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Early Spring was Mitsuris favorite time of the year. Something about the energy lingering in the air just made her already affectionate heart become ten times as ready to risk it all. It's the season of love, a season which hopefully bares better fortunes for her goal in life.
It might have been selfish of her to join the corps for the reason she did, but there are so many suiters who could justify it!
For one there was the Brave kind-hearted Flame Pillar Rengoku, what she wouldn't give to feel the warmth of a simple hug from him…but half of the corporation are probably standing in line for the exact same reason. Somebody like Mitsuri couldn't possibly have a shot at him...
The Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa had a rough bad boy look to him and a tough as nails personality from what Mitsuri could pick up. She can't quite put a finger on why, but her hope is that Shinazugawa would soften up to any person that gets close to him. The culmination of his body and experience could definetley ward off anybody who'd even dare try anything with his love. Then there's his muscles, those scars which tell paragraphs upon paragraphs about his life…she'd love to ask him about them over some tea. Then if it goes well …maybe, just maybe…she could see some more?
Mulling about these possibilities on her morning walk did make her cheeks flared pink akin to the color of her hair. Other pillars would be so disappointed, even appalled if she accidentally voiced her opinion out loud. Suppose she'll keep those spicy thoughts to herself? That'll be a-ok.
Truly this time of day was ideal to take her mind off of her patrols which force Mitsuri to face the ugly side of joining this ordeal. The warm smile she wore faded ever so slightly, will she be able to protect everybody she can?
"You want WHAT NOW?!"
From out of nowhere a thunderous complaint rang up, rendering the love Hashira scared straight and petrified. Out of the corner of her eyes she spied him, the wind pillar who most have come to fear. It seems that the worst case scenario has arrived: Sanemi was able to read her like a book, deducing Mitsuris hopeless crush on everybody within a heartbeat.
With the writing painted on the wall in bold, there was only one way which will draw the ire of the wind away from her. A quick breath filled her lungs, as if preparing to use a technique to slay a demon where it stood, her delicate hands flying up to shut both eyes closed, and in one single burst Mitsuri rambled out: "I APOLOGIZE, SHINAZUGAWA-SAMA! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!! I WON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!"
Silence followed suit, Mitsuri anxiously waiting for steps to announce Sanemi coming closer and closer to probably deck her just for saying such a silly little thing. 'Brace yourself, Mitsuri! Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry!' she told herself as a word of advice repeatedly.
Whoever listened probably thinks she's really weird now, what a horrendous situation she dove herself into head-first . . . And surprisingly… the silence continued onwards. Which means neither Sanemi or the poor soul he was about to curse out heard her pathetic plea.
Mustering up all the courage left within, two fingers slowly spread open to act as a peeping hole. Was he mad? Did anybody notice? From what she could see, yes. Both Sanemi and the person he yelled at blankly stared right at her, the lower ranked slayer taking the opportunity to excuse themselves before hastily walking towards the training grounds past the estates.
Mitsuri was surprised to see the hot-headed Pillar spared somebody from his unbridled rage. Thump, thump, her heart began to beat faster as a hand of hers cautiously clenched onto her partly buttoned shirt. Was he really not that bad afterall? Would that mean it's likelier they're compatible?
"Hey! I wasn't done with you!! You want to spar? Hell yeah I'll come around later!"
Ah. Nevermind, Sanemi figuratively stared daggers into the less experienced slayer, a vein popping out of his forehead from sheer anger. Mitsuri wouldn't have been surprised if his eyes exploded into a cloud of blood right here in the middle of a tranquil plaza.
The sight made Mitsuri knead her lower lip, beginning to trail off as she watched his chest expand and pull itself back from the agitated breathing he was under.
Why couldn't he just stare up towards the cherry trees? The sight of those alone usually keep her mind off of troubling imaginations which relentlessly haunt her, perhaps that younger person just insulted Sanemi on such a level to where calming down just isn't a reasonable option? Although…when is it ever for that guy?
What if Shinobu just forced him to chill out? It'd be funny for the moment, yes. But wouldn't all his rage bundle up with no way to let anything out? Eventually he'd just have to snap at somebody and they would feel the brute force of his rage, and she'd stand by knowing that she indirectly contributed to some part of his anger not being able to release.
One thing's for certain, if his outburst were to hurt somebody she'd blame herself as a culprit. There has to be something she could do. Preferably before he goes ahead, pummels the younger slayer, turns their face to a unrecognizable pulp and gets himself exiled into a certain death.
If Obanai were here he'd spout something about Mitsuri having gone absolutely bonkers for even thinking there's a slight chance getting infront of a Wilding Sanemi wouldn't end in absolute travesty. But she just has to try!
