Chapter Text
It was a quiet day in the Taisho era.
The sun had barely risen above the horizon, casting soft golden light over the small village nestled among the mountains. The cool morning air carried the scent of pine trees, and the sound of birds chirping echoed through the peaceful surroundings. There was a sense of tranquility, a calmness that came with the start of another day.
Giyuu Tomioka, the Water Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, stood on the porch of the modest home he’d been staying in during a brief respite from his duties. His gaze was distant as he looked out over the village. The rhythmic sound of his breath was the only thing breaking the silence.
His uniform was pristine as always—his haori billowed slightly in the wind, the dark red and green checkered design reflecting the serenity of the morning. The soft rustle of the fabric was barely audible, much like his own presence in the world. Giyuu was a man of few words, preferring solitude to the bustle of conversation, and yet, in this moment, he found himself appreciating the stillness.
“Giyuu-san!”
Giyuu tried to ignore it.
“Giyuu-san!”
He tried hard not to.
“Giyuu-san!”
It was Tanjiro Kamado himself, of course he’s going to check up on him. His cheerful demeanor contrasts the gloomy side of Giyuu.
“What,” Giyuu sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, before continuing with a sigh. “do you want?”
Tanjiro stood there, his face glowing with the kind of energy that only he seemed capable of. His usual bright smile was in place as he waved his hand in front of Giyuu’s face, clearly unfazed by his attempt at ignoring him.
"I just wanted to check in," Tanjiro said, his voice delightful, as always. "You’ve been acting a bit distant lately. Is something wrong?"
Giyuu didn’t respond right away. He leaned against the wooden railing, gazing out at the horizon, his mind elsewhere. The cool breeze rustled the trees, but the peace felt like an illusion. His thoughts were occupied with matters he didn’t feel like sharing. Not now, maybe not ever.
"I’m fine," Giyuu finally replied, though the words felt hollow to him. He was used to this—his own isolation was nothing new. He always had the same answer for Tanjiro’s questions. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the younger demon slayer’s concern—it was just easier to shut it out. Easier to push people away than deal with the inevitable.
But Tanjiro was persistent. He moved closer, tilting his head to the side as if reading Giyuu’s unreadable expression. "You know, Giyuu-san, you don’t always have to do everything alone. You can talk to me!"
Giyuu’s eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw tightening, though he didn’t lash out. He simply stood in silence.
"I know that," Giyuu muttered, his voice quieter now. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable with this conversation. "But sometimes it’s easier to just… keep it to myself."
Tanjiro wasn’t deterred. He stepped closer, his hands clasped in front of him, his posture soft but insistent. "I get it. You’re strong, Giyuu-san. But even the strongest people need help sometimes. You don’t have to carry everything alone."
For a brief moment, Giyuu closed his eyes, feeling a familiar heaviness in his chest. He wanted to argue. He wanted to push Tanjiro away, to bury his feelings like he always did. But something about the way Tanjiro spoke, with such genuine concern, made him hesitate.
"I’ll be alright," Giyuu said at last, though this time, the words didn’t come with the usual finality. There was a quiet vulnerability in his tone, something that wasn’t often seen.
Tanjiro smiled again, a little less brightly this time but no less sincerely. "I hope you know that I’m here for you. Even if you don’t ask for it, you’ve got me."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Giyuu allowed himself to feel something other than his usual detachment. He glanced at Tanjiro, seeing the unwavering kindness in his eyes. The younger demon slayer truly meant it.
"Thanks," Giyuu said quietly, his voice barely audible over the wind. It wasn’t much, but it was the first step. And maybe, just maybe, he could learn to accept it.
“Oh, and as for why I am here. Sanemi wanted to talk to you about something.” Tanjiro suddenly spoke, interrupting Giyuu’s inner turmoil.
“….Sanemi?” Giyuu repeated the name. Great, it’s the Wind Hashira with a Chihuahua personality.
