"Takanashi Rokuno, you bastard..." Sabito yanked open the sliding paper door, his short, flesh-colored hair atop his head, and glared at Rokuya irritably. "You want to slack off, so you dump the mess on us? Do you have any idea how big your territory is?"
Giyu Tomioka was as expressionless as ever. He silently glanced at Rokuya and managed only one sentence: "I still have to go eat salmon and daikon."
"Eat, eat, eat! That's all you think about!" Rokuya glared at Giyu, stood up, and patted Sabito on the shoulder, speaking earnestly. "Sabito, the capable have to shoulder more work. I'm trusting you two to watch my back. Besides, aren't the Water Hashira known for their 'defense and endurance'? What's running over a few mountains? If you can look after my territory for these two weeks, I'll treat you to the most expensive Wagyu hot pot in town when I get back. All you can eat!"
At the words "Wagyu hot pot," a glimmer instantly flashed through Giyu's stagnant eyes. He nodded silently. "Leave it to me."
"Hey! Giyu, you're giving in just like that?!" Sabito covered his forehead and sighed helplessly at his taciturn brother. But his gaze was full of solemn resolve as he turned to Rokuya. "Go on. Get some proper rest. As long as Giyu and I have a breath left in us, we won't let a single demon hurt any civilians in your territory."
"Thanks." Rokuya waved and turned to leave. "Oyakata-sama, I'll be going now."
"Safe travels, Rokuya. Remember, this will always be your home." Kagaya's gentle voice came from behind him.
After leaving the Ubuyashiki Estate, Rokuya did not head straight out of town. Instead, he first returned to the Butterfly Mansion.
The Butterfly Mansion was already bustling that morning. Members of