Chapter Text
It was already midnight when Kocho Shinobu was about to go back to her room and rest after finally creating a new technique for her sword. As she was leaving her lab, she overheard muffled voices talking amongst themselves.
“Oh? Tomioka talking to the Master? That’s odd.” She thought to herself. And she was correct. Tomioka Giyuu was more silent and only obeyed Master Ubuyashiki’s words. He would never ask for favors and would always abide by his orders without any fuss.
Shinobu crept through the hallway to the main area where she peeked through a doorway. Her eyes widened as she saw one of her partners, Tomioka Giyuu, talking with the head lead of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
“Master, I would like to patrol for tonight please.” Giyuu said, bowing his head to show respect for his master. Master Ubuyashiki only smiled, “I appreciate your devotion Tomioka.” He replied. “But it’s already midnight, and I have Pillar Obanai and Tengen already patrolling.”
“Is he really asking to do patrol? How desperate of him.” The butterfly pillar began pitying the water pillar. “Was he that needy to feel good about himself?” She couldn’t help but snicker. Although it wasn’t as “amusing” as she assumed it to be.
“Why would you want more work for yourself?” The Master asked, his eyes still latched. “Well, I was just suggesting that I need more training.” Shinobu’s snarky grin changed into a face and mind full of bewilderment. Training? But he was already a very strong demon slayer. Why would he need to train more than he has to?
Kagaya frowned when he heard those words escape from Giyuu’s lips. “My child. Please do not say that.” He said, holding his hand. “You are a very strong pillar, Tomioka. You must not underestimate yourself.” Giyuu only averted his eyes away from his master, the feeling of embarrassment and low-self esteem overwhelming him. “Thank you.. Master.” He murmured.
“It is late now. And I order you to rest.” The Master ordered. “Yes Master.” Without any further protest, Tomioka rose up from his stance and lef the main area. Shinobu immediately rises from her position quickly and pretends to walk away from the nearest room. When Giyuu opened the door to leave, he peered at her, as she was away from the other side of the room.
“What are you doing here?” He asked, visibly annoyed. “Oh Tomioka. I was gonna ask you the same question.” Shinobu countered. “What are YOU doing here? And why were you inside Master’s room?” Tomioka didn’t answer her. Instead, he hurried off to bed, obeying Ubuyashiki’s orders, leaving Kocho abashed by his behavior. But she wasn’t giving up just yet. She also went to bed, wondering why Giyuu was acting so strange suddenly.