“Mhm! He’s waiting for you.” Tanjiro answered.
“Where?” Giyuu then stood up, dusting off his uniform and his mismatched haori.
“At his dorm.”
Giyuu sighed inwardly, the mere thought of having to deal with Sanemi already making his mood sour. He had never really understood the Wind Hashira’s brash nature. Sanemi had a way of grating on his nerves, with his sharp tongue and fiery temper. The last thing Giyuu needed was a confrontation, but if Sanemi wanted to talk, there was little he could do to avoid it.
"Fine," Giyuu muttered, though his tone was far from enthusiastic. "Lead the way."
Tanjiro, ever the optimist, seemed undeterred by Giyuu’s lack of enthusiasm. "Don’t worry, Giyuu-san! It’s probably not a big deal. Maybe he just wants to chat or ask you something."
Giyuu wasn’t so sure. Sanemi wasn’t exactly known for casual conversations. But then again, Tanjiro’s upbeat attitude had a way of making even the most uncomfortable situations seem less dire.
The two walked in silence for a moment, the path to the Wind Hashira’s dorm a familiar one. Giyuu’s mind wandered as he followed Tanjiro, his thoughts drifting back to his earlier internal battle. As much as he tried to deny it, there were days when he wished he wasn’t so alone. But the weight of his position—his responsibilities—was something that kept him distant. He couldn’t afford the luxury of vulnerability, not when there was always another demon lurking just beyond the horizon.
As they approached the familiar wooden building that housed Sanemi’s quarters, Giyuu could hear the faint sound of footsteps from within. Tanjiro stopped in front of the door, giving Giyuu an encouraging smile before knocking.
"Sanemi! Giyuu-san’s here!" Tanjiro called, his voice carrying through the door.
There was a moment of silence before the door swung open, revealing the Wind Hashira in all his scowling glory. His hair was wild, his expression even more so. He didn’t waste any time with pleasantries.
"Finally," Sanemi grumbled, stepping aside to let them in. "I was starting to think you were too scared to show up."
Giyuu didn’t bother to respond to the jab. He was used to it by now. Instead, he stepped inside, followed by Tanjiro. Sanemi’s dorm was as chaotic as ever, with papers scattered around and his weaponry carelessly placed in various corners.
"Sit," Sanemi ordered, jerking his head toward the small table in the center of the room.
Giyuu complied, sitting down with a stiff posture. Tanjiro, as always, was far more relaxed, sitting down easily with a grin on his face.
"Alright, what is it, Sanemi?" Giyuu asked, his voice clipped, though he tried to keep his tone neutral.
Sanemi leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he eyed Giyuu. "Master told me about something," he said, his usual gruffness replaced with an edge of seriousness. "There’s a mission coming up, and I want you on it."
Giyuu raised an eyebrow. "A mission?" he repeated, his interest piqued despite himself.
Sanemi nodded, his eyes narrowing. "There’s a demon causing trouble near the border of the mountains. I can handle it on my own, but Master is persistent on having you there to back me up."
Giyuu’s gaze softened slightly. It wasn’t like Sanemi to admit that he needed help, and the fact that he was asking meant this mission was just usual...as always.
"What’s the catch?" Giyuu asked, not one to be easily fooled.
Sanemi hesitated for a moment before speaking. "He explained that this demon can manipulate the weather. I’ve faced one before, but we’ll need to be extra careful. I don’t trust the other Hashira with this one, but I know you’ve got the strength to handle it."
Giyuu didn’t respond right away. The mention of a demon that could control the weather sent a ripple of unease through him. He had faced countless demons in his time as a Hashira, but this sounded different.
"You know I don’t like working with anyone," Giyuu finally muttered, though his mind was already calculating the risks. A demon that could control the weather was no small threat.
Sanemi snorted. "I don’t like it either, but we don’t have a choice. If you don’t want to help, fine. But don’t blame me if things go south."