A heart filled with determination and overtly optimistic ideals moved her body to close the distance between the two pillars, a clash of the ages, terror for bystanders, fearing that the wind pillar would make an attempt at the lovable Mitsuri.
It's true that Sanemi seemed as tense as ever once Mitsuri skipped closer to face him judging from his broadened stance and evil glare towards the newcommer, it didn't matter to her though. She's set her mind on clearing things up with the man.
"Shinazugawa-San! Sorry for getting so loud earlier! I thought you were talking to me." Clarifying that awkward yell earlier must make him a little less mad!… hopefully.
"Could've guessed so. Move."
Ah. Sometimes less really does hurt more, Sanemi wasn't even looking at her as he said it, instead fixated on a petty grudge. How very characteristic of him, should she have expected much else? Mildly discouraged now, she began to fiddle with the green tips of her braids. Rosy cheeks puffed up in protest.
"Shinazugawa-San, why so dead set on beating him up? Did he call you something mean?" Mitsuri is certainly unrelenting in her pursuit of striking up a conversation whenever possible.
Sanemi wasn't too pleased, seeming as if he couldn't process any person being this willing to pester him for information. An eyelid twitched as the dry purple orbs focused in on her. A vicious snarl exposing healthy red gums. Here she thought the wolf comparisons commonly connected to Sanemi were just mean jokes, but seeing this in person cleared up a lot.
Nonetheless, there was something cute about his attempt to scare her off. She's still worried that he could strike at any moment, hell she even fears it still, but there's this morsel of hope that if he would hurt a woman he would've done so by now. Which by proxy means he wouldn't think of hitting women!
He must have picked up by now Mitsuri wasn't too scared, be it the sparkle in her eyes as she awaited an answer or the fact her feet haven't budged an inch since she approached him. Unruly white hair shook about as Sanemi gave in and walked past her simply, clicking his tounge in annoyance.
Mitsuri was horrified to see a muscular hand white-knuckle the hilt of his sheathed sword, somebody would be sent to the butterfly estate for months if she didn't continue to try and calm Sanemi down. Curse her stature! Who decided all of the height should go towards Tengen and Himejima? If she was as tall as them there'd be no problem in this situation here.
T - 3 minutes untill Sanemi reaches the Training ground, perhaps if she walked alongside him he'd be a little calmer? With genuine concern she joined him by his side, staring at the scar across his cheek from behind. It's an awkward angle but from there he can't possibly overhear her, getting him to listen on the other hand will be a whole nother nut to crack.
"I see, you weren't that big of a fan of my question. What do you want to do with him anyways?" If she couldn't piece together the cause of this, perhaps he'll be more willing to disclose just how his evil intentions unfold.
Funnily enough it did get a reaction out of him, briefly stopping in his tracks and glancing over his shoulder towards what's basically the personification of pure, innocent love and affection. Every evil glare in the world wouldn't even phase her in this moment... Besides she thinks that action was mildly sexy from the wind pillar. Nearly blew her right off her feet.
Unfortunately that stare wasn't one that lasted long as he immediately went to lock back onto the path threading itself through different estates, it's fun to imagine that the panelling decorating the walls wasn't nearly enough to repell Sanemi's booming voice from disturbing peacefully resting inhabitants. Another factor Mitsuri will have to worry about! If he raises his voice and possibly scares somebody into tripping and busting their head open, she would have been the one to get him this loud! ...maybe she will just wait untill they've gained the tiniest bit of distance.
Sanemi continued to fiercely march on through, determined to get towards his destination quick. Mitsuri hastily picked up her own pace to keep up with her target. "Imma make sure he'll never ask for anything from a Hashira." Oh dear… Sanemi finally spoke up at least, but his announcement was anything but calming. This dead set determined is admirable, she wished to be this unphased by possible reprocussions.…
No! She will not day dream about love right this instant. Perhaps negotiation is the next best option, the training grounds are already visible. About one to two minutes untill they arrive. She'll have to think really hard about this… "But do you really have to beat him up that badly? A stern warning should do the trick, right?"
" The fuck do you mean, ' stern warning ' ? "
"U- uhm! Just…just telling him off with a strong tone in your voice?"
" Why would I do that. "
" …You like tea, right? If he can walk away on his own right after I'll invite you over to my estate! "
…Goodness! Did she just invite him on a date? Great, she accidentally got herself flustered as her gaze lowered itself to target the ground infront of them, shyly playing with a braid of hers now. Mitsuri wouldn't blame him in the slightest if he ran away right now.
His confusion was clear as day too, suspecting that the woman had far darker motives than she could possibly imagine. That's particularly why he wants to investigate this just a little bit further.
" The health of this person really is important enough for you to try and spend time with me. You think that'd make me spare 'em ? If I didn't know any better I'd thought you two were- "
Such a stubborn man Sanemi is, Mitsuri really had to pull herself together just so she wouldn't cast a hex on him with the curses thrown at his head. But from what she gathered up already is that he respected strength, so of course there's only one conclusion to gain his favor: fall into his word with a strong minded statement!
