Chapter 4

{1 month later}

Over the past month, my journey to the Rengoku mansion was marked by a noticeable lack of noteworthy events. The only shift in my routine occurred during my nightly stargazing sessions. Each time, as I immersed myself in the celestial expanse, I would instinctively reach for a sword, endeavoring to mimic the movements of at least one of the twelve principal constellations. Yet, despite my unwavering efforts, I found myself unable to replicate the same level of mastery that I had achieved during that initial, transcendent experience.

As I immersed myself in the contemplation of celestial forms, the rhythmic knock on my carriage door jolted me back to the present. "Young lord, we have arrived at the Rengoku mansion," came the respectful voice of Akemi, one of my trusted guards. "Thank you, Akemi," I acknowledged with a nod, gratitude coloring my tone.

As the carriage came to a halt, I prepared to disembark, my guards poised to assist. Yet, as the door swung open, it was not a servant awaiting us, but a child, no older than myself. His bright blonde hair, adorned with fiery red tips, framed a face that exuded an air of youthful confidence. Golden and red eyes shone with a curious gleam, reflecting a spirit that seemed older than his years.

{Rengoku Mansion 9:00AM}

"Hello, esteemed guests," the young Rengoku greeted, his voice carrying a poise and grace that belied his tender age. Turning his gaze towards me, he spoke with a directness that bespoke a wisdom beyond his years. "I am Rengoku Kyojuro, son of the previous Flame Hashira and heir to the Rengoku family. You must be Kusakabe Hoshi, am I correct?" His words were delivered with a quiet assurance, each syllable enunciated with a precision that commanded respect.

A sense of recognition and belonging washed over me as I confirmed my identity. "Yes, I am. I hold a deep desire to learn Flame Breathing, much like many esteemed members of my family who have come before me." My words carried a weight of sincerity, a reflection of the legacy that had shaped my aspirations.

The young Rengoku's eyes twinkled with a knowing understanding. "Then it is settled. Come, Hoshi. Make yourself at home. And please, instruct your guards to return to your compound. Here, under our watchful eye, you will be in safe hands." His assurance held a comforting note, a promise of security within the walls of the Rengoku mansion.

As we stepped into the mansion, Rengoku let out a hearty, boisterous laugh. "Phew! All that fancy talk wears me out. Alright, Hoshi, let's get you settled. But listen up, there's a bit more to it than what that letter said."

Intrigued, I asked, "What's different, Rengoku-sama?"

He shot me a confident, reassuring grin, his eyes gleaming with determination. "First things first, drop the 'sama.' And about the teaching, don't count on my old man for that, Hoshi."

I furrowed my brow, puzzled. "But he explicitly mentioned—"

He interjected with an unwavering resolve, "That letter? Yeah, see, it wasn't him. It was me."

I blinked in surprise. "You sent the letter? Then, who's going to school me in Flame Breathing? And what is Rengoku Shinjuro-sama going to say when he sees me here?"

His voice resonated with a strong, unwavering confidence as he assured me, "Don't sweat it, Hoshi. I'll be your instructor. We're diving into Flame Breathing together. Trust me, two heads are better than one."

As I settled into my new quarters with Kyojuro's guidance, I had the pleasure of meeting his younger brother, Rengoku Senjuro. The kid had a spark, a brightness that was infectious. It warmed my heart to see the brotherly love that filled the Rengoku household.

That evening, I stepped out of my room, intent on finding Kyojuro to figure out what we would say to Kyojuro's father. But I ran into an unexpected roadblock, a veritable wall of muscle. I looked up to find a stern expression that echoed Kyojuro's, only much bigger and a lot more imposing. His words were sharp, laced with a no-nonsense demeanor. "Huh, who the hell are you, kid?" He didn't mince words, radiating an air of authority.