Shinobu's patience was wearing thin.
She gritted her teeth, trying to keep her cool.

"You really don't know? Or are you just pretending to be clueless?"
She scoffed, her sharp gaze piercing through Tengen's sarcastic exterior.

Tengen's usual bravado faded, replaced by a genuine look of confusion.

"Know what? I seriously have no clue of what you guys are talking about."
He uncrossed his arms, leaning forward.

His eyes scanned the faces of the three Hashira, his brows furrowing slightly. "Just spit it out already."

Shinobu sighed, preparing herself before laying accusations on Tengen.
"Why did you lie to Tomioka-San?"

Tengen's confusion deepened.

"Lie? To Tomioka? About what?"
He asked, his brow furrowing.
He genuinely seemed puzzled, his eyes flickering with confusion and a hint of frustration.

"Would you all just tell me what's going on already?"
He snapped, his patience thinning.

Shinobu's gaze narrowed, she looked deep into his eyes.
"You-"

Obanai stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

He stepped closer to Tengen almost immediately, his breathing heavy.
"Listen here, you little shit! Why the fuck did you tell Tomioka that Shinazugawa didn't care!? The fuck is wrong with you-"

"I-Iguro-San! Calm down!"
Shinobu commanded, turning to Tengen, her voice cold.

"Uzui-San, explain yourself."

Tengen's eyes widened, realization dawning on his face.
"Oh... Oh, that."
He stammered as he looked away, his eyes darting around the room, avoiding the accusing stares of the three Hashira.

Shinobu's eyes flashed with anger.
"'Oh, that'? That's all you have to say? Do you know what has happened all this while you were gone!? They're no longer together! Do you even realise how hurt both of them were!?"

Tengen's shoulders slumped, and he rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Shinobu's gaze.

"Look, I didn't mean for it to be a big deal, okay? I just... said the truth."

Obanai's face turned red with rage.

"The truth?! The truth is that you're a meddling idiot who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut!"

Tengen's eyes widened.

"Shinazugawa didn't say shit like that!"
Obanai paused to catch a breath.

Tengen scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Oh please, you all act like I ruined their relationship or something. They were fine before, and they'll be fine after. Is it that big of a deal?"
He shrugged nonchalantly, his tone dismissive.

Mitsuri's eyes widened in disbelief at Tengen's words.

"How can you be so insensitive!?"
She exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion.

Tengen shrugged again.
"It's not like I broke them up or something..."

Obanai's anger reached its boiling point. He grabbed Tengen by the collar, his other hand coming up to punch him.

"Not like you broke them up!? You ALREADY FUCKING DID-"

Tengen's eyes widened as Obanai grabbed him, but he didn't struggle. He dodged the punch, his expression clueless.

"You do realise that hitting me is not gonna help, right? I know, I did a bad thing! But it's not for forever, am I right?"

Obanai's grip on Tengen's collar tightened.
"Shinazugawa won't even look at Tomioka now! I don't think they're getting back together anytime soon, and it's all because of YOU!"

He let out a deep breath, looking at his own hands.
"Shinazugawa was so happy when he got together with Tomioka... He would always talk about him... But you've ruined it now..."

"But it's not like it's impossible for them to get back together now, is it?"
Tengen put forth his argument, his eyes searching Obanai's.

Shinobu watched the scene unfold with a mixture of frustration and helplessness. She let out a tired sigh, stepping closer to the two men.
"Considering their situation right now, it is actually... nearly impossible."

What...?
Tengen looked at Shinobu, his expression serious.

"What do you mean?"
His gaze shifted to the three Hashiras before him, a slight wave of guilt washing over him.

"I-Is it that bad...?"
He questioned.

"It's worse than you would expect!"
Mitsuri felt tears form in her eyes, her voice cracking a little.

Tengen gasped softly.
"Oh..."

Shinobu rubbed her temples with frustration.
"Okay. Look. We can't act immature right now... We'll have to figure out a way to get them back together... I can't stand them crying and hurt..."

Mitsuri nodded emphatically, her eyes shining with determination.
"Kocho-San is right... There's no point in fighting right now! We- We need to fix this somehow!"

Tengen nodded with a sad expression on his face.
"I want to help..."

Obanai's expression softened slightly as he saw the genuine regret in Tengen's eyes. He slowly took a step back, exhaling softly.

"You'd better."

Tengen smiled, his gaze falling to the floor.
"...And I-I'm sorry, for my behaviour... I promise I won't repeat it, ever again."

Obanai's anger dissipated somewhat at his words. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"It's fine... I'm sorry too."

Tengen's eyes widened, he looked up, his smile back on his face.
"Thanks!"

A soft smile played on Mitsuri's lips as her heart pounded with sympathy for Tengen.

She knew he didn't mean any harm, even if his actions were insensitive. She reached out and held his hand gently.

"We'll figure something out together, okay?"

Tengen nodded, eager to help the three out and fix his old mistakes.

Obanai swatted Tengen's hand away from Mitsuri's grip.

"L-Let's decide on what we should do now."
He said.

Mitsuri nodded in agreement.

"So... What can I do for y'all?"
Tengen asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

Shinobu's expression softened slightly, but her tone remained stern.
"Alright. If you really want to help us,"

Tengen nodded, urging her to continue.

"Then you'll have to do exactly as we say."

"Would you do that, Uzui-San?"

Tengen nodded almost immediately, his smile never leaving.

"Absolutely."

___________________________________________

They'll be together soon enough(after the ups and downs ofc)<3

🍩🍰🍟🍹✨

Short chapter again... I know.

Take care cs I love you, byee!!💗