During the selection on Mount Fujikasane, that blond boy had left a profound impression on him-dazzling as a blazing fire, his eyes shining no matter how desperate the situation, loudly declaring that he would protect everyone. He was a born swordsman, a spark that should never be extinguished in the mire.
"If Shinjuro really sinks completely into despair, even rots away entirely because of his wife's death, will that kid Kyojuro be affected too?" Rokuya tapped his fingers lightly against the table, his gaze gradually deepening.
He thought very highly of Kyojuro Rengoku. This cruel world needed that kind of pure flame. It would be far too great a pity if it went out because of a cowardly father.
"And besides..." Rokuya raised his right hand. With a thought, a streak of exceptionally deep, pure blue light danced at his fingertips. This was no visual effect produced by a Breathing Style, but genuine Arcana Power.
He recalled how, whenever he overtaxed his body or suffered severe injuries, he could recover far faster than an ordinary person under the nourishment of Arcana Power, provided he had enough food. In essence, this power was a higher-dimensional life energy that could strengthen cells and repair damage.
"Since it can heal my body, perhaps it can sustain an ordinary person's life force too." Rokuya's gaze sharpened as he made his decision.
He stood, snatched up the dark blue haori beside him, and draped it over his shoulders, then slung the enormous blade Shura, wreathed in dark blue streams of light, onto his back.
"Aoi, tell Kanae I'm going out. I'll be back before dinner." With that, Rokuya strode out of the Butterfly Mansion.
The Rengoku residence, on the outskirts of Tokyo Prefecture.
It was a spacious traditional Japanese estate, yet an unmistakable air