Under the lead of the Ubuyashiki attendant, Ryousuke and Shota walked in silence. Shota, unable to contain himself, nudged Ryousuke with his elbow.
"Hey, what's the deal with you? Why is Oyakata-sama summoning you again?"
Ryousuke waved him off, joking, "How should I know? Maybe he saw how handsome I am and wants to invite me for tea."
"Get lost!" Shota spat, though the curiosity and envy in his eyes didn't fade. He really couldn't fathom how this guy—who would lie down if he could sit and slack off if he could work—had managed to catch the Master's eye so consistently.
Ryousuke stopped joking internally. Kagaya Ubuyashiki was deep; this wasn't just tea. The timing felt too deliberate, happening exactly when Rika and the others were starting their Final Selection.
They crossed several corridors until the attendant stopped before an elegant courtyard, bowing to signal Ryousuke to enter alone. Shota was politely led to a side hall to wait.
Taking a deep breath, Ryousuke stepped inside. Under the wisteria trellis, Kagaya sat on the porch. But this time, he wasn't alone. Beside him sat a hulking, muscular man in a kneeling position. He had a look of profound sorrow, two streams of tears flowing silently down his face, hands joined in prayer.
With those monk robes and prayer beads, there was no mistaking him: Gyomei Himejima.
Ryousuke's pupils contracted slightly. He suppressed his surprise and stepped forward to bow. "Oyakata-sama."
Kagaya turned his head slightly, a gentle smile appearing. "Yasui-san, no need for formalities."
Ryousuke stood straight and turned to the giant beside him, greeting him politely. "Himejima-san, it's been a long time."
Though blind, Gyomei "looked" precisely in Ryousuke's direction. His hands remained joined. "Yasui-san... indeed, it has been a long time. Your aura is much stronger than it was at Hinode Mountain... like tempered steel, quiet and resilient. It appears you have mastered 'Total Concentration: Constant.'"
Ryousuke's lip twitched. Good grief! This guy's perception is terrifying. One look and he's already scanned my breathing status!
Being praised by a human Gundam didn't actually bring Ryousuke much comfort. He knew this world didn't lack geniuses—Sabito, Giyū, Tengen, and now this man who swings a flail like a helicopter and chops demons like vegetables. Compared to them, his progress felt like a rounding error. He felt that if Gyomei threw a punch at him right now, he'd probably just ascend to heaven immediately.
Pure stat-monster.
"Himejima-san overpraises me," Ryousuke said with a dry laugh. "I just got lucky with a few insights. I'm far from the level of a true genius."
Kagaya, as if reading his internal grumbling, chuckled softly. "Himejima-san has just been promoted to the Stone Hashira. He trains diligently and has a steadfast heart; his strength grows by leaps and bounds daily, and his senses far exceed the norm."
As expected, Ryousuke thought. In the original story, Gyomei went from being a prisoner to a Hashira in about a year—and he had never even held a sword before that. Absolute monster growth.
"I wanted the two of you to meet again," Kagaya explained. "After all, it was Yasui-san who first proved Himejima-san's innocence at Hinode Mountain." He paused, his gaze warm. "And looking at your aura, Yasui-san, you aren't far from the threshold of a Hashira yourself."
Ryousuke shook his head quickly. "Oyakata-sama, you flatter me. I'm still a long way off."
He did the math: he'd killed about thirty demons in the past year. To become a Hashira, the standard was 50 demons or slaying one of the Twelve Kizuki. Since he aimed for high-quality targets, it took more time.
Kagaya smiled. "It is only a matter of time. I trust my eyes, and I trust your potential."
Gyomei spoke again, his voice like a resonant bell. "I agree. Yasui-san has a firm will to protect. Power driven by such intent will surely break through limits. Becoming a Hashira is inevitable."
Being double-teamed by their expectations made Ryousuke feel a bit overwhelmed. How did I max out their favorability? Just because of that one shout and a few letters? The ROI on that is insane!
Kagaya saw his discomfort and skillfully changed the subject—though the new topic made Ryousuke even more uncomfortable.
"Actually, besides this reunion, I requested your presence because I was asked a favor." Kagaya's tone held a hint of teasing.
"A favor?" Ryousuke's brow jumped. He had a bad feeling.
"Yes," Kagaya nodded. "The Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku, sent another message a few days ago. He seems to have taken a great liking to you and hasn't forgotten you. He happens to be resting at home and would like to invite you to his estate for a visit."
Ryousuke: ∑(っ °Д °;)っ
No! Bro! Why won't he give up?!
A chill ran from his heels to his scalp. He realized Kagaya's game: build the hype, introduce him to the current Stone Hashira, and then ship him off to the Flame Hashira. Networking 101.
Evil Ubuyashiki brat! Ryousuke complained internally.
Kagaya noticed his expression. "You seem quite... afraid of Rengoku-san?"
"No! Not at all!" Ryousuke waved his hands, his posture stiffening. I'm not afraid, I'm traumatized! There's a difference!
Kagaya's expression then softened into a sigh. "Rengoku-san's wife's health has been declining lately. Her condition worsened recently, and his spirits have been quite low."