Gyomei stood firm, his massive frame unyielding as his prayer beads clicked softly in his hands. "And what of them?" he repeated, his unseeing eyes fixed in Alex's direction, who took a rest as if he owned the place. "Who are they, and why are they here?"
Hearing that it was my time to talk, I walked up from the shade of the tree and asked Yuki to remain there.
With a calm stride, I stepped forward, the faint rustle of the grass beneath my feet breaking the stillness. I clasped my hands behind my back, standing tall and composed. "Hello," I began with a small bow, "I am Alexander. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance... for the third time, apparently."
Sanemi rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath about arrogance.
"I will answer your question instead of Kagaya." I give a pause. "He has no idea what I or Yuki is. Am I right?"
Kagaya's serene smile didn't falter, though there was a flicker of intrigue in his expression. "You are correct, Alexander," he said, his voice calm and deliberate. "I do not fully understand you or your companion, Yuki. But my instincts tell me that to fight you would bring certain death—not just for me, but for everyone here. And my instincts," he added with a slight incline of his head, "are never wrong."
The collective intake of breath from the Hashira was almost audible. Even the ever-composed Gyomei seemed to hesitate, his head tilting slightly as if to process Kagaya's statement. The faint clicking of his prayer beads slowed but did not cease.
Sanemi was the first to break the silence, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "You're telling us this guy is so dangerous that even we couldn't take him? Are you joking, Master?" His voice was sharp, almost incredulous.
"I don't joke about matters of life and death, Sanemi," Kagaya replied calmly.
Tengen Uzui raised an eyebrow, his expression equal parts curiosity and suspicion. "Flamboyant. I like it. But," he added, his tone turning serious, "Let's Fight."
The other Hashira exchanged uneasy glances, though none stepped forward to stop him.
Gyomei's voice rumbled, calm yet firm. "Tengen, this is not the place for rashness. If Master says he's not to be fought, then we must heed his wisdom."
"Gyomei, relax," Tengen said, a smirk playing on his lips. "This isn't about defying Master's judgment. It's about clarity. If he's as strong as we're being led to believe, then this is an opportunity to gauge that strength. Nothing flamboyant about blind trust, after all."
Kagaya's serene demeanor remained unchanged. "Alexander," he said gently, his voice breaking through the mounting tension, "what do you think? Would you entertain Tengen's challenge to ease their doubts?"
I chuckled lightly, folding my arms across my chest as I regarded Tengen with an amused expression. "You're quite forward, aren't you?" I said. "But I don't blame you. Trust isn't something that comes freely, especially in your line of work."
Tengen's grin widened. "So, what do you say? Ready to dance?"
I sighed dramatically, running a hand through my hair. "Fine. If that's what it takes to set some minds at ease." Then, I added with a playful edge to my tone, "But let's make it interesting. You alone won't give me much of a challenge. Why don't the rest of you join in?"
The statement landed like a bomb.
"You want to take on all of us?" Sanemi scoffed, his hand already on the hilt of his sword. His sharp eyes narrowed. "Arrogant."
"Arrogant or capable?" I replied coolly. "Either way, it'll save time if we settle this in one go."
Tengen laughed, clearly delighted by the boldness of my proposal. "Now that's the kind of flamboyance I can respect! Alright then, everyone, who's in?"
"I'm not participating," Shinobu said immediately, her usual smile masking the memory of the ease with which I'd stopped her blade earlier.
"Nor will I," Giyu added simply, his calm demeanor unshaken.
"Me either," Mitsuri chimed in, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "I already trust Master Kagaya's judgment."
Muichiro, his gaze distant as always, muttered, "I'm not interested."
Tengen waved a hand dismissively at their refusals. "Fine, fine. The rest of us can handle it."
Rengoku stepped forward, his fiery enthusiasm lighting up his expression. "I accept your challenge, Alexander! Let us test your strength in the name of justice and resolve!"
Gyomei clasped his prayer beads, his towering form radiating calm authority. "If this demonstration will bring clarity, I will participate as well."
Sanemi smirked, drawing his blade with a swift, sharp motion. "I've been itching for a real fight. Let's see what you're made of."
Obanai simply nodded, his mismatched eyes glinting with calculated interest. "I'll join. This could be... enlightening."
Tengen clapped his hands together. "Perfect! That's four against one. Should make for a flashy enough spectacle!"
I rolled my shoulders, stepping into the center of the makeshift arena as the remaining Hashira spread out to surround me. "Four against one, huh? I hope this won't disappoint me."
Rengoku's voice boomed as he drew his sword, its blade glinting with vibrant flames. "Prepare yourself, Alexander! We won't hold back!"
I smiled faintly, my hands still resting casually at my sides. "Neither will I... though I'll make sure no one gets hurt. Shall we begin?"
~~~
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