of triumphant. The broken pieces of the boulder lay scattered around him, arranged almost artistically—a testament to his unrelenting flair, even in the face of a trial meant to test raw power.

I felt a small, involuntary smile tug at the corners of my mouth. Typical Tengen—bold, defiant, and undeniably skilled. His gaze found mine again, and he gave me a wink, as if to say, See? Nothing's changed.

"Points awarded for strength, control, and—of course—style," Master called, and I could see the flicker of pride in his eyes as he watched Tengen.

Tengen stepped back, crossing his arms as he leaned against a pillar, his gaze flicking between the remaining Hashira. His expression softened slightly, his eyes lingering on me with a silent encouragement that made my pulse quicken, but he quickly masked it under his usual, laid-back demeanor as the next name was called.

"Giyu Tomioka."

Giyu moved forward with his usual quiet resolve, his face impassive as he faced his boulder. He took his stance, and for a moment, it was as if the entire arena held its breath. Without any grand display or flair, Giyu raised his blade, exhaling slowly, focusing intently on the boulder before him.

"Eleventh Form: Dead Calm," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

In an instant, his blade flashed, a single, precise strike cutting through the air with deadly accuracy. The boulder seemed to split effortlessly, almost as if it were dissolving beneath his touch, leaving behind an eerily perfect, clean break. Giyu's control was impeccable, his strength hidden beneath layers of careful, calculated movements. His performance was a study in quiet power, a stark contrast to Tengen's explosive display, yet equally captivating.

The crowd murmured in amazement as Giyu sheathed his sword and returned to his place, his expression as unreadable as ever. His calm, reserved energy seemed to linger in the air, a reminder that strength didn't always come with noise or grandeur.