The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

40

The night air was cool, brushing against Y/N's skin as she made her way down the path toward the hot springs. She tugged her kimono a bit tighter around her, glancing up at the stars that dotted the sky. Being here at the estate with all the Hashira still felt surreal, like she'd wandered into someone else's life. She'd been watching them from afar for so long, and now... here she was, a part of them.

The memory of today's trial surfaced in her mind, and she felt a spark of pride, the anxiety ebbing slightly. She'd done well—better than she'd anticipated—and had stood her ground among warriors she admired. Her steps slowed as she listened to the sounds of the night, the rustling leaves and gentle breeze soothing her nerves. She'd come a long way, and that thought alone was enough to bring a small smile to her lips.

She took a deep breath, letting the calm wash over her. But before she knew it, a strong pair of arms wrapped around her, lifting her off the ground.

"Tengen!" she gasped, as he hoisted her over his shoulder effortlessly.

He chuckled, the sound warm and teasing. "Caught you off guard, did I, Moonlight? You really thought you could just sneak off without a proper entrance?"

She rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the flutters in her chest as she lightly smacked his back. "Put me down, you idiot! I'm perfectly capable of walking."

"Oh, I know that," he drawled, his grin evident in his tone as he continued down the path, ignoring her protests. "But where's the fun in that? Besides, I'm just making sure you get there in style."

"Style? Is this what you call style?" she huffed, crossing her arms over his shoulder, though a faint smile crept onto her face despite herself. "Or are you just trying to make an entrance?"

"Guilty," he admitted with a laugh. "Wouldn't be the Flashy Hashira if I didn't make a scene, now, would I?"

They reached the edge of the hot spring area, where the others were already gathered. Mitsuri was chatting happily with Shinobu, while Giyu sat quietly at the edge, listening to the conversation. Obanai and Sanemi were near the steam, looking mildly annoyed at the prospect of group relaxation but there nonetheless.

The moment they noticed Tengen's arrival—his confident stride and Y/N draped over his shoulder—they all turned. Mitsuri's eyes lit up with amusement.

"See? I told you she'd come!" Mitsuri exclaimed. "And Tengen, you're being as annoying as ever!"

He finally set Y/N down, grinning as she straightened her kimono and shot him a glare, though her cheeks held a faint, telling flush. She looked around, feeling the weight of everyone's attention for a moment, then quickly cleared her throat.

"Well, here I am," she said, half to herself, half to the others.

Tengen gave her an exaggerated bow. "Anything for you Y/N."

Y/N rolled her eyes again, giving him a playful shove as she stepped toward the water. Mitsuri took her arm, leading her to the other side of the spring with a warm smile.

"I'm so glad you're here, Y/N!" Mitsuri beamed, her genuine kindness soothing Y/N's nerves. "I've been looking forward to this since we all arrived. Nothing like a nice soak to ease the muscles after a hard day."

As I settled into the hot spring, I felt the day's tension begin to slip away, the warm water working its magic on my tired muscles. I sank deeper, the soothing heat swirling around me, cocooning me in a quiet relief I hadn't realized I needed. It was strange, though—a calm moment, surrounded by people I'd only ever observed from afar. I'd trained, fought, and bled to be here, but now, with everyone so close, I felt an odd tightness in my chest, a blend of pride and nervousness that refused to dissolve.