As sunset gave way to night, the moon hung low casting a silvery glow over the training grounds where Iguro arrived to face Rengoku. The last several days had been a blur; A maelstrom of memories, emotions and stress all mixed together. Obanai's nights had been so restless, that no matter how much shut-eye he received he still felt tired. He knew why. Knew what he had to do. He had to set things right. So when he heard the flame pillar was training nearby from some kakushi, he set forth to talk.

Rengoku stood in the center of the clearing, unmoving, as if he'd known all along iguro would come. His gaze was steely; his resolve firm, but before Iguro could speak, Rengoku did first. "I'm sorry," he said, catching Iguro completely off guard. "As someone who should have been your brother, my behavior was unbecoming of a pillar and as a man." Iguro almost shook his head in disbelief. He forgave him? Just like that?

Rengoku's admission of fault and his unexpected forgiveness left Iguro reeling, struggling to comprehend. "What're you saying?" He asked brows furrowed deeply in confusion, "I was the one in the wrong. I acted selfishly-"

Rengoku shook his head. "Do you resent me, Iguro?" His words were direct, cutting through the air with a sincerity that demanded attention.

"No," he replied swiftly, causing a wry smile to tug at the corners of the flame pillar's lips.

"That's why. You only behaved the way you did because of my insipid actions," he said uncharacteristically mellow. "Besides, it's not the first time. Sanemi was very much the same."

"Sanemi?" Iguro's mind raced, trying to make sense of it. What does that mean? Obanai and Sanemi were good friends too, but he's never mentioned any issues about Rengoku.

Kyojuro chuckled softly, inviting Iguro to take a seat next to him. "Come, let me explain something to you."

Iguro followed, taking a seat offered as Kyojuro continued. "In truth, I almost sought you out first, but," he shook his head, as if telling himself not to digress, "Look, Iguro I wished to confess something." he began again, voice tinged with sadness, "Despite staring death in the face many times, i can honestly say nothing scares me more than committing to a woman." Iguro's eyes widened in disbelief, unable to fathom Rengoku's fear.

Rengoku shook his head too as if he knew how ridiculous he sounded. "Kanroji is your responsibility now; I leave her to you. Becausw you're brave, much braver than I."

The Serpent Hashira's stomach turned at that. "Why didn't you tell her?" He blurted quickly.

Rengoku smiled bittersweetly. "Because it was Mother's dying wish. I was born to protect those less fortunate and I will continue to fulfill my duty no matter what, that's why..."

It dawned on Iguro at the mention of his mother what he meant. Most, like Kocho, would assume he meant his duty as a hasira, but Iguro who had lived with him knew it was more than just that, "So...it's Shinjuro." He whispered as the pieces came together.

"Indirectly. Though in truth, I believe having Kanroji as a wife might've even uplifted him somewhat. You remember how he used to be," Rengoku forces a chuckle. "Before she died, Mother would always tell me stories of how much I reminded her of Father. His bravery, courage, committment to protect... but after she died, it was his heart and soul were ripped out. Watching him fall apart was like staring into my own future," he said, "The absolute worst thing I could think of was ending up like that... to outlive Kanroji like my father did our sweet mother- I don't think even I could recover; it'd be like losing two Hashira instead of one. And so... I never told her, hoping she would let it go and pursue..." he gave Obanai wary look, before clearing his throat,"...I know you've always been fond of her, so I called on you that day in hopes that..."

In that moment, Iguro felt every sin he'd ever committed creep on his skin like a rash; it itched and burned, making him feel remorse like never before. To think that while Obanai had been trying to help Kyojuro get with Mitsuri in secret, Kyojuro had secretly been doing the same for him.

Obanai cleared his throat to speak but the words came out hoarse. "I understand. No need to say more." He understood the weight of Rengoku's burden and the sacrifices he made for his duty. Even before Uzui tried to tell him in the forest. Iguro knew.

"You know, I've always thought of you as the sun, Kyojuro." He said solemnly.

Rengoku turned thoughtful for a moment "Ahh, You mean Mother's story about the sun and moon? Well, if we're both being truthful. I always thought of you as the sun, Obanai and myself the moon, putting duty above all else."

Iguro chuckled. "Kanroji thinks differently. She doesnt believe the sun lost anything at all."

Rengoku cocks his head. "Yes. I don't deny she does. Kanroji has always had a positive light about her. One that burns brighter than my own. I have every confidence she will surpass me; her heart burns intensely in everything she does, and she has an unwavering conviction to protect, however..." He fixes his gaze back on Iguro. " you must protect Kanroji, Obanai. Though her heart is strong for others it often wavers for herself. Yours too, for that matter. Please, don't let her die. Not her or any of the youngbuds, there is great power in unity and the conjoining of hearts. "

Obanai let the weight of his words sink in. "I won't. That's a promise. I'll protect her, I swear."

Several moments passed before Rengoku asked one final question, "Iguro, what do you think the worst way to die is?"

He blinked, "Alone and in vain, I'd say."

"And I'd say, it's dying with the regret I didn't say everything that should've been said." Iguro blinked again as Rengoku jumped to his feet. "Now that we've had this talk, I can die happy knowing I am forgiven by you and that you are by me. I have no regrets." He smiles his signature, "I would implore you to always live like you're dying, Iguro; if being alone is the fear that you have, make sure you don't let it come to pass. Set your blade alight so hot it blazes red with your passion to stay alive. Do everything in your power to hone your skillset, get stronger, and keep company wherever you go."

"Why are you talking like this, Rengoku? You sound..."

"Yes, I am very well aware." He interrupts, "I told Kanroji too."

"Told her what?"

"A personal matter you need not be concerned about," he waved dismissively, but then something flashed in his eyes, something deeply reflective and almost pitiable, "My mother... I see her everywhere now."

Iguro's eyes widened, "you... see her?"

"Yes," He whispers before trying to cover it with a laugh, "I believe she is calling me home."

Iguro jumped to his feet, "Kyojuro-"

"-Come!" He yanks the serpent pillar to his side, clearly done engaging with this macabre conversation, "I am famished! Let's find Kanroji and eat!" The Flame Pillar practically dragged him out the forest, never once bringing up the topic again.

They conveniently found Kanroji with Tengen. She looked-well, like you'd expect; a paranoid mess. But just as Tengen predicted, when she saw the two hashia side by side, she forgave them both immediately.

IIguro couldn't but notice how quiet Tengen was being, especially considering the knowing looks Kanroji and Rengoku gave him which spoke volumes. Seems Uzui did broker peace for the three of them behind the scenes. Iguro felt even more ashamed now, but he also felt strange- Uplifted. He felt a newfound understanding of his fellow hashira; a sense of kinship born from shared mistakes and vulnerabilities. Iguro found solace, that the meal they all shared together had been one of joy, forgiveness and understanding. For in the end, it was not the battles fought or the demons slain that defined them, but the bonds of brotherhood and the strength found in forgiveness.

And so the four of them ate together...

...For the last time.

Rengoku is slain 2 days later.