Tanjiro, sensing the tension between the two Hashira, quickly chimed in. "Giyuu-san, I think it’s a good idea! You’re the Water Hashira, and if we work together with Sanemi, we can defeat this demon."
Giyuu glanced at Tanjiro, then back at Sanemi, considering the offer. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he nodded.
"Fine," Giyuu agreed, his voice steady. "I’ll help. But if we fail, don’t say I didn’t warn you."
Sanemi’s lips curled into a rare, half-smile. "Good. We’ll leave at midnight later. Get some rest."
As Giyuu stood to leave, Tanjiro clapped him on the back, grinning. "See? That wasn’t so bad, right?"
Giyuu just gave him a look, his expression unreadable. "I’m not so sure about that," he muttered, but despite himself, a small part of him felt… something close to anticipation.
Maybe this mission wouldn’t be as bad as he thought. After all, with Sanemi’s fiery personality and Tanjiro’s unwavering optimism, it could turn out to be more of a test of patience than a life-or-death battle.
But Giyuu would be ready. He always was.
As the hour approached midnight, Giyuu stood in the courtyard of the mansion, his hands steady as he tightened his sword belt. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale light over the quiet surroundings. A chill wind blew through the trees, sending a rustling sound across the grounds, but Giyuu didn’t flinch. He was used to this—used to the solitude, the silent waiting before the storm of battle.
He wasn’t sure why, but tonight felt different. The weight of the mission, the unknowns that lay ahead, all of it seemed heavier than usual. Was it the threat of a demon that could manipulate the weather? Or was it something else—something about the presence of Tanjiro and Sanemi, two people who had shown him a level of trust and camaraderie that he wasn’t sure how to handle?
Giyuu’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned slightly, seeing Tanjiro walking toward him, his usual warm smile on his face despite the late hour.
"Ready to go, Giyuu-san?" Tanjiro asked, his voice filled with that unshakable optimism.
Giyuu gave a short nod. "Let’s go," he replied, his voice firm, though there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes that Tanjiro couldn’t quite place. He had noticed it earlier, too—the quiet moments when Giyuu’s expression seemed to betray more than he wanted to show.
As they walked together toward the designated meeting point, the tension in the air seemed to grow. The other Hashira were already gathered at the site, their forms outlined by the glow of lanterns. Sanemi was there, pacing as usual, his presence commanding as always.
"Finally," Sanemi muttered as they approached. "We can’t afford to waste any more time. The demon is still out there, and it’s causing chaos in the area. We need to move faster."
Giyuu simply nodded in agreement, his focus already shifting to the task at hand. But there was something about the way Sanemi said it, something about his unyielding energy, that seemed to make Giyuu feel like this mission was going to be more than just another demon-slaying task.
Tanjiro, as always, seemed to take the initiative. "We’ll handle it," he said confidently, his eyes shining with determination. "We have each other’s backs. We can do this—"
“Your words are cringe, brat. Stop it.” Sanemi interrupted Tanjiro’s enthusiastic and encouraging words, his tone as sharp as ever.
Tanjiro froze for a moment, blinking in surprise at the Wind Hashira's bluntness. "Uh, sorry? Just trying to be—"
“Yeah, well, don’t.” Sanemi gave him an exaggerated eye roll, his face as deadpan as ever. "We’re not here for speeches, we're here for action." He added, bonking Tanjiro’s head with his scabbard.
“Ow! Stop it, Sanemi-san!” The red-haired boy whined.
Giyuu, walking a few steps behind, couldn’t help but glance at Sanemi with a subtle roll of his eyes. He had to admit, though, he couldn't blame the Wind Hashira for his bluntness. Tanjiro’s optimism had a tendency to be... well, a lot. It was almost like he was trying to win a 'Most Likely to Inspire' award in the middle of a mission.
Giyuu sighed. "Sanemi, can’t you just let him be?" he muttered, though his voice was still low enough that Tanjiro wouldn’t catch it.
