Noticing Horitake squinting at her with that cheeky grin while she vented, Shinobu halted her fists mid-swing. Her brows knit together, a flicker of real irritation sparking in her eyes.
This clingy, shameless rogue—she truly had no clue how to handle him!
All she could do was fire back with words: "Glass just ascended to Hashira and didn't forget her duties for a second—she's already off to her post like a shot. So, pray tell, Heavenly Pillar-sama, have you been slacking a bit lately? Ever since that massive battle wrapped up, you've been holed up in the Butterfly Mansion, fooling around with Glass all day. It's downright scandalous! Don't you think it's time the Heavenly Pillar fulfilled his Hashira responsibilities? Otherwise, 'virtue unmatched by position invites disaster'!"
Horitake stared at her in shock: "Shinobu-nee, you actually know 'virtue unmatched by position invites disaster'!? You've been hitting the books hard, huh? But no worries—I'm the Heavenly Pillar, sure, but I don't have a fixed territory. I roam the land, slaying demons wherever they pop up."
"But Heavenly Pillar-sama hasn't gone out demon-hunting lately, has he?"
"Nag, nag! What's wrong with a few days' rest? Work-life balance is key!"
"But Glass is gone now—you can't fool around anymore. The easy life's over. Time to get back to work. So why aren't you heading out, Horitake?"
Horitake whipped around, giving her a dead-fish stare: "Shinobu-nee, did I offend you or something? Why do I feel like you're kicking me out?"
"No feeling about it—I am kicking you out."
"Why?"
"No reason! You just rub me the wrong way!"
Horitake eyed her suspiciously, spotting four big words written all over her face: Insincere Bullshit!
He couldn't help but wonder: What about him scared Shinobu so much? Why was she so desperate to boot him out? They'd only confirmed their relationship last night—girlfriends don't chase boyfriends away the next day! It didn't add up!
Wait... a lightbulb went off!
Grinning mischievously, he leaned in close, casually dropping: "Shinobu-nee says with Glass gone, I can't fool around anymore—that's why you're rushing me out. But that doesn't track. Glass may be gone, but now you're my girlfriend. I could just fool around with you instead!"
Shinobu's face flushed crimson. Her hand flew to her Nichirin sword: "You perverted jerk! As if I'd fool around with you! I've got piles of important work! Do whatever—stay and slack off if you want. I'll just report your laziness to the Master!"
With that, she stormed off in a huff.
Watching her go, Horitake was basically confirmed. Why the rush to shove him out the door? She was terrified—of him making a move! Back when Glass was around, he'd spent nights tangled up with her. Now Glass was gone, and Shinobu was his fresh girlfriend—she was genuinely worried he'd pounce. His strength dwarfed hers; if he got impulsive and forced things, she couldn't fight back!
That was the real reason she was so eager to eject him.
Horitake gazed at her fleeing back, helpless: Shinobu-nee, Shinobu-nee... Do you really see me as some horny monster? Come on, we'd just gone official—of course I wouldn't jump straight to that. Even if I'm a beast, I'm not that much of one! Just how scummy am I in your eyes?
He pondered, then sighed. Fine. He'd planned to ease into things with her, but clearly, this new relationship spooked her—she wasn't used to it. No choice: Distance makes the heart grow fonder. He'd give her space. She was his eventually— no escaping that!
Decision made: Tomorrow, he'd hit the road, resume demon-slaying, get back to work.
...
That evening at Butterfly Mansion dinner, Horitake announced it.
Shinobu pondered thoughtfully: Wait... Did Horitake-san pick up on my nerves and decide to leave on his own? Did I hurt him? We just got together, and I'm already shoving him out the door—that's kinda messed up. People are such hypocrites! She'd been dreading him sticking around, but now that he was leaving? Guilt city. So fickle!
Her heart twisted complicatedly. She just ate in silence. No approval, no protest—just quiet acceptance of his departure.
Dinner ended; night fell. Everyone retired.
Shinobu and Horitake headed to their rooms.
Alone in hers, Shinobu spiraled into dilemma. Should I ask him to stay? Or prioritize my safety and let him go? But that's cold—we're together now, and I haven't even given him a proper girlfriend vibe. Ugh, the human heart is so twisted—never straightforward.
Mid-freakout, a knock rattled her door. She jumped, tiptoeing over: "So late—who is it?"
Horitake's voice: "Me."
Panic mode: Full meltdown! He was leaving tomorrow, but showing up at her room tonight?! This screamed: He's snapped—gonna devour me whole!
No way! Door stays locked!
Even with it bolted, she braced against it, voice trembling with nerves: "It's late! Whatever it is, tomorrow!"
To her shock, no response. Silence.
Did he leave?
Just as she exhaled... Click! The window swung open.
Shinobu whirled in horror.
Somehow, Horitake had pulled a sneaky feint—climbed straight through the window!
Her brain short-circuited. No thought—just grab her Nichirin sword, unsheathe, point it shakily: "Y-Y-You... Sneaking into my room in the dead of night?! What the hell do you want?!"
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