////𝑻𝒐𝒋𝒊 𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏////

The Zenin Clan had always been cold. The traditional walls of the dormitory seemed to hold every whisper, every disdainful glance, and every cruel word disguised as discipline. For someone like Toji Fushiguro, growing up there was like existing locked in a place that constantly reminded him that he was worthless.

At first, Toji didn't understand why she was talking to him. When they were little, he would just sit next to them. She offered him sweets stolen from meetings. She asked him if he was hurt. She smiled at him as if there was nothing wrong with him. The first time she held his hand was after some clan members left him lying in the training yard. Toji had a split lip and bloody knuckles. He never understood why he helped him, but from then on he began to constantly search for him. If he disappeared, she would find him. If he was injured, he would reappear bandaged. If anyone spoke ill of him, she would argue with even the elders of the clan. Toji never understood why. But slowly he began to get used to her presence. To hear her footsteps. To see her appear in the middle of the gardens. To feel that, as long as she was near, the Zenin clan became a little less unbearable.

Over the years, Toji grew up. His body grew stronger, more imposing. His gaze grew colder. His reputation within the clan worsened; now he was feared. But with her… It was still different.