Tanjiro beamed at Giyuu. "Thanks, Giyuu-san!" He looked like a puppy getting praise, and it almost made Giyuu feel a bit... soft. Almost.
Sanemi snorted. "Don't encourage him," he grumbled under his breath, clearly unimpressed.
Giyuu just shrugged, trying his best not to laugh. "We’re here for the demon, not a comedy show."
As if on cue, Tanjiro gave an overly dramatic bow. "I shall do my best to bring joy to this mission!" he proclaimed with a flourish.
"Please, no." Giyuu rubbed his temples, trying to keep his composure. "If you start singing, I’m leaving."
Sanemi growled, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "We’re seriously going to get killed because of you two, aren’t we?"
Despite the tension in the air, Giyuu found himself shaking his head slightly. It wasn’t often he let himself get caught up in the small moments, but these two were... well, they were a distraction. A frustrating, hilarious, ridiculous distraction. And maybe, just maybe, that wasn’t the worst thing in the world.
As they moved deeper into the village, Tanjiro and Sanemi continued to bicker, but Giyuu couldn’t help but feel a small flicker of something he hadn’t felt in a long time—something like hope, or at least the faintest sense that maybe they could survive this together.
As they reached the edge of the village, Giyuu could feel it. The air felt thick with energy, almost alive in its intensity. The wind whipped around them, and the sky above seemed to shift, clouds swirling in a way that didn’t feel natural.
"This is it," Sanemi said, his tone low. "Be ready."
Giyuu drew his sword, his grip firm as he looked out into the dark night. That demon was out there, and it would be up to them to stop it. But as the wind howled and the air grew colder, Giyuu couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was coming. Something far more dangerous than just a demon.
Sanemi, his presence commanding even in the stillness, led the way. His eyes scanned the trees, the horizon—every detail, every shift in the air. He wasn’t speaking much, but the tense set of his shoulders and the tightness in his jaw told the others everything they needed to know: This wasn’t going to be an easy fight.
Tanjiro, as always, was the optimistic one, his eyes bright with determination despite the looming danger. But even he couldn’t ignore the strange atmosphere that surrounded them. The air felt dense, charged with an energy that made his skin prickle. He didn’t need to be a seasoned warrior to sense that something was wrong.
Giyuu, walking silently behind them, felt the change in the air as well. His sharp instincts were on high alert. The usual feeling of confidence that came before battle was overshadowed by a strange unease that gnawed at the pit of his stomach. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword tighter, knuckles whitening as the wind began to howl around them. This wasn’t a typical demon hunt—it felt like something far worse was coming.
Suddenly, a sharp gust of wind whipped through the trees, sending leaves scattering in every direction. The noise was deafening, the trees bending under the force. Giyuu’s eyes narrowed as a faint silhouette began to form in the distance. The figure was shifting, moving erratically, almost as if it were made from the very wind itself. It was too quick to be human—and far too unnatural to be anything else but a demon.
“There,” Giyuu muttered, his voice barely above a whisper as he raised his sword, eyes locked on the approaching threat. He was ready, his mind already preparing for the fight ahead.
The demon materialized fully in front of them, its form more fluid than solid. It was like a living storm, a twisting vortex of dark air and shadow. Its eyes, glowing with a sickly yellow hue, locked onto them with malicious intent. The air grew colder, the pressure mounting as if the very atmosphere was closing in on them. The demon wasn’t just a physical threat—it was manipulating the wind, using it to control the battlefield.
Before anyone could react, the demon raised its arms, and the wind exploded outward like a tidal wave. Giyuu barely had time to react before the gusts slammed into him with bone-crushing force. He was thrown off his feet, his body whipped through the air before crashing hard into the ground. The air was thick with dust and debris, but Giyuu quickly rolled, his body instinctively moving into a crouch as he regained his balance.
