(Images in Cover are not mine. Only did the editing.)
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Giyuu had always valued his job, his duty. Arriving at the Kamado residence on time cost him everything. Part of him wished he'd been late, but it was too late...
Welcome back my beloved readers! Hope you haven't missed me in the lack of postings in recent days. I was struggling with my sleep issues and truthfully, it was affecting me hard. I am well rested now, so no worries. As a note, I've somehow fallen into Dragon ball and just decided to doodle. I'll leave the image below the chapter. Just give me an opinion on the story and maybe even the art.
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The insect Hashira had been silent for a time before ultimately beginning her speech. Her evidence. Every word was said with no real change in tone, though Tanjirou could sense a singular emotion from the female. She was sorrowful. Apologetic almost. That alone was enough for Tanjirou to offer a slight comfort when her first few words stuttered. He pressed a hand to her own hand, giving a short squeeze before she found her inner strength to speak without fumbling her own words.
"As most are aware, me and Tanjirou were assigned to the mission. I had arrived nearly hours before, as the sun was high overhead. Even so, I took the chance to scout. To assure there was no Demon lurking in close shadings or caves. I had gone to the south a bit, before coming back to the village, where I gained information of possible locations. Unfortunately, I had no luck on the intel gain. Once it had grown closer to Tanjirou's arrival, I had gone to settle at a lodging for a bit. I don't remember much beyond that. One moment I enter the building, the next I am waking to confinement back here." There was a long silence before voices broke out, Sanemi speaking up. His tone was far harsher than when he'd first met Tanjirou during the trial. Which only irked the maroon haired slayer more.
"You've got to be kidding me! That gives us nothing and sounds like a crappy excuse! She probably is hiding the fact she despises Tanjirou, especially with her having feelings for the past comrade..." Tanjirou bit his lip, giving a rough 'tch'. His gaze fell back, glare hitting Sanemi as the white haired male fell silent.
"I will say this once. Keep. Quiet." Kagaya waited for Tanjirou's silence before speaking up.
"I understand you're concerns, but this time is Shinobu's moment to speak. Do not dismiss her side, no matter the belief you hold. Is there anything more you'd like to add?"
"I would." She kept quiet, glancing to Tanjirou as she smiled softly. "It is true that I despised him in the beginning, but he truly was gifted. After seeing the bond the two shared, believe it or not, but I grew past it. I am happy for them. There is no ill intent I will hold for Tanjirou, because I trust him. He has gained my absolute trust, especially after saving me in the last mission."
"How are you sure he saved you and not someone else?" Kagaya's question made Shinobu lower her head, her voice soft, but audible.
"While I truly did not remember much, I still saw what happened. Call it an out of body experience. When I struck Tanjirou, it was not my choice. It was as if I was hovering above, viewing a play. No matter what I said, what I tried, nothing changed. I was simply not in control. There was a singular detail I remembered before losing ability over my body. In specific, it was the demon art I witnessed. The sudden flash of red that ran along the eyes of the inn-keeper at the time." Those words struck Tanjirou, who widened his gaze. Kagaya took note, glancing his way.
"Tanjirou? What is on your mind?"
"If I may speak, Kagaya-sama. I clearly remember that singular detail on Shinobu when we fought. Her eyes had a red glimmer as well as a glazed appeal. It was how I deduced she was not truly making such rash choices. It was why I used my head to disrupt the possibility of control. I knocked her out and the Demon exposed himself. From there, I killed them before ultimately succumbing to my own wounds and the poisons." The whole courtyard was deadly calm. An eerie silence present before Kagaya gave a short smile. His voice was soft, but Tanjirou could hear the genuine joy of his words.
"Is that so. Then I feel no more evidence is required. You two explained the main troubles and showed me evidence. As we know, Demons possess Demon arts. It is not wrong to think that could be a cause. I can also tell you are honest Tanjirou. You'd not lie about such a detail. So I've come to the conclusion that this issue is resolved. Shinobu is no longer guilty or on trial, but victim to a Demon art. Those who oppose such a choice, please keep in mind that the facts align well. Unless someone truly has something more conflicting, this trial is over." No one spoke up as Shinobu let out a sigh of relief. She glanced to Tanjirou, giving the other a hug. It caught him off guard, but soon he followed up with his own and a short chuckle.
Once the trial had been dismissed, most left for their own mission or simply to keep busy. It left Shinobu and Tanjirou back in the medical area. She was glancing at the wounds, assuring there was nothing more to be done. Of course, Giyuu had taken the time to bring him and Rui back to the real world. The two sat close to Tanjirou, bickering amongst each other. It only made Tanjirou chuckle.
"Thank you Tanjirou, for everything. I was rude in the past, but I owe an apology." Tanjirou smiled, waving it off.
"Don't fret it. Glad to help when deserved." Tanjirou was about to carry on speaking before he noticed a familiar scent. Glancing up, his single working eye shifted to the doorway where Kyoujurou stood. He gave Tanjirou a thankful smile before his gaze rolled over Shinobu. It was only the maroon haired slayer that seemed to understand the gaze Kyoujurou held. It left a slight smirk.
"Glad to see you back to checking on the injured! How are you, Shinobu-san?" The insect pillar glanced to Kyoujurou, holding his gaze.
"Been better, but also worse. What have you come for?" Kyoujurou chewed his lip, looking elsewhere for a moment before widening his smile.
"I was going to ask for a moment. I'd like to speak my mind..." Shinobu took a moment, giving a confused glance.
"I can leave you if you need to speak with Tanjirou..."
"No... I uh, I wanted to speak with you. If you're able, that is?!" Tanjirou snickered, noticing Shinobu's glance. She was completely unaware it only made Tanjirou burst out laughing. He eyed Kyoujurou before waving toward Shinobu.
"Go on. I'll be here once you return." She gave an uncertain look, but ultimately rose before following Kyoujurou from the room. Giyuu and Rui had been silent, unable to piece the mood.
"What was that? Why was Kyoujurou so baffled?" Tanjirou took a moment, his gaze meeting Giyuu's as he spoke with genuine kindness. He truly felt joyful to know Shinobu had a chance to move on.
"Simple Giyuu. It is the face you make before a confession. You and I have been in that position, after all."
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Enjoy the image I drew. Got bored and just doodled in my sleep deprived state not too long ago. (✿◡‿◡)
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