The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

47

Sanemi's face twisted in fury as he closed the distance between us, every step sharp and deliberate. He moved with the kind of grace that was almost mesmerizing—an intensity I'd rarely seen so close. His Wind Breathing technique roared to life, the sheer force of it pressing the air tight around me. I barely dodged, feeling the power skim just past me. I could sense his surprise as I countered, slipping into the shadows just as the wind's edge threatened to cut through.

I reappeared, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. His breaths came in ragged bursts, his expression fierce, yet there was something else simmering beneath the surface. For a heartbeat, I found myself captivated by the look in his eyes—a blend of anger and something darker, something raw.

"Hey," I said, a smirk tugging at my lips despite myself. "I have enough tricks up my sleeve to last this whole fight. You sure you're ready for that?"

He scoffed, his gaze flicking over me with barely hidden disdain. "I'll give you credit for creativity," he replied, his tone mocking but his eyes lingering a beat too long, "but all that flash won't win you a real fight."

"Oh, because brute strength does?" I taunted, stepping back just slightly, letting my shadow breathing cloak me in darkness. He moved closer, matching every step I took with an unwavering intensity.

"Don't flatter yourself," he said, his voice low, daring. "If you think you're a match for me, you're more foolish than I thought."

Anger flared within me, but something else stirred too, something unexpected, as I met his unyielding gaze. "I don't hate you, Sanemi. Even with all your asshole remarks and that constant scowl." I allowed my voice to soften, feeling my heartbeat thunder against my ribs. "I've seen you fight when you think no one's looking. And as much as I hate to say it...you're damn good. Maybe even worth respecting."

His expression faltered, just for a second, before his mask of anger returned, though this time, there was something more guarded in his eyes. "Respect?" he sneered, his voice tinged with an edge of disbelief. "Don't kid yourself, Y/N. You think you're seeing some hidden part of me, like you've figured me out?"

I stepped closer, my voice low, forcing him to hear every word. "Maybe I haven't figured everything out. But I've been there when you've taken risks, reckless and dangerous. I've seen you, Sanemi—the way you protect, even when you don't want anyone to know. You put yourself in harm's way without hesitation, for people who don't even know it. For your brother, too, even if you'd never admit it."

His jaw clenched, a flicker of something pained flashing in his eyes before he locked it down again. "Don't talk about what you don't understand," he snapped, though his voice lacked its usual bite. He turned, but I wasn't done—I wasn't letting him walk away so easily.

"I understand more than you think," I said softly, stepping closer, drawn by an invisible thread I couldn't deny. "And maybe you understand too, even if you won't admit it. Why else would you take so many risks, put yourself in the line of fire?"

His gaze snapped back to me, fury and something deeper swirling in his eyes. "You think you know me? My reasons? I don't fight for respect or admiration, and I sure as hell don't fight for people who hide in shadows."

"Maybe," I whispered, my voice barely audible as I moved in closer, "but sometimes shadows are all you have left to hold onto. I've been there, Sanemi. Maybe you have too." I finally said his name...damn asshole rolls of my tongue a bit better though.

For a moment, the world narrowed to the space between us, the tension thick, almost suffocating. His breath was hot against my skin, his eyes boring into mine with a mix of anger and something that felt dangerously close to longing. His hand hovered near mine, as if he might reach out, touch me, but the moment held, unbroken and achingly close.

"Don't mistake this for understanding," he muttered, his voice rough, though it had lost some of its harshness. His fingers twitched, brushing mine ever so slightly, a fleeting, electric contact that sent a jolt through me.

A bitter laugh escaped him, and he shook his head, eyes scanning my face with an intensity that left me feeling exposed, vulnerable. "You want me to trust you, think you're more than just shadows. Fine." His voice dropped, his gaze dipping to my lips before flicking back up. "Then prove it."

"You and your prove it statements Sanemi" I replied, voice steady, though my pulse was racing. I mean he does say it ALOT.

He held my gaze, his eyes dark and unyielding, something unspoken simmering between us. His fingers brushed mine once more, lingering a fraction too long, a wordless promise laced with tension. And just like that, the moment shattered as he stepped back, a mocking half-smirk tugging at his lips.

"Let's hope you can keep up," he murmured, his voice low, daring, before turning and disappearing into the darkness.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding, the lingering warmth of his touch etched into my skin. For all his anger, his rough edges, there was something else lurking beneath, something he tried so desperately to hide. And I couldn't deny it any longer—somewhere in the depths of that fury, something had sparked, something as dangerous as it was intoxicating.

Then, with a low scoff, he took a step back, putting an intentional distance between us that felt colder than I wanted to admit.

He glanced away, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the dark expanse of the training grounds. "Tomorrow. Dawn. Don't be late, Y/N." The command was crisp, his voice unwavering, leaving no room for argument.

I opened my mouth to reply, but he was already turning away, his form fading into the shadows as he walked off without another word. The tension in the air lingered, a quiet hum that vibrated through my chest, the echo of our encounter settling deep into my bones.

I clenched my fists, watching his figure disappear, part of me seething at his audacity, yet another part of me drawn to the fire in his eyes, the unyielding strength he wore like armour. And as I stood alone in the moonlight, I realized that maybe—just maybe—I was looking forward to tomorrow.