Conviction

"What's all this about?" The man with gold hair and red tips questioned Giyu from the side. Rengoku was mildly surprised at first during the meeting when Giyu said he had brought someone. They all knew what that meant: he had found a Tsugoku and wanted to introduce him to Oyakata-sama. However, the look on his face seemed to say otherwise. Rengoku knew for a fact that he hadn't sensed the boy's presence until Giyu had grabbed him; it was as if he had just materialized out of thin air. He was certain the others had the same thought process, as despite their calm and cool composure, he had seen the telltale signs of surprise. He was positive that the boy's sudden appearance had shocked his colleagues—now, that wasn't something you see every day.

Gyomei Himejima was particularly stunned, for he had felt a presence pop into his field of perception. His eyes, although blind (which had never put him at a disadvantage in a fight), widened slightly as tears appeared within their rims. The aura and conversation being held enabled him to identify the person as a non-hostile visitor, apparently brought by Giyu Tomioka. The voice was that of a young lad, apparently not Japanese, as the intonation and accent implied. Although the reason for his presence was unknown, he decided to trust his Oyakata-sama.

Meanwhile, Tengen Uzui stared blankly at the young boy kneeling before his Koketsu and almost burst out laughing at the prospect of Giyu bringing a Tsugoku to introduce to them. He found the idea quite amusing. The mighty, stone-cold Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, bringing a successor? Tengen nearly slapped his thighs in an outburst of laughter, but only because Oyakata-sama was present did he manage to compose himself.

The other Hashira were having similar thoughts. It seemed out of context for someone like Giyu to bring or even have a Tsugoku. He had mentioned several times that he didn't believe himself to be a real Hashira.

To break the silence, Kagaya asked John to introduce himself. John was momentarily stunned. He hadn't noticed until now because of his conversation with Kagaya, but everyone was with the exception of Kagaya, Amane, and Kiriya Ubuyashiki, Strong auras surrounded him from behind. He couldn't believe he was here. He hadn't prepared for this part.

"My name's John," he managed, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the vibrant personalities surrounding him.

Rengoku stepped forward, a bright smile beaming across his face as he slung an arm around John's shoulder. "What brings you here, friend?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in playful curiosity.

"Giyu-san invited me," John replied, attempting to keep his composure. "All he asked was if I wanted to join him."

"Ah, I see! So you're not his Tsuguko, then?" Rengoku's eyes lit up with mischief.

"Of course not!" Tengen interrupted, his voice booming as he flicked his hair back with flair. "What makes you think this dead fish would ever take on a Tsuguko?"

"I—" John began, trying to defend himself but getting drowned out.

"Unbelievable!" Mitsuri Kanroji exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she stepped forward. She leaned in, inspecting John's features closely. "You definitely look like a foreigner!"

"Now that you mention it, she's right," Rengoku chimed in, closing the distance with interest. John felt his face heat up under their scrutiny.

Mitsuri sighed dramatically, snapping her fingers as she pouted playfully. "What fair skin you have...I'm so jealous!"

"You seem weird," a small voice piped up from the sidelines. Muichiro Tokito observed John with a head tilt, his expression as blank as ever.

Rengoku perked up. "You seem to have decent strength! How about a spar after this? Just wooden swords, of course!" He gripped John's arm, enthusiasm radiating from him.

"Whatever," a deep voice suddenly interrupted. Sanemi stepped forward, his gaze fierce and challenging as he pointed at John. "Why did you bring him here?" His tone was laced with suspicion directed at Giyu.

"This young man showed promise," Giyu replied coolly, not backing down.

"Alright, settle down!" Kagaya interjected, his calm demeanour cutting through the rising tension. "Let's not scare off our guest before he even gets a chance to prove himself."

The group turned their attention back to John, the buzz of curiosity and competition hanging in the air, and for the first time, he felt a flicker of excitement amidst the chaos.

Immediately, silence descended within the courtyard. Kagaya coughed twice as he reasoned how to tell the Hashira's of this current situation.

