[ 🍱🪞 ] — Kyojurou Rengoku

Giyuu: He's the one he spends the most time with these days. They're not "best friends" yet, but they're becoming the person whose company they both subconsciously seek.

Mitsuri: His disciple and someone he sees almost as a younger sister. Kyojurou is immensely proud to see her become a Pillar, and Mitsuri holds a deep affection and admiration for him. She knows him well enough to notice when something is troubling him, even if he tries to hide it.

Obanai: There's a bond that goes back many years. After Kyojurou's father rescued Obanai when he was a child, they lived together for much of his teenage years. They aren't demonstrative, but there's a trust that's hard to break. Obanai is probably one of the few who can tell Kyojurou an uncomfortable truth without him getting offended.

Tengen: Partners who enjoy conversation. They have strong and confident personalities, so conversations between them are usually lively. There is mutual respect.

Gyomei: A relationship based on respect and admiration. Kyojurou often values ​​Gyomei's opinion highly because of his experience and composure.

Shinobu: They respect each other professionally. They speak cordially, and Kyojurou acknowledges her intelligence and dedication, although they don't have the same close relationship as he does with Mitsuri or Obanai.

Sanemi: They understand each other as warriors. They don't spend much time together outside of work, but Kyojurou knows that Sanemi would risk his life for others, and that's enough for him to respect him.

Muichiro: Kyojurou feels a certain protective instinct towards him because of his youth. Muichiro, for his part, doesn't always express what he thinks, but he doesn't dislike his company.

Giyu Tomioka Opinion: "He is an honorable, quiet man, and much kinder than others realize. He is pleasant to be around." Do they get along well? Yes, very well. In fact, he's the Hashira he's been spending the most time with lately.

Mitsuri Kanroji Opinion: "She is an extraordinarily kind and energetic young woman. I'm happy to see her so happy." Do they get along well? Yes. They are very close, almost like older and younger brothers.

Tengen Uzui Opinion: "He's eccentric, but a very reliable warrior." Do they get along? Yes. She enjoys talking to him and playing along with him.

Muichiro Tokito Opinion: "He's young, very talented, and deserves to be looked after." Do they get along? Yes, although Muichiro is often distracted.

Shinobu Kocho Opinion: "She is intelligent, educated, and very capable as Pilar and a doctor." Do they get along? Yes. They maintain a cordial and very respectful relationship.

Obanai Iguro Opinion: "He is very strict and reserved, but he always seeks the good of the Corps." Do they get along? Sort of. They respect each other, although they're not particularly close.

Sanemi Shinazugawa Opinion: "She has a difficult temperament, but her determination to protect others is admirable." Do they get along? Sort of. They're not friends, but Kyojurou appreciates him as a partner.

Gyomei Himejima Opinion: "He is a wise, compassionate man, worthy of enormous admiration." Do they get along? Yes. Kyojurou has a deep respect for him.

From childhood he was taught that a man and a woman formed a family. That was the natural order of things. They never spoke to him with hatred about those who felt differently; it was simply a topic that was not discussed, or that was mentioned with disapproval and pity. So Kyojurou never stopped to question it. If she ever heard rumors about two men, her reaction was one of bewilderment rather than contempt. "How did that happen?" "What a difficult situation they must be going through." He wouldn't make fun of me. I wouldn't insult them. But I wouldn't say it was right either, because all his upbringing told him otherwise. And precisely for that reason, when he begins to suspect himself, the blow is devastating. He doesn't think: "Disgusting." Think: "This... can't be happening to me." He is overcome with guilt. Not because I think Giyuu did anything wrong. Not because I see Giyuu as someone wrong. But because he feels he is failing at everything he learned as a child. Sometimes he even prays. Not to "stop loving Giyuu", because she still doesn't accept that that's love. But to regain clarity. "Mother... if you could hear me... what should I do?" And there is another thought that torments him. "What if someone were to notice?" He's not just worried about his reputation. Think about the surname Rengoku. In Senjurō. In his father. Because of the respect people have for them. She is terrified that a simple rumor could tarnish the people she loves. That fear makes him try to distance himself from Giyuu at times... even though it hurts him to do so. The most tragic thing is that if Kyojurou were to meet another man who was attracted to another man, he probably wouldn't treat him cruelly. He would still see him as a person worthy of respect. However, he would be much harsher with himself. It is a typical case of someone who can have compassion for others, but is incapable of granting themselves that same compassion when they believe they have failed their own principles.

Kyojurou grew up in an honorable family. His mother taught him to live with righteousness, kindness, and pride. His father instilled in him the legacy of the Hashira. From a young age he learned the right path: to become a strong man, protect others, one day start a family, and continue the Rengoku name. He never questioned that future. He never had any reason to do it. He had admired beautiful women, even thought that one of them might become a good wife when the time came, but it never went beyond fleeting thoughts. Until he got to know Giyuu better. At first it was just curiosity. Then, worry. Then, the need to talk to him. And now... He could no longer convince himself that it was all just simple camaraderie. I didn't understand why he looked for any excuse to walk beside her. Why a mission seemed lighter when Giyuu was present. Why did he remember insignificant conversations for hours? I didn't even know why I wanted to see him again; they had barely finished saying goodbye. The worst part was that these thoughts were beginning to invade even his moments of tranquility. "He's just my partner." That phrase was repeated over and over again. But it sounded less and less convincing. Then another idea would appear. "If this isn't camaraderie... what is?" And that was precisely the question he was avoiding answering. Not because he despised Giyuu. On the contrary. Because the answer would mean accepting a feeling he never believed possible within himself. In the world he grew up in, a man was expected to love a woman, marry, and start a family. Everything else had no clear place in his upbringing.

Injustice. The demons. That someone would despise human life. Seeing his family suffer. Feeling unable to protect. Something much more personal is starting to bother him. His own thoughts.

Good food, especially eating in company. Train constantly. Talking to people. Help those in need. Natural landscapes. Listen to other people's stories. Watching those you care about grow up. Feeling useful. And without realizing it, he begins to especially enjoy the quiet moments with Giyuu. Something he never would have imagined about himself before.

Kyojurou is extraordinarily optimistic. Not because she ignores suffering, but because she chose to live honoring her mother's teachings: to use her strength to protect the weak. He is polite, attentive, and genuinely interested in others. He enjoys conversation, encourages people, and rarely loses his composure. He also possesses a tremendous sense of duty. If he believes something is right, he will defend it to the end. But it has one major flaw. When he believes the problem is his, he usually takes it on alone. She doesn't want to worry others or become a burden.

Kyojuro Rengoku is a tall, athletic man, the result of years of training as a Pillar. His hair is abundant, yellow with red tips reminiscent of flames. His eyebrows are thick and prominent, and his eyes possess an intense golden hue with reddish irises, conveying an almost intimidating energy even when he smiles. Her posture is always upright and confident. She walks with purpose, speaks in a firm voice, and usually wears her uniform impeccably. Even in quiet moments, she maintains a presence that inspires trust.