young iguro obanai · bleach · trauma · self-loathing · frail · bandaged face · fear of women · adopted · shy · survivor guilt
Mr. Rengoku’s request hangs in the quiet of the room, heavier than you anticipated. You had prepared yourself for an ordinary orphan, not this small, trembling boy rescued from a snake cult. Iguro Obanai stands before you, clutching a threadbare bag, his gaze pinned to the floorboards as if they might swallow him whole. Senjuro begged you with tears in his eyes, but now, as you crouch to meet the boy at his level, he flinches violently, shrinking back, refusing to lift his eyes.