“Giyuu-san!” Tanjiro’s voice broke through the chaos, laced with concern. Giyuu could hear the boy struggling against the wind, trying to make his way toward him. But the demon wasn’t giving them any room to breathe. It sent another blast of air toward Tanjiro, knocking him off his feet and sending him sprawling into the dirt.
“Damn it,” Sanemi cursed, his voice strained as he fought against the storm. “This thing’s manipulating the wind. We need to get close, but it’s too fast.”
Giyuu’s eyes narrowed. The demon’s control over the wind was unlike anything they had faced before. It wasn’t just a matter of strength—it was like the very environment was a weapon in itself. Giyuu knew that the usual tactics would be ineffective. He would have to rely on more than just swordplay; he would have to adapt to the flow of battle, to the shifting winds around him.
The demon screeched, its form twisting and warping as it prepared another attack. Giyuu felt it—a sudden drop in temperature, a charged current of air. The demon was gathering its power, preparing for a devastating strike.
“Watch the air currents!” Giyuu shouted to the others, his voice barely audible over the storm. “It’s using the wind to control us! We need to stay grounded!”
Sanemi gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing as he began to leap into the air, using his agility to avoid the gusts. But it was clear the demon was ready for them. The wind whipped violently, pulling at their clothing, throwing them off balance.
Giyuu didn’t hesitate. With a single, swift movement, he leaped into the air, his body following the natural rhythm of the wind around him. He was used to fighting in the most unpredictable conditions, and this demon wouldn’t be an exception.
The moment he was airborne, the demon responded. A blast of wind shot directly at him, but Giyuu was already anticipating it. He twisted midair, his sword flashing as he cut through the gust, the wind howling against the blade. He landed smoothly, just in time to see the demon lunge at him, a series of sharp wind blades forming around it like a deadly vortex.
Suddenly, Sanemi’s sword was an extension of himself—fluid, precise, and deadly. With a practiced motion, he slashed through the air, his blade cutting through the wind itself. The air exploded around him, and in that moment, Giyuu saw the demon’s form flicker, its body unstable as the attack hit its mark.
The wind died down, but only for a moment. The demon shrieked, its body rippling as it gathered its strength for one final assault. Giyuu could see the look of pure malice in its eyes. It wasn’t going to give up easily.
Tanjiro, now back on his feet, rushed forward, his sword raised. “Let’s end this together!” he called, his voice full of determination.
But Giyuu didn’t need words. He knew what to do.
He closed his eyes for a split second, feeling the wind, sensing its rhythm, its flow. The battle had become a dance, and he had to be one with it.
“Water Breathing,” he whispered, his voice calm and controlled. "Tenth Form: Constant Flux."
The wind stilled for a moment as Giyuu moved, his body flowing with the perfect balance of strength and grace. With a single, decisive strike, his blade cut through the demon’s neck. The demon’s form crumbled into dust, the wind finally dying down. The night air was thick with the aftermath of battle. Giyuu stood still, surveying the remains of their fight, his chest rising and falling steadily. He didn’t need to say much—his actions always spoke louder than his words.
Tanjiro, eager as ever, was the first to break the silence. “That was incredible, Giyuu-san! You were amazing!” He exclaimed, rushing over and slapping Giyuu on the back.
Giyuu gave a short nod, offering a quiet, "Thanks," his attention still on the wreckage. But before he could collect his thoughts, a voice interrupted, laced with condescension.
“Hey!” Sanemi sneered, stepping forward with his arms crossed, clearly mad. “I was about to use my own breathing form! What the hell?!”
Giyuu didn’t flinch. He’d expected this reaction from the Wind Hashira. Sanemi was always competitive, always wanting to be in the spotlight, and now, in his mind, Giyuu had stolen his moment.
“What?” Giyuu answered calmly, wiping the blood from his blade. “It was just faster.”
