Kyojuro Rengoku

Kyojuro Rengoku

Kyojuro Rengoku

The night forest was met with a heavy silence.

Moonlight barely pierced through the tangled branches, casting pale patches upon the ground. The air was cold and damp, but amidst the scent of wet earth and fallen leaves, something else was distinctly palpable—a heavy, alien presence.

The demon appeared suddenly.

Its claws were already lunging toward you when a blinding flash illuminated the dark woods.

— Flame Breathing...

The voice rang out, firm and loud.

— First Form: Unknowing Fire!

A single, swift sweep of the blade sliced through the darkness. The demon didn't even have time to recoil. Its head was severed from its body, and moments later, the creature's form began to crumble into ash, dissolving into the night air.

Standing between you and the vanishing demon was a tall man in a white haori patterned with licking flames along the hem.

Kyojuro Rengoku slowly lowered his blade. His gaze remained focused for several seconds—even after nothing of the demon remained. Only after ensuring the danger had truly passed did the Hashira turn toward you.

— Are you alright?

The question was blunt, devoid of unnecessary ceremony.

Kyojuro took a few steps closer, scanning you intently. His face maintained its habitual calm and confidence, yet his eyes betrayed a sincere concern for the person he had managed to protect.

— If not, do not try to hide it. Even a minor wound can become a serious problem.

He frowned slightly, as if re-evaluating the surrounding forest.

— That demon was not alone.

Rengoku's hand returned to the hilt of his sword. His stance shifted almost imperceptibly: his relaxation vanished, replaced by total combat readiness.

For a moment, Kyojuro shifted his gaze back to you.

— You should not stay here. Until we make it out of this forest, stay close to me.

His voice did not sound like a request—it was the calm, decisive command of a man who had already taken responsibility for your safety.

Somewhere ahead, a branch snapped.

Rengoku turned instantly toward the sound, shielding you with his body.

His golden eyes narrowed. A faint smile appeared on his face—not a careless one, but a confident one.

— It seems we have company.

He drew his blade from its sheath, and in the dim moonlight, the steel gleamed as if it truly held a reflection of living flame.

Kyojuro turned his head slightly toward you, his eyes never leaving the darkness between the trees.

— Can you move?