❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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The first night had been a success, leaving morning in the horizon as Tanjirou examined his own blade. The slight glimmer from the last bits of moonlight. A cool breeze rolled through as Tanjirou tucked his arms slightly more into the haori he was wearing. After Urokodaki had given him a blue one, he had desired to wear it. A gift after all, meant the world to Tanjirou. Sabito's snores were present above, filling the remaining silence. A few times they had heard the shouts of others, but a plan was a plan. In the end, Tanjirou was left praying the voices were in good shape. After all, he couldn't risk his own life even if his heart urged him to. 

Tanjirou felt a violent shiver race through him as he glanced to Makomo. She was busy drawing designs in the ground, leaving the other to avoid bothering her. It only made Tanjirou lingering his gaze to the missing spot. Giyuu had left nearly ten minutes before, alone. The thought left Tanjirou on edge and Makomo knew that well. She had urged he'd be just fine, but fears layered in the maroon haired male. Anything could happen, he knew that well. 

"Tanjirou, just relax. Giyuu knows what he's doing." There was a long hesitation before Tanjirou simply sighed. He let his nose reach out for the scent, praying it was nearby. Lucky for him, it was not too far off. It made the other perk up with joy as a raven set of hair came into view. Those blue eyes showed his joy along with the smile as he met Tanjirou's gaze. "I told you. How'd the search go?"

Giyuu began to explain as he took a seat, noticing Tanjirou glancing toward him. Offering his leg, the youngest willingly laid on it, listening as Giyuu began his report on his scouting. He'd been tasked with finding water. Truthfully, Tanjirou only prayed it was a success. His throat was beyond dry.

"I found two whole sources of water, though one seems less likely. I noticed the large shadows below, so I am assuming something lives there. On that note, the creak I found runs fresh. I tested the water, so it's clear. It's located about half a mile South." Makomo nodded, her ears perking up as she heard slight shuffles before the sounds of someone landing drew her gaze. Sabito stretched outward, taking in the short nap and calming silence. 

"Morning. What did I miss?" Giyuu chuckled, Tanjirou simply letting his eyelids relax. He could feel fingers brushing along his hair, making it harder for him to remain awake. Even so, he tried desperately to. 

"We found a source of water. I figure an hour till sunrise and then we begin pairing to get food and water. Giyuu, make sure you two don't get lost. You both have a bad habit of wandering." Those words made Tanjirou press his lips together, a cheeky smile showing. 

"Giyuu's far worse then me. I know when to come back to reality." Giyuu raised a brow, rubbing roughly in Tanjirou's hair. It made the other laugh before they all fell silent once more, simply glancing to the starry sky. They all had to admit, the outside was a beauty. 

"Either way, just be careful. This place is still dangerous. No one in here is truly a friend." Sabito nodded, adding a remark.

"Pretty much survival of the fittest." Makomo nodded, agreeing with the statement. 

"Now then, don't think I don't see you dosing off on Giyuu's lap. Rest up for another hour, Tanjirou."

"Are you sure? I feel bad..." Giyuu smiled before Sabito spoke up, his tone its usual cheer. 

"Don't. You're the youngest, so we figured you'd account for more sleep." Tanjirou hummed, feeling Giyuu play with hair again. It made him smile, basking in the gentle touch. 

"We'll wake you up and won't leave you, okay?" Again Tanjirou hummed to Giyuu's words, letting his breath settle as sleep rolled over him. He was more then grateful to them. His friends and current family. 

Golden hair shifted about as Kyoujurou leaned on a tree. He'd taken the evening as a resting point, recently waking. He was glad he had. Upon his eyes opening, he'd cleared an ambush on him. He glanced to the remains of the Demons beginning to dissolve, his face seemingly plain. He didn't feel much. No real joy. No real regret. He simply saw it as a job. How could he not, with his father being a Hashira. 

Pushing that thought away, he replaced his sword on his hip before pushing off the tree. He moved a bit away from the remain, finding his gaze drift. The fact this trial was so deadly made it infuriating. Not that it was a challenge, but that some dared try. He knew well far too many at the beginning would not make it. They didn't have resolve. Sighing low, he glanced upward as he noticed raven hair shift past. Kyoujurou slightly hid himself, frowning when he'd notice who was passing. 

In all his years of being lectured, he'd heard his father complain about a certain other Hashira of the past. The old Water Hashira was seeking to simply let go of the position, leaving his disciples to ultimately seek that spot out. While he'd never truly met the old Hashira or the disciples, he was not a fool on how to distinguish them. After all, the masks were all made by the same man. A symbol of who was the master. 

Brushing his hair out of his face, he couldn't help but linger back in memory. He had heard of four disciples, but had only seen three. It left him wondering what had happened. Unfortunately, it wasn't his business. He knew that. But a part of him held envy. Kyoujurou had witnessed their laughter. The smiles and good times; the friendship. It was something Kyoujurou wanted, but never could achieve. Not so long as he felt chained down by this duty his father sought for him. Truthfully, he felt the only chance he'd be able to break free was the moment his father stepped down. It had become his ultimate goal and factor for pushing forward, even if alone. 

So that someday he would become Hashira and finally set himself free. Be able to live the life he desired. 

To finally set his own path and forge his own destiny. 

〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰🔆〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

Hope you've enjoyed the chapter. I wanted to know below, what I should do. I will be looking for votes, so please only vote on one. They will be listed below as numbered options.

1.) Skip the seven days and jump to after they exit the area. 

2.) Do the final Days of the trial (Last two days or so.)

3.) Do a chapter for each day. (Will also show Kyoujurou at points, though not much.)