“Faster?!” Sanemi’s voice went higher, his anger mounting. He took a few angry strides forward, closing the distance between them. “I had it under control! You think you’re the only one who can handle things around here, huh?! Show-off!”
“I didn’t show off,” Giyuu responded flatly, already moving past Sanemi. “I ended it. You were taking too long.”
Sanemi’s nostrils flared as he advanced, his irritation bubbling over. “Taking too long?! I was making sure to finish it cleanly! You think you’re the only one who can kill demons, huh? You think you’re the best at everything?”
Giyuu turned to face him again, his expression still calm, almost detached. “You were sloppy. It was taking too long. I made sure the job was done.”
“Sloppy?!” Sanemi barked, his teeth gritted in rage. “You think I’m sloppy? You always think you know better than everyone else, don’t you?”
“I do,” Giyuu replied without hesitation. “I’m faster than you. I finish the job. You waste time talking about it.”
Sanemi’s fists clenched at his sides, but he didn’t strike out. Instead, he took a step closer, his face twisted with defiance. “You think you’re so much better than me, don’t you? Always acting like you’re above everyone else, like you’re some untouchable warrior. But let me tell you something—I am the Wind Hashira. I don’t need you jumping in like some savior every time!”
“I didn’t jump in to save you,” Giyuu replied, his tone cutting through Sanemi’s anger like ice. “I did what needed to be done. You were too focused on making a show of it.”
Sanemi let out a harsh laugh, his gaze burning with frustration. “A show? You really don’t get it, do you? You can’t just take control of everything, Giyuu. We’re not in some world where you call the shots.”
“I don’t call the shots,” Giyuu said, voice steady, “but I finish things when they need to be finished. You’re the one who hesitates.”
Sanemi’s teeth ground together so loudly it could’ve been heard over the wind. His hands were shaking with barely contained fury, but he didn’t back down. “Don’t you dare act like I don’t know what I’m doing,” he spat, stepping closer to Giyuu, towering over him. “I’m the Wind Hashira for a reason, you know!”
“I know exactly who you are, Sanemi,” Giyuu responded flatly, unphased by the proximity, his eyes still locked onto the horizon. “But your pride isn’t going to help you when you’re dead.”
The two men stood there, the crackling tension between them almost enough to spark a fight. Sanemi was practically shaking with frustration, his face red with anger, but Giyuu remained as still as a rock, his posture calm and unyielding.
“You’re an idiot,” Sanemi muttered through gritted teeth, glaring at Giyuu, but there was something almost… reluctant in his eyes.
“Maybe,” Giyuu replied without missing a beat, his voice soft and disinterested. “But at least I’m alive to be one.”
“Okay, no fighting! How about we go back to the corps, yeah?” Tanjiro interfered suddenly, his voice high-pitched and eager, trying to ease the thick tension in the air.
Sanemi shot him an irritated look but said nothing, his arms still crossed, his frustration palpable. Giyuu, on the other hand, remained calm, his eyes focusing on the ground as he ignored the tension that continued to hang between him and the Wind Hashira.
Tanjiro’s attempt to keep the peace seemed to have some effect, though. The sharpness in Sanemi’s gaze softened a little, and his posture, though still tense, became less combative.
“Fine,” Sanemi muttered under his breath, though his words were tinged with a begrudging tone. “But I’ll be damned if anyone forgets who finished that demon off.”
“Yeah, yeah, we get it, Sanemi,” Tanjiro responded with a soft chuckle, trying to make light of the situation. “You’re the Wind Hashira. We’re all grateful, okay?”
Sanemi huffed, clearly not completely satisfied, but he turned and began walking in the direction of the Corps’ headquarters. Giyuu and Tanjiro followed suit, the two of them walking in silence, though Tanjiro shot Giyuu a quick glance, silently checking in on his mood.
Despite the tension that lingered from the earlier argument, the mission had been successful. They had defeated the demon, and that was what mattered the most.
