together in the framed ocean | g. tomioka

08 - Together by the Ocean

Phew. You wipe the sweat and dirt off your forehead while a junior helps you up from the ground.

"You saved my life!" Says the fellow slayer.

"I would like to think you saved my life there, Hiroto!"

The proud boy looks up to you and tilts his head. "I didn't think you would remember me," says Hiroto.

How could you forget him? Years back, when you were just two years into being a Hashira, you came across three demon slayers in battle with a fairly strong demon. The female demon was one of the first demons you encountered that gave off a scent very similar to the demon that destroyed your family. Kibutsuji Muzan. A name you curse as he was the beginning to this hell of a world. He is the creator of all demons. The progenitor. The Demon King. Hiroto and his partners happened to be new slayers so without your help, some terrible events would have occurred.

He hasn't forgotten your name since.

"You're almost like a whole different person now!" Stronger.

"It's thanks to you!" He yells. "I did my best in honing my skills."

After small talk and goodbyes, everyone who fought in this battle went their own ways. Mosu, your Kasugai crow, came flying down to your shoulder to relay a message. You unclipped the pouch and pulled out a small letter–signed by Giyu.

—

I happen to be around the area near the beach closest to the Master's. We should meet tonight if time permits.

Tomioka Giyu.

—

Although exhausted from the fight, you couldn't miss out on a nice trip to the beach. It's been years since you felt the salty breeze. So you sent a letter back and headed your way there.

Ever since the battle at Natagumo Mountain and the conversation at the Butterfly Mansion, you fought side by side and saw Giyu many more times than you did before. Having something in common made meeting with him much easier. It's surprising to say that defeating demons and experiencing life-and-death situations brought you two closer. Not that you underestimated his skills or anything, but he is definitely a changed person since the last time you saw him crying at the Final Selection. Seeing Giyu Tomioka's water breathing made you wonder if Tanjiro was also able to fight as gracefully as he did. His style seriously mimicked the flow of water.

Furthermore, there have not been many opportunities for you to meet Himejima, Muichiro, and the other male Hashiras (probably for the better), but your relationship with the girls was stronger than ever. As a person with a big appetite, you never thought you would find someone to eat with comfortably. That is until you sat down with Mitsuri Kanroji. She's quite shy around you but loves talking at the same time, which helped break the awkward stages of friendship quickly. Shinobu Kocho on the other hand, was easy to meet as she is in the Butterfly Mansion very often. There was a lot to break between the two of you. Inner conflicts that both of you possess. Ever since the beginning, you were eager for the day she would sit down and talk about her real self.

Although one is not going into Master Kagaya's house, it was said that those who simply pass by the area proceed to have a good journey. There are so many flowers and you always love running through the smell of wisteria. It was also the calming presence of the Master that made one feel comfortable within themself. A feeling that is hard to explain when not physically experienced.

Darkness overcame the sky by the time you walked along the sandy beach. Slipping off your sandals and taking off your socks, you felt the cool sand beneath your feet. Far into the distance, Giyu is sitting on the dry area, or the border between where the wave hit the sand.