Chapter Text
“Thank you for joining me today.” The Master says as tea was brought to them. “I have a special mission for you three this time.”
“Apologies, Master.” Shinobu politely interrupted, “There are only two of us here.”
“That is right, the third shall join us in a bit.” The Master tells her, “There is some additional information that you will need to hopefully assist him in this endeavor.”
“How come? If I may ask?”
“This mission will be a sensitive one.” The Master explains, “But I request you wait till the end for any questions you may have for this meeting after they arrive.”
She and Iguro share a look. This was highly unusual of the Master.
“First thing I’d like to disclose.” The Master states, “Is that this is a reoccurring issue. I have sent several Corp. members to investigate to no avail.”
“Are they killed or can’t find the Demon?” Shinobu asks, “Surely a Demon can’t be that hidden
“All have returned just fine, only to report nothing is amiss.”
“Why hasn't a Hashira been sent before now?”
“I have tried, however the one who I have tried to send refused for, admittedly, very valid reasons.” The Master reveals calmly. “However, I can not let this issue carry on, so I apologize in advance if I seem… a little off… in my words.”
Before they could question what the Master meant the door slid open. It was Kanata leading their third mission partner in… Tomioka.
Immediately the displeasure crossed Iguro’s face while Shinobu remained calm, if not a bit curious.
“Welcome, Giyuu.” The Master greets, his gentle and calm disposition unswayed, “You are just in time.”
The Water Hashira didn’t say anything as he took a seat on the other side of her and tea was brought to them all.
“There have been reports of people going missing in a city.” The Master explains, “All attempts to investigate have been met with little results by the lower ranks so I am requesting you three to investigate together.”
“Where are we going?” Iguro asks, a watchful glare placed on Tomioka. “And what information do we have?”
“The disappearance happens infrequently. About once every few weeks or to once every other month. There have been reports of body parts being discovered across the city, never a full body.” The Master informs, his blind eyes gazing between them before settling in Tomioka. “And you will be investigating the city of Nagoya.”
A small crack sound splits the befallen silence as Shinobu’s head snaps to Tomioka. The tea cup he had apparently picked up laid in pieces in a puddle before him.
He… didn’t look happy.
“Master…”
“Please, hear me out Giyuu.” The Master calmly requests, unsurprised at Tomioka’s reaction, “If you still want to decline then I shall prepare Muichiro or Sanemi.”
Curious, Shinobu thought, why those two as back ups? The Master said it in an almost pointed way… and it must have meant something to Tomioka as his eyes narrowed a bit, almost as if in defeat?
The Water Hashira suddenly stands, making his way to the door… Shinobu was about to stop him, a sense of disappointment filling her… When the door opened, revealing Kanata again, holding a towel out.
Tomioka took the towel without complaint and returned to where the tea was seeping into the floorboards and started cleaning it up, making no more moves to presumably leave.
“Sorry…”
“Thank you for being willing to listen to this request of mine.”
“…”
“I trust Shinobu and Obanai are acceptable assistance in this case, I’m sure you know why I picked them.” The Master directs the question to Tomioka. “Do you have any objections?”
The Water Hashira shook his head, his eyes lingering on Iguro for a moment longer but ultimately held no objection.
“Very well.” The Master acknowledges with a smile. “Giyuu, you know why I’m requesting you for this mission.”
Tomioka gave him a nod, not meeting his eyes as he sat next to his pile of broken shards.
“I am aware of what I am asking of you. If it’s not a Demon then I will give you a one time exception to one of the Corp rules, this will apply to all of you, but it is a shared exception between the three of you.”
“And what rule is that, Master?”
“I will allow you… to kill one human.”
…
…
“Excuse me!?” Iguro says, just as shocked as Shinobu, although she didn’t comment on it. “Master! That goes against the very core of the Slayer Corp.!”
Tomioka also looks shocked… and understanding? The outcry falls silent as the Master holds up a hand.
“I am well aware. This is not something I have considered lightly.” He says in understanding calmness, “But you must ask yourself what is a human… Who acts like a demon?”
It was… a fair point… Shinobu knew the Master wouldn’t offer this without reason… She couldn’t help but glance at Tomioka again. His face remained nearly impassive as always.
“It is only for this mission.” The Master adds, “And it's only one option to consider. I do doubt you three will need it in the end.”
“…”
No one said anything to that.
“Giyuu, you have the necessary reference to investigate this matter.” The Master pointedly says to the Water Hashira, “You can take whatever precautions you think you may need and any resources you want. The Wisteria House there will be prepared to offer any aid you may require.”
Shinobu was a little thrown off by this whole meeting… As Hashira they are well aware they have more privileges and access to the Master’s aid and supplies, even if it's rarely stated aloud, then that of the lower ranks. But they rarely have meetings for missions like this but given that this seems… personal, it was understandable. And actively witnessing the Master… manipulating Tomioka was… something she doesn't know how to feel about, but she trusts that Master has his reasons… Even as she and Iguro share another look with each other.
“…” Shinobu half expects Tomioka to reuse the Master as he glares at the floor. After a moment he lets out a resigned breath. “I’ll go…”
“Thank you.” It was a small dismissal as Tomioka stands, taking the pieces of the broken cup with him, only pausing when the Master calmly raised a hand again. “One last thing, Giyuu. How much do you want me to tell them?”
“…”
Tomioka didn’t turn to look at them. Shinobu couldn’t get a read off of him.
“Whatever you think they need to know...”
“Very well… Thank you, Giyuu.”
Once Tomioka left the Master looked down and although he hid it well he looked upset with himself.
“I must apologize again…” He tells them once more, “Now you must have questions?”
“Yes.” Shinobu speaks up after a moment. “If Tomioka is the one with the knowledge to make this mission successful then why does he need our help? Why pick the two of us?”
“In truth. I would rather not send Giyuu on this mission.” The Master answers, “Just as much as he’d rather not go as well.”
“Then why send him?”
“… He has a connection there, a part of his past lies there.” The Master cryptically says, “As for why I picked you two, your skills were no question but that isn’t the only reason.”
The two of them waited.
“It’s because you two have a mostly average appearance at first glance. Blending in will be imperative for this mission, the less you stand out the better.”
“Of course, Master.” Shinobu acknowledges while Iguro huffs, “And the other thing? Why does he need our help? He is extremely capable on his own.”
“That is true.” The Master agrees with her, “However his connection to this city is not a good one.”
“Is that why we have the permission to kill?”
“Yes, there is someone who may come after Giyuu should they learn he’s there.” The Master informs them with a sad smile, “No doubt he will share more if you ask, but another reason you are going with him is to keep an eye on him.”
“How come?” Iguro asks, arms crossed, “You think he will go after this person?”
“Quite the contrary, I think he will do his best to avoid them if possible.” They were told, “However this mission will dredge up his past, and it will be hard on him… I am sending you two to selfishly help ease my decision in pushing him to accept the mission.”
That hardly seems like the only reason… but it was rare for the Master to express his worries like this.
“Very well, is there anything else we should know?”
“I think that’s everything I think you should need.” The Master tells them, “If you have more questions it will be up to Giyuu to answer them. You will head out tomorrow.”
“Very well.” Iguro stands at the quiet dismissal, “Farewell, Master.”
“We wish you good health, Master.” Shinobu stands as well, “Until next time.”
“You as well, my children.” The Master says his farewells back as his daughters came in to help him, “Thank you for helping keep an eye on our dear Water Hashira.”