CHAPTER 45: CHAPTER 45: A SHORT STAY

’What’s so special about this guy...?’

Sosuke couldn’t read minds; otherwise, he would have heard Shinobu’s thoughts.

No matter how she looked at him, he seemed utterly ordinary.

He was undeniably handsome, but what did a man’s looks even matter?

And that hammer he carried—hideous!

She couldn’t understand why her elder sister would like someone like him.

Yet, because of her sister’s words, Shinobu felt compelled to protect him whenever he went out.

In short, Shinobu felt utterly exhausted.

Most importantly, as the younger sister, she felt it was her duty to have a proper conversation with Tetsu no Sosuke.

Unfortunately, every interaction between them was like a clash of swords, making meaningful communication nearly impossible.

Maintaining this silent, uneasy truce was already the limit of her patience.

Sometimes, when Sosuke wasn’t looking, she would steal glances at him, trying to find some redeeming qualities.

But he would quickly notice and meet her gaze.

In an instant, instead of finding any virtues, she would only grow more irritated.

"I really can’t get along with this guy!"

Shinobu closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Although her sister and this man’s current state seemed beyond anything she could change by acting as a third wheel, she still couldn’t accept it.

At least, she felt this guy didn’t deserve her sister!

"The air is so fresh!" Sosuke suddenly remarked.

Shinobu glared at him disdainfully. Sosuke blinked. "Taking deep breaths is good for your mind and body. Many problems can be solved with a few deep breaths."

Shinobu’s face darkened. ’Was it really just about deep breathing?’

Though the two remained in their completely antagonistic state throughout the journey, fortunately, there were no further complications.

After two days of smooth travel, they arrived at Tomioka’s estate.

Tomioka greeted them with his usual expressionless demeanor.

Shinobu, who was always icy toward Sosuke, showed no warmth toward Tomioka either. She merely suppressed her disdain, replacing it with a stern expression.

Sosuke opened the Sword Box and handed the Nichirin Blade to Tomioka. "Examine this blade yourself."

Tomioka nodded, maintaining his cold, expressionless composure as he accepted the blade with both hands.

The moment he held it, his eyes flickered slightly. He drew the blade, and the exaggerated curve of the blade’s arc caused him to pause in surprise.

As he stared in astonishment, the blade’s color began to shift.

From its initial plainness, the blade instantly transformed into a deep sea blue, interwoven with crimson threads that resembled scattered sparks of a wildfire.

"This sword..." Tomioka began.

"What is it?" Sosuke asked.

"It seems to make me calmer," Tomioka replied. "There’s a strange, icy sensation filling my mind, steadying my heart and stabilizing my state."

Sosuke paused, then stroked his chin thoughtfully.

To date, he had only used the Bloodforging Method three times.

The first time was for Kanae, who reported that the blade seemed to transmit a warm energy, significantly reducing her stamina consumption.

The second time was for Mitsuri, but he hadn’t yet received her feedback.

The third time was just now, and the feedback allowed him to maintain a calm mind.

Excluding Mitsuri, he had only experienced similar feedback twice before, both related to the Bloodforging Method.

"So, is it because each person’s blood is different that these similar phenomena occur?"

His expression turned peculiar. "Is this a hidden property of the Bloodforging Method? But why didn’t Mitsuri exhibit similar feedback?"

Slightly puzzled, he decided to write letters to both Mitsuri and Obanai later to inquire further.

After sheathing his sword, Tomioka sat quietly, occasionally sipping tea, his gaze completely ignoring Sosuke and Shinobu.

Seeing his demeanor, Sosuke knew that if he didn’t speak up, Tomioka would likely continue drinking tea until his guests took the initiative to leave.

He promptly spoke up, "This is my first time visiting the Water Pillar’s residence. May I trouble you for a few days?"

"Hmm?" Shinobu was the first to turn and look at Sosuke. ’Was he planning to stay here?’

Her immediate thought was... ’Who has he set his sights on now?’

But then she quickly realized how absurd that idea was.

Tomioka was the only one living here, and there were no girls around. Who could Sosuke possibly be interested in?

Besides, even though she didn’t particularly like him, the way he looked at her elder sister seemed genuine.

Thinking of Sosuke in such a way was indeed rather disrespectful.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel that his request was excessive.

He had no real connection with the Water Pillar, and Tomioka was such a cold and aloof person. How could he possibly agree to such a bizarre request?

"Alright," Tomioka nodded slightly.

"Eh?" Shinobu stared in disbelief. ’He agreed? What was going on?’

As she stood there bewildered, she noticed Sosuke was looking directly at her.

Shinobu blinked, confused. ’What does he mean by that?’

"Ahem, you should go back first. I’ll stay here for a few days," Sosuke said.

’Is he trying to get rid of me?’

Shinobu instantly flared up, glaring at Sosuke. "I’m not leaving!"

"Why not?" Sosuke asked, bewildered.

"For your safety, of course," Shinobu replied, glancing at Tomioka. "Naturally, with the Water Pillar here, we don’t need to worry about that. But when you return to the Butterfly mansion, it’s my duty to protect you. So if you’re staying, I’m staying too."

Sosuke was deeply moved. ’So she’s staying to protect me?’

’Have I finally managed to warm up that half-frozen heart of her?’

He nodded gently and turned to Tomioka. "We’ll both stay here for a few days. Is that alright?"

Tomioka took a sip of tea. "Fine."

After a pause, he added, "But I won’t be staying here permanently. I might leave at any time."

"That’s fine," Sosuke replied. "If you’re out, we’ll just explore the area ourselves. If we decide to leave while you’re not home, I’ll leave you a message."

Shinobu couldn’t help but think this was all too casual. ’The person in front of you is a Pillar!’

Then she heard Tomioka nod. "Agreed."

’The Water Pillar is actually this easy to talk to?’ Shinobu stared in disbelief.