In a world thick with demons and danger, the Butterfly Mansion was an oasis of healing, laughter, and often, a whirlpool of chaotic shenanigans. The sun had begun its slow descent behind the mountains when Nanami Rengoku, the Wisteria Hashira, returned from a lengthy mission. Her white hair, usually flowing majestically, was matted with the blood of a slain demon, the crimson stains contrasting sharply against her pale complexion. Nevertheless, her golden eyes sparkled with triumph, a reflection of the fierce spirit she possessed.
The doors of the Butterfly Mansion swung open, and as she stepped inside, her senses were alerted to the familiar sounds—the chirping of crickets outside, the rustle of healing herbs, and a faint giggle from one of the girls training in the courtyard. But as fate would have it, she took a step forward, tripped over a hidden root, and landed unceremoniously on the ground.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Nanami groaned, clutching her ankle, a sharp twinge radiating through her foot. She glanced back at the offending root, giving it an accusatory glare as if it had adopted the form of a demon.
Meanwhile, not too far away, Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, was sitting outside, relaxing and enjoying the cool evening air. His joy, however, was soon interrupted. A loud cackle erupted from the direction of the training yard, and he recognized the voice as his flamboyant comrade, Uzui Tengen.
"Look who's back!" Tengen's voice boomed as he pranced over with an exaggerated flourish, followed closely by his shadowy counterpart, Ryuu Takehiko, whose black hair and crimson eyes glinted with mischief.
Kyojuro stood up with an eager grin, one that could rival even the sun itself. "Nanami! Did you—"
"Kyooo!" Tengen interrupted, spinning dramatically toward Kyojuro. "You know your wife is back, right? The Wisteria Hashira, covered in demonic glory! But it seems she's been defeated by none other than a root of all things!"
The lighthearted taunt delivered by Tengen was punctuated by the unmistakable eruption of laughter from a few nearby Hashira who had also gathered.
"Pfft! That doesn't sound like the woman I know!" Ryuu chimed in, his voice smooth as silk. "What a perfect pair you two make—one slays demons, and the other gets taken down by flora!" He chuckled, the sound like shadows dancing in the dark.
Kyojuro felt a laugh bubbling in his throat but quickly rushed to Nanami's aid, as usual too noble for his own good. "You've been through so much. Are you alright?"
Nanami waved him away; her fierce spirit couldn't quite dim. "I'm fine!" she declared, despite her ankle twisted at an odd angle. She turned her gaze back toward the two men who were barely containing their snickers. "Tengen, Ryuu, I suggest you stop while you're still ahead."
"Why would we stop when we're having so much fun?" Tengen beamed, folding his arms comically, a smug expression plastered across his face as if he had just delivered the greatest line of all time.
"After all, it's not every day you defeat a demon only to be bested by a rogue root," Ryuu added, punctuating his words with a feigned gasp. "Is this your excuse to join the ranks of the injured, dear Wisteria Hashira?"
Kyojuro grinned as he tried to stifle a laugh. "I thought you were the one armed against accidents, Nanami."
Nanami couldn't help but chuckle, a deep rumble that made the air around them lighter. "I've fought in torrents, battled through storms, yet here I am humbled by nature itself!" She tried to stand, wincing at the pain emanating from her ankle.
"Oh no—you're definitely not fine. And this is certainly a dilemma we can't resolve without making it worse," Ryuu said playfully, watching her struggle.
Kyojuro immediately knelt beside her, his concern overtaking any semblance of humor. He gently took hold of her ankle and inspected it. "It looks sprained! Let's get you treated."
"But wait! I need to make a proper entrance!" Nanami cried, attempting to fling herself upright in a valiant surge. Instead, she ended up nearly pulling Kyojuro down with her, their faces a breath apart and a shared wave of laughter sweeping between them.
"Flamboyant entrances are overrated," Tengen proclaimed, evidently enjoying the spectacle. "Let Kyojuro be the dashing hero of the moment and carry you like the queen you are."
With one exaggerated movement, Tengen swept an arm over Kyojuro's shoulders in camaraderie, and Ryuu chimed in, "Yes! The valiant Flame Hashira, tasked with the noble rescue of the Wisteria Princess, who was slain by a... natural enemy!"
"Alright, fine," Nanami sighed, the laughter still bubbling beneath the surface. "But if you make a scene out of this, I'm going to tell everyone you sing in the bath!"
Ryuu's eyes went wide, tears of laughter forming. "That's a secret I'll take to the grave!"
Kyojuro, with a bold sweep of determination, scooped Nanami into his arms. Her protests were half-hearted at best, and Tengen continued to cackle like a child as they made their way inside the mansion.
Ryuu followed closely behind, crossing his arms in mock seriousness. "You know something? I never thought I'd witness such valor today! The hero and his damsel in distress!"
Nanami rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at their antics. In the midst of mockery and brotherly laughter, she felt a warmth that could rival the sun. Even sprained ankles couldn't dim the spirit of camaraderie and love amongst the Hashira.
As they entered the healing room, Nanami thought, maybe, just maybe, dealing with roots was a small price to pay for such memorable moments with those she cherished. And for the first time, she didn't mind being the punchline of the joke.