"This young swordsman isn't Giyu's Tsugoku. He's on the path of learning the sword when he helped some people. The circumstances brought about his meeting with Urokodaki, who felt that he had a lot of talent, but unfortunately, he already has a disciple So today i would like for one of you to take him under your wing, Giyu brought him here to see if any of you would take interest in him and accept to train him." Kagaya himself had received Sakonji's letter beforehand, so he knew the current situation. Urokodaki had told him that he didn't believe that the water breathing was suitable for the boy.

"Really now." Sanemi said with a wild grin on his face. "What a twist."

The Hashira's were deeply thinking. Urokodaki was the previous Water Hashira. There was no reason to doubt his judgment, but this foreigner was interested in learning breathing techniques that seemed strange.

"What fuels your determination, boy?" Gyomei finally spoke. The entire time he had listened, but the reason the foreign boy would pick up a sword to slay demons evaded him. Apart from moral reasons, there would be no other, but he wanted to confirm for himself. "Is it for your moral code?"

"My moral code shapes my character shapes and guides my actions. It defines who I am and how I treat others. Upholding honesty, integrity, and compassion is essential for creating a just world. I don't need to explain my moral code to you, for I believe everyone in this space believes so too, for they wouldn't risk their lives if they didn't. " John voice resounded with resolute conviction, stunning all those who heard it. "As for why I picked up a sword. With each swing of the sword, I feel my spirit ignite. The path of swordsmanship is not merely about mastering techniques; it is a journey of self-discovery and resilience. I embrace the blisters on my hands, knowing they are reminders of my commitment. Each practice session sharpens both my blade and my resolve. I will learn the grace of movement, the balance of power, and precision. With every drop of sweat, I grow stronger, mentally and physically. I am determined, undeterred by obstacles, for I seek not just skill, but the warrior's heart that beats within me, guiding my every strike." John put his entire heart out there, for he needed all of them to understand and accept his resolve. He knew this path wouldn't be easy, but he picked it anyway because it was the path that ensured everything he held dear would not be tarnished.

Gyomei burst out crying.

"I need you all to understand. Please don't stop me." John said.

"But this path is extremely dangerous. " Reangoku calmly said.

"I know. But i have to see this through. It's my choice."

"You're risking everything, your future. " This time, it was Gyomei who interrupted.

"This is about me finding my strength and proving myself while doing what's best for the world."

"What if you get fail? You could be physically scarred all your life or, even worse, die." Sanemi aggressively interjected. "Wouldn't want a rise in the amount of casualties. "

"I'd rather fail trying than never attempt it at all. I don't want to live with regrets." John wasn't about to give up after coming this far.

"This path...it changes you. Are you ready for that." Shinobu finally spoke for the first time during the entire conversation. She wanted to quietly observe, but the boy was gradually convincing her fellow Hashira. She wouldn't want someone no matter how much talent they have to end up like her sister.

"I'm ready to face whatever comes my way." John stubbornly replied.

John knew it was time to hit the nail on the head.

"Honored Hashira, I stand before you with unwavering respect and determination. Your mastery of breathing techniques has not only shaped your power but also your spirits. I seek the knowledge you possess, desperate to harness it for my own growth and to protect those I hold dear.Breathing techniques are more than mere skills; they are a way of life, a path to inner strength and resilience. I understand the dedication required to master them, and I am ready to commit to that journey. Teach me, not just the techniques, but the discipline, the philosophy behind them. Through your guidance, I aspire to elevate my understanding, to stand alongside you in the fight against darkness. Allow me to learn, to honor your legacy, and together, let us become an unbreakable force in the battle for humanity's survival. I am eager, willing, and prepared to embrace this challenge. Thank you for considering my plea." John bowed his head towards their general direction and awaited their response.

"That was, wow..." Tengen was breathing heavily as his heart beat heavily within his chest, he felt like he had found new resolve to keep fighting demons. Not him alone though, to various degrees the others felt the same.

Kagaya smiled as he watched his Hashira's ponder atop the matter, he decided to retire to his room to rest.

"...." Gyomei burst into tears as he suddenly hugged John.

"We've seen your resolve, let's see your skills then." Rengoku said as the corner of his eyes twitched twice. John was stunned.

"Let's find the training grounds." All the Hashira's left leaving John in dazed state.

"You coming?" Mitsuri questioned cutely.

"Definitely." John said with excitement in his tone.