❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

▫️◽⬜3️⃣5️⃣⬜◽▫️

After everything that had happened in the past day or so, they were lucky to have still made it within the hour designated. It was nearly the evening of the following day, leaving most in their homes. The streets were empty for the most part, beyond the few that had nightly duties to attend to. Even so, it left the trio to wander into the area and slowly make way to the inn where Shinobu was still present. 

Of all present, Tanjirou was the most pleased to have Shinobu around. While her personality was hard to accept at times, she was smart and understanding of the situations. She did what was deemed right, no matter the trouble. Not to mention, she lacked strength but still fought on par with those around her. She was strong, even if lacking in places. Her main weapon was poisons made of wisteria, which was a unique aspect to her. It was something Tanjirou looked highly upon. 

Rounding the corner of the street they were still on, Tanjirou was the first to notice that purple hair that seemed so cool in the evening's light. It left him to run forward a bit and leave the other's behind as he wore a smile that shined so brightly with words so soothing and kind. "Shinobu-san! Long time no see." 

"Tanjirou, it has been a time. How have you held up?" Her smile pulled lightly along her expression; at least until she spotted Giyuu coming up from behind Tanjirou. It left her expression unreadable for a moment. "Well, well, if it isn't Tomioka-san. I see you're still as lonely as ever!"

"I'm not lonely, Shinobu; you're just too blind to notice." She shrugged lightly before chuckling in a venomous manner.

"That's the reason you lack friends, Tomioka-san. Your personality is rather chilled and hard to bear." Giyuu stayed silent before he rolled his eyes and ignored her presence. It left Tanjirou and Rengoku to trade looks before the maroon brought his voice to the open, drawing in the focus of all. 

"On that note, sorry we're late. We had mishaps, as you've been notified about. Even so, we're here. Have you received any information on the demon's whereabouts?" She seemed to stay silent for the moment before she nodded.

"I am pretty sure the demon comes from the Western woods some time at night. I say we head that way now and beat the demon in its tracks!" Tanjirou nodded, glancing to Giyuu. 

"There's another demon in the Eastern side, so maybe you and Rengoku head for that one. It should be simple for you two."

"I'd prefer to stay with you, Tanjirou." There was a moment where the air felt heavy before Tanjirou spoke once more.

"I understand that wholeheartedly, but this is our job. You'll have to make do this time, alright? We'll meet back here once the task is completed." Giyuu seemed the most uncertain, but he gave in at the end. His sigh broke the space before he shifted his focus toward Rengoku, who was already heading toward the location. It left Tanjirou and Shinobu to head off as well in the opposite direction, a peaceful silence present. 

To say the hunt went smoothly would be an understatement. It was almost too easy in Tanjirou's opinion. Not only was the demon lacking in strength, but Shinobu had soloed it. It left Tanjirou simply observing the fight that was one sided from the beginning. In a way, it made Tanjirou wonder how the other two were holding up. Of course, Shinobu also seemed to grasp where his mind was. Even as the demon faded, she had paid it no mind and instead approached Tanjirou with that oddly bittersweet smile. "You're distracted, Tanjirou." 

"Apologies, Shinobu-san. I was caught up in the thought of the others. Are we finished here?" She nodded, her cold eyes seeming only warm when she spoke with him. She reminded him a bit of Yoriichi, though only briefly. 

"Would you like to wait at the meetup location?" Those words made Tanjirou hesitate before he shook his head, pushing off the tree he'd been leaned along.

"I'd like to head toward the others. It's best to keep our numbers high just in case."

"That's understandable. Shall we?" Shinobu made a small motion, leaving Tanjirou to laugh lightly as he guided the walk, his hand resting on both swords adorning his hips, the decor swinging with every step. 

They had arrived at the other location without trouble, leaving them both to peer around the area. It was strange to find it so quiet, leaving both a bit nervous as Tanjirou took the lead and stepped forward. The fog had grown rather thick, leaving him nearly blind as he found himself drawn to something in the distance. A sound that raced his way rapidly. It left him pulling his sword out, his gaze catching sight of something metal flying past him. It hit the ground; the blade imbedded into the soil as Tanjirou heard the grunt that followed. It left him and Shinobu to hurry over, noticing that head of gold that was so familiar. "Rengoku-san! Are you alright?"

A short cough came from those bleeding lips as Rengoku seemed to take in who was before him. He forced a smile, taking a long breath as Shinobu kneeled beside him. "Where is Giyuu?" 

"He's still fighting the demon... She's different from the other one." Tanjirou raised a brow.

"Other one?" Rengoku nodded, his body aching.

"We killed the initial demon, but we were jumped by another one that was strong; incredibly so. We held up for a bit, but she sent me flying with ease."

"Which way is Giyuu, Rengoku-san?" The other shifted his finger, motioning the direction as Tanjirou turned on his heels. "Take care of him, Shinobu-san. I'll go help Giyuu." 

She simply nodded, focusing on patching Rengoku as Tanjirou hurried through the dense fog. Even with his sight, he had his nose. It led him toward the smell of the ocean, the only scent that radiated from Giyuu's being. It was a soothing smell and one Tanjirou could never forget. But he could also smell another scent, one that made him uneasy. Not because it was a chilling scent, but because it smelled like the morning, the same smell Yoriichi had. A scent that