The night was as dark as ink, and the evening breeze was gentle. Perhaps touched by Ryousuke's earlier words, Uzui Tengen finally opened up.
"My father wanted us to be void of emotion. He wanted machines that only knew the mission and the kill." Tengen stared into his sake. "Those dehumanizing training sessions, the endless slaughter... they are still etched into the depths of my memory."
After a long silence, Ryousuke sighed. "You've had a hard life."
In the original lore, Tengen's obsession with "Flashiness" wasn't innate. It was a deliberate choice made after defecting—a flamboyant, rebellious streak against his cold upbringing. He craved to be a human being, someone who could cry for fallen comrades and burn with rage when life was trampled. A man of flesh, blood, and feeling.
"You're remarkable, and you're brave," Ryousuke said with genuine respect. To defy your clan, your fate, and your father—it was no small feat.
Tengen laughed and shook his head. "Trying to live flashily with three wives is harder than I expected. Protecting them, surviving, finding a new path... every step is like walking a tightrope."
"I know," Ryousuke's voice was steady, carrying the weight of his own struggles. "Living itself is a gamble for people like us. But as long as you grip your sword and protect those you love, you'll carve out a path. Even if that path is muddy, painful, and not flashy at all."
"Well said!" Tengen looked at Ryousuke and grinned, a flashy, sincere smile. "Then let's live flashily and carve out a path together!" He tapped his sake cup against Ryousuke's jug.
Ryousuke asked quietly, "So, are you joining the Corps?"
"Yeah." Tengen nodded. He was never one to hesitate once a decision was made, even if that decision led to another path of blood and wind.
A few days later, at the Ubuyashiki estate.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat on the porch, an ancient scroll open on his lap. The morning sun bathed him in a gentle light. A blue hummingbird fluttered down, hovering before him.
"Thank you for your hard work." Kagaya held out his palm. The bird dropped a small tube into his hand and nudged his finger before flying off to a dish of grain nearby.
Kagaya unfurled the paper. Ryousuke's handwriting was far from elegant—in fact, it was quite messy and crooked.
To Oyakata-sama:
Report from Kanoe-rank member Yasui Ryousuke.
A new friend from a Shinobi lineage, Uzui Tengen, has arrived at Momoyama. He defected to save his three wives from his clan and was rescued by me from a demon.
Tengen is powerful; even without Breathing techniques, he held his own using only physical skill and tools. His potential is massive, and his personality is... unique. However, his heart is firm, and his desire to protect is fierce.
I take the liberty of recommending him for the Corps.
— Yasui Ryousuke
"Momoyama again..." A soft, amused voice came from behind. Amane Ubuyashiki knelt beside him with hot tea. "Ryousuke-san has found us another special child."
Kagaya handed her the letter. "For some reason, I feel that Ryousuke-san and I share the same intuition when it comes to 'picking up' people. If I had met them, I would have said the same things and done the same deeds."
Amane scanned the letter, her brows lifting slightly. A Shinobi clan... Uzui... That name carried weight. To defect with three wives required extraordinary strength and resolve. She smiled. "Momoyama is getting quite lively."
"Lively is good," Kagaya sipped his tea. "In these turbulent times, one more comrade is one more hope to break the chains of darkness. I look forward to meeting him."
Amane nodded, then remembered something else. "Speaking of Ryousuke-san's recommendations... the Kakushi just sent word regarding Himejima-san."
"Oh?"
"Himejima-san is incredibly strong. Yesterday, after being promoted to Kanoe rank, he slaughtered several demons in an abandoned mine. However..." Amane paused. "While killing the demons, Himejima-san was chanting sutras and weeping the entire time."
Slaying and praying?
Kagaya went silent, then sighed softly. "Killing to protect life, slaying the karma rather than the man. The tears Himejima-san sheds are not a sign of weakness, but the suffering of a compassionate heart in the fires of worldly duty. Demons were once humans, after all."
Amane listened, nodding slowly. "That compassion is both a power and a shackle."
"Write back to Ryousuke-san," Kagaya said warmly. "Tell him the Corps welcomes Uzui Tengen. Ask Master Jigoro to guide him in the ways of Breathing. As for Himejima-san... tell the Kakushi to ensure he receives the best medical care and rest. His heart and body carry a weight far heavier than most. Tell him that every soul he saves, Kagaya Ubuyashiki feels it as his own."