Briefly picking up the pace, the pink haired lady passed Sanemi and stood her ground right infront of him.
"Look! I just want you to not get exiled, Shinazugawa-San! The Hashiras wouldn't be the same without you!" Objectively she was right, something would be missing within this elite group of people if it weren't for the man infront of her. Be it his borderline absurd swordsmanship, or the signature hint of aggressiveness carried around. It gives a nice and tingly feeling down ones spine whenever around him!
Even Sanemi looked a little thoughtful whilst relentlessly glaring down at her, either her words rang true within him or he's figuring out what the best way is to bypass this obstacle standing in his way. The latter would be really demoralizing, making herself unsure as to how intimidating she could really be and how her grander goal might be a hopeful fantasy.
Mayhaps a mighty pout would make her seem more intimidating, that'll make it look less like a pampered lapdog mouthing off to a wild Dire wolf. … Wait, what would be if Sanemi were to laugh at her for it! That would just make her feel plain silly, leading to him not taking her advice seriously, which would return this entire situation back to square one.
Mitsuri would rather resort to just furrowing her delicate eyebrows…with just the tiniest pout bloating her cheeks up ever so slightly. Luckily the other Slayer was taken aback by the act, she must keep up the act! He's close to relenting!
Sanemi still looked really pissed off at any and everything expression wise, but with relief Mitsuri noted how his shoulders lowered themselves which gave the other a more relaxed posture.
"Fuck, alright I guess."
Now that was a statement she was happy with, her own expression lightening up with a cheerful smile towards the taller male as she stepped to the side of the path. Unlocking the way towards the training grounds downhill, even from here it's clearly visible how the poor sods knees were buckling heavily under the immense pressure. Only one thing was left to see, was the wind pillar really going to let his swift punishment last no longer than a moment? Or was Sanemi still determined to drag it out.
"Come on then! You wanted training! Hit me then you sorry son of a…" The wind pillar was quick to taunt, picking up eye contact instantaneously whilst stomping on over to his opponent. Mitsuri began to get worried again, seeing how aggressive his movements were, but all she could do now was wave over to the unfortunate lower rank in an attempt to encourage them.
Oh how lucky she is that the distance drowned out Sanemis insults… would have tainted her innocent vocabulary for all eternity.
"You can do it! Good luck! " She continued to cheer on in hopes of making them less scared of what's about to come. The closer the scarred man came to them the more insecurity was building up, hesitantly pointing their kendo stick towards an enemy who confidently had his sword sheathed evermore. This never had the energy of a truly equal fight, this equaled moreso a lesson in humility in where Mitsuri had no choice but to feel sorry.
In any case, the woman lowered herself into a slightly knelt position so that if need be she could instantaneously sprint down hill and over to the incident. At any time Sanemi could decide to pull out his sword in an effort to take things further, in which only she is there to act as a referee to make sure the earth beneath won't be soaked in blood.
However none of that was necessary as the lower rank tightened their grip on their training tool, letting out an energizing war cry and attempted a sloppy downwards strike towards the superior competitor here. Rather easily he stepped to the side and closed in to his opponent, sticking a leg out and kicking against the others heel, sweeping them right on off of their feet and sending their back crashing down hard into the training ground.
As if a switch was flicked she went from cheering enthusiastically to genuine concern, a hand she waved with slowly lowering itself over her chin in a fist. Was this really the end of it? There's no way he already lost interest now is there? If only she was able to read lips from a distance, deciphering whatever he was barking at his downed opponent probably would have greatly helped her judgement in when she has to step in.
…he really was leaving already, leaving his opponent heaving on the ground, from now on definetley second guessing whatever got them into this sort of trouble. The punished slayers friends rushed in and circled around them, which gave Mitsuri enough confidence to skip on down to intercept Sanemi. Planning to thank him for taking it easy right then.
Also…she kind of desires an answer on the accidental proposal for some tea-time together from earlier. It's likely he won't acknowledge her at all, but giving it a good college try is all that's left for her.
Skidding to a halt near the man, she couldn't help but notice how he kept on moving without paying her any mind. So for now she might as well just:
"Hey, thanks for not being too mean to them! If you want you could still come over later!"
…No response, which in negotiations is equal to denying a deal by spitting on the contract like a llama then slapping the other party with that same paper. A denial, not nearly as insulting as the example she thought up, but a denial nonetheless.
Perhaps it would be for the best just to go about her business as usual. He's still one of the branching paths on her quest for love, but Mitsuri couldn't quite tell whether this increased the odds of them becoming a thing or not…
Oh well, a girl can dream.