As they made their way back, Giyuu’s thoughts wandered. Though Sanemi’s reaction had been expected, there was something unsettling about the way things had unfolded. He didn’t mind the anger or the sharp words — that was simply Sanemi being himself — but it made him think about the strange relationship between the Hashira.
What would it be like to face demons alongside them again? And what would happen if their personal differences kept clashing in the future?
“Are you alright, Giyuu-san?” Tanjiro asked quietly, pulling him from his thoughts.
Giyuu nodded, his usual calm expression settling back into place. “I’m fine.”
Tanjiro smiled, relieved that Giyuu wasn’t letting it get to him too much. They had their differences, sure, but in the end, they all fought for the same cause — to defeat demons and protect those they loved.
The night was cool as Giyuu, Tanjiro, and Sanemi made their way back to the Corps headquarters. After the intense battle, the mood between them had started to settle, but there was still a tension lingering in the air. Sanemi, still being sulky, went back to his own dorm. While Giyuu and Tanjiro walked through the main gates of the Corps’ headquarters, a sudden voice rang out, unmistakably loud and boisterous.
“Oi, Giyuu!”
Giyuu paused, tilting his head slightly, already knowing who it was. His gaze shifted to find Rengoku Kyojuro standing near the entrance, his usual cheerful smile plastered on his face. Beside him stood Tengen Uzui, looking as extravagant and flamboyant as always, long, white hair with an uneven length catching the light of the lanterns nearby.
“Rengoku, Uzui,” Giyuu acknowledged them, his voice low, but his stance wary. He didn’t know what to expect now.
“Well, well! If it isn’t Giyuu-san!” Rengoku boomed, stepping forward with a gleam in his eyes. “I hope you’re ready to join us for a little celebration! After all, we’ve just survived another battle, haven’t we?”
“Celebration?” Giyuu asked, his brow furrowing slightly. He wasn’t really one for parties, especially after the adrenaline of a fight had worn off. His mind still felt heavy from the earlier confrontation with Sanemi.
Tengen grinned and put a hand on Giyuu’s shoulder, causing him to stiffen slightly at the sudden touch. “That’s right! We’re throwing a big Hashira party tomorrow. It’s not often we get a chance to let loose and celebrate. You’re coming, Giyuu. No excuses!”
Rengoku’s voice was just as enthusiastic. “Don’t worry, Giyuu-san! It’ll be fun! We’ll have food, drinks, and plenty of laughter. I’m sure you could use a bit of fun after all that tension.”
“Tension?” Giyuu’s gaze flickered for a moment to where Sanemi had gone off to.
Tengen waved it off, he knew what Giyuu is implying, “Ah, Sanemi said he could join too. After all, we want to see his broody personality into a drunken mess.”
Giyuu nodded curtly at his words. He is getting hesitant since it’s his first time drinking and celebrating with his co-slayers. Tengen suddenly laughed, sensing Giyuu’s hesitance. “Don’t think too hard about it. You deserve some fun, Giyuu. Besides, we won’t take ‘no’ for an answer!”
Giyuu opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Rengoku, who was already gesturing for him to follow. “We’ll all be there! Don’t make us drag you there, okay?”
Giyuu hesitated for a moment longer, glancing at Tanjiro for a second opinion, but Tanjiro just gave him an encouraging smile. “It could be nice to unwind for once, Giyuu-san. You’ve been working so hard.”
With a sigh, Giyuu looked back at the two energetic Hashira. “Fine,” he muttered, unwilling to argue anymore. “But I’m not staying long.”
Rengoku’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Perfect! We’ll see you there, Giyuu-san! Get ready for some of the best food and drinks you’ve ever had!”
And with that, Rengoku and Tengen turned and headed toward their dorms, their voices growing fainter and fainter. Giyuu stood still for a moment, running a hand through his hair. He wasn’t sure what to expect from a Hashira party, but at least this would give him a brief break from the usual battles and tension.