❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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By nightfall, most were located at the entrance awaiting the introduction. Tanjirou had been highly nervous, hidden behind Giyuu and Sabito as he felt the occasional eyes drift over him. It was understandable, the looks of confusion and worry. Tanjirou was smaller than most, not to mention younger then everyone by a few years. Even so, none of them had any clue of his abilities. Most saw this as suicide. Someone wishing to get rid of some weight in their life by casting a child into a world of hell. Of course, that was far from the truth. Tanjirou was gifted and well suited, a fact a few could simply tell by a single glance. The well crafted sword also backed that view. No one held such a weapon unless deemed ready. 

The ever growing silence had become thick until it ultimately was crushed by two voices that spoke to complete the other. Both seemed as twins, though fairly different as well. It peaked Tanjirou's interest, but remind still and intent on hearing the message and opening words before being pressed into the wooded regions beyond. 

"Welcome to all that have decided to take part."

"Today marks the day you begin a trial, lasting seven days."

"Once inside, you will have no aid."

"No outside help."

"Only your endurance and survival strengths."

"The wisteria keeps the Demons within the domain; meaning you will have not only seven days to survive, but fight for you survival."

"Once seven days have passed, you will return here."

"Only those that make it shall move on and join the Demon Corps."

"Those that fail and stumble; ultimately will die." There was a slight pause, before the next words left a chilled air.

"Should any value their life or not feel worthy of such tasks, leave."

"No need to lose a life for honor." 

"Should trouble occur, you're on your own."

"Only those inside the region may help, but that is based on choice." Tanjirou watched the two clap their hands, a heavy silence growing further as they said a final peace.

"This is the start of the trail period, so it marks the beginning of the test."

"Best of luck and may Kami-sama watch over those entering this domain." Giyuu took in a breath, glancing to Tanjirou. The other smiled as the group finally headed in, drifting past the wisteria. It was a beginning to an adventure that Tanjirou was excited to experience. 

Once inside, most had broken off. They had gone into different parts, separating from others. It was not a bad action. The bigger the group, the harder it was to hide should encounters unfold. But Giyuu and Sabito knew that being alone only granted so much clarity. To have someone to watch your back left an ease. Opened up for better awareness. There was no need to strain such thoughts or concerns. So the four made their trek into the unknown lands before them.

With it being eve, all were aware it was the Demon's time. It only left them cautious, Tanjirou the only one who willed his mind to drift. He trusted the other with his life, and they trusted him. Even if he got lost in thought, he'd never fail them. 

"Seven days of this... I forgot that the time your spend is such a length." Sabito's voice made Giyuu snort, his eyebrow raised. 

"Afraid you'll fail? Or leave?" The pink haired male stuck his tongue out, getting a short kick from Makomo who had fallen back to travel with Tanjirou. 

"I never really took notice, but Tanjirou has the better mask out of us." Makomo spoke softly, smirking as she pulled the other's gaze. For being in a dangerous region, the four were pretty open to teasing and fun. Giyuu was the first to speak up, his tone slightly conceited. 

"That's not entirely true. Mine looks similar to Tanjirou's, just less detail to divert the gaze. Sometime being more plain is desired." Tanjirou couldn't help but chuckle, his words simply leaving him. It had caught Giyuu of guard, making Sabito break out laughing. 

"Plain is your make up, Giyuu. It does suit you though, so I'd not deny your words."

"Oh my gosh, I sincerely treasure Tanjirou sometimes. To think he can be so frank toward you." Giyuu scowled as Sabito rested his hand on the others head, ruffling the ravens hair. It earned him a rough smack from the other, more laughter erupting from Sabito before Makomo practically tripped the pink haired male. "Ow! What was that for?"

"For being so loud. Did you forget we're in a trial?"

"No. I'm just not entirely worried. We all are strong on our own, making us unbeatable together. Still, I get there is no need to throw caution to the wind." Makomo nodded, resting her hand on her hip.

"Glad to hear you're still valuing your own life. Now, I thought a few things over on this short walk." Giyuu turned his focus, same as the others as Makomo began to explain. "I figured, seven days means food might be within the area itself. Berries. I am quite aware of those that are poisonous or not. I will scrounge for food during the days, since most other competitors are probably going to use the sun to rest and sleep. Since we have numbers, we take turns with short rests if needed during the eve, that way we can scavenge while others are too busy trying to sleep where it's safe. As for water, I figure we scout around. See what their is." 

"That seems fair. We can stick to pairs when traveling separately!" Tanjirou spoke up quietly, earning him a hand on his head.

"That is a wonderful idea. Me and Tanjirou are fast, but I'm sure Giyuu would feel better having Tanjirou nearby. I figure, Giyuu and Tanjirou stick together. Me and Sabito will do the same. Does that work?" The others nodded as she took in a breath, offering a friendly smile.

"For now, why don't we take that chance to cycle sleep. Let Tanjirou rest first, especially after the walk." Tanjirou perked up, giving a slight pause before speaking up.

"Why me? Shouldn't one of you sleep first?" The other three shook their head, the four finding a large tree with a leafy overhang. 

"You have three breathing techniques, Tanjirou. If anything goes wrong, truth is; we need your strength. While you don't use it much, we all value that strength. So rest up, okay?" Giyuu smiled sweetly, giving Tanjirou a small hug. It ultimately made Tanjirou agree. He faced the tree before climbing the wooden length and positioning himself high overhead on the limb of the tree. His legs dangled over, back pressing to the wood as he willed himself to relax. Once the three heard the calming breathing, they took that chance to sit at the base. Even though they were in dangerous areas, they felt oddly at peace. It was a nice change, for all of them.