The courtyard had barely settled when heavy footsteps echoed across the stone floor—measured, powerful, and filled with presence.
Gyomei Himejima emerged, prayer beads in one hand, flail and axe hanging from the other. The air thickened with reverence.
"I would like to face him next," Gyomei said calmly, facing Kagaya before turning to Sahiru. "It would be my honour."
Sahiru stood still for a moment before slowly nodding.
"As you wish," he replied.
The courtyard cleared again, all eyes now on the two titans. The mightiest Hashira against the man whispered about in both fear and awe.
Gyomei closed his eyes, holding his beads. "Forgive me," he said softly, "for I must give this my all."
Without warning, he swung his flail with immense force. The sheer weight of it cracked the stone beneath his feet.
Sahiru didn't draw a sword.
He raised his hand.
And caught the flail mid-swing.
Bare-handed.
The air stilled.
Sparks flew from the impact, but Sahiru didn't move an inch.
Gasps rippled through the courtyard.
Gyomei's expression faltered just slightly—not in fear, but surprise. Before he could react, Sahiru shifted his stance and slammed his fist into Gyomei's chest.
The Rock Hashira was sent flying backwards, crashing into the far wall with thunderous force. The ground trembled from the impact.
Silence again.
Even the birds in the trees had gone quiet.
No one spoke. No one breathed.
Kagaya smiled gently. "He's still holding back."