Horitake couldn't help but put himself in their shoes. If his precious daughter got sweet-talked by some sleazy punk—a total playboy who'd already hooked several girls—and his baby girl was brainwashed into happily being just one of the bunch?
Hell no! He'd hunt that bastard down and end him!
Just picturing it made Horitake's blood boil. And that was him imagining it. Glass's parents? They'd probably react ten times worse.
Horitake was dead certain: The second he showed up at their door and spilled the beans, they'd grab kitchen knives and chase him down the street.
What a nightmare. Total nightmare.
He sank deeper into worry and nerves.
Spotting his troubled face, Glass burst out laughing with a pfft: "Horitake-nii, you look so stressed!"
He shot back, half-annoyed: "Of course I am! I can already see your family hunting me across the country."
"Whose fault is that? Totally yours, Horitake-nii."
"Yeah, I'm digging my own grave here!"
Seeing him spiral toward depression, Glass couldn't hold back her grin. She hurried to comfort him: "Hey, come on, don't worry so much. These days, a capable guy having a few wives isn't exactly shocking. My family's seen it before. I'll talk them down—keep them calm. All you have to do is show off how awesome you are and prove you're dead serious about me. That's it!"
Horitake mulled it over. She had a point. This was old-school Neon after all—traditional vibes, outdated ideas. Polygamy raised eyebrows, sure, but it wasn't unforgivable. Glass's folks would flip at first, but probably not as bad as he feared. Just follow her lead: Flex his strengths, vow he'd marry her no matter what. Pass their test? Piece of cake.
...Or so he told himself! Nerves? Still through the roof!
He sighed, squeezing her hand: "Fine. There'll be a way when the car reaches the mountain. The boat straightens when it hits the bridge. If it all goes south? I'll just kidnap you, whisk you away, and elope. Rice is already cooked—your parents will have to hand over their treasure whether they like it or not."
Glass giggled and ruffled his hair at his shameless spiel.
Laughing and chatting, they reached the Butterfly Mansion. Back in their room, Glass packed her things while Horitake helped. Simple stuff—done in minutes.
She geared up: Nichirin sword at her hip, Demon Slayer uniform on, Hashira haori draped over her shoulders. Ready to roll.
Horitake insisted on walking her out.
In the courtyard, the Butterfly girls—busy with chores—spotted them. Seeing Glass all suited up, they rushed over.
Aoi got straight to it: "Glass-nee, where are you off to? Mission? But Horitake-sama doesn't look like he's coming."
Glass smiled at the little sisters: "Not a mission. Heading to my assigned region to stand guard."
The Teruko triplets' eyes lit up in realization: "Oh yeah! Glass-nee is a Hashira now!" "That means her own territory!" "So... you and Horitake-sama have to split up?"
Horitake shrugged helplessly: "No choice. Duty calls for the Corps. But hey—responsibility is responsibility. Can't mix it with personal stuff."
The triplets—die-hard Horitake fangirls—sparkled at his mature, dutiful words. Worship levels: Maxed.
Kanao, quiet as ever, stepped up and flipped her coin. All eyes on it.
It landed heads—her hand covering it. She uncovered: Positive!
Kanao smiled softly at Glass: "Bye, Glass-nee. Be careful at work."
For Kanao to speak a goodbye—and add concern? Huge! It meant Glass was family now.
Glass walked over, patting her head: "Thanks, Kanao-chan. I know your deal—don't worry too much. One day, you'll meet a boy you like. He'll help unlock your heart. When that happens? Grab on tight—don't let go."
Kanao's eyes widened, stunned. Shinobu-nee said the same thing once...
With that, Glass stepped out the gate, turning for one last wave: "Everyone, see ya!"
Horitake nodded farewell; the girls waved wildly.
And just like that, Glass left the Butterfly Mansion—then the new Corps HQ—heading to her post.
No sooner had she vanished than Shinobu popped up behind Horitake. Staring after her, she grumbled: "Why not walk her all the way to the gate?"
Horitake shook his head: "It's not some tragic goodbye. No need for drama. Glass and I? We're good. You, though—Shinobu-nee—I clocked you hiding the whole time. Why not say bye to her?"
Shinobu's face flushed awkward, then helpless: "I'm still not great at facing Glass. Couldn't bring myself to say goodbye."
Mid-sentence, she whirled on Horitake—pounding his shoulder with tiny fists: "Your fault! You damn playboy! If not for you, Glass and I could've been besties. Now? Awkward city—we're not even friends!"
Horitake just took it, eyes wide.
Okay—dating Shinobu-nee was worlds apart from Glass! Glass? Bubbly bestie vibes. Shinobu-nee? The type to throw cute tantrums.
But hey—this was fun. Horitake loved it. Her "punches"? Zero power—soft as cotton. This wasn't venting. This was straight-up flirt-fighting!
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