Kagaya Ubuyashiki struggled to lift his heavy eyelids. His vision was blurred, and the pungent scent of herbs mingled with a faint smell of blood.
The first thing he saw was his wife's face, etched with worry and streaked with tears. Amane held his hand tightly, her fingertips cold, her eyes filled with relief at his survival and fear that had yet to fade.
"Kagaya... you're awake! Thank goodness..." Amane fought back her tears.
Ubuyashiki tried to speak, but only a hoarse breath escaped him. He shifted his eyes slightly and saw the Sapphire Star sitting on the other side of his bed, with several pills beside his pillow.
"Miss... Sapphire Star..." Ubuyashiki mustered all his strength, his voice so faint it was almost inaudible. "...Thank you... for saving my life..."
He tried to push himself upright, but his body was too weak. He had barely lifted himself before collapsing back onto the pillow. Amane hurriedly supported him, carefully settling him against the cushions.
"Mr. Ubuyashiki... how are you feeling?" the Sapphire Star asked.
Ubuyashiki took a few labored breaths. "The other Hashira... and the swordsmen... they don't know yet, do they?"
The Sapphire Star nodded. "Hikigusa came straight to me. We've kept the news under wraps for now."
"That's good..." Ubuyashiki let out a long breath, some of the tension leaving his body. "We mustn't... let my condition... delay the children's training... cough, cough... cough!"
Before he could finish, another violent coughing fit seized him. Amane hurriedly patted his back, and Ubuyashiki vomited blood all over the floor.
The Sapphire Star immediately pulled out a handful of Herbal Lifepowder and Potion Lifepowder, scattering them around Ubuyashiki.
"Mr. Ubuyashiki!" The Sapphire Star brought a Mega Potion to his lips and helped him drink it.
"Why has your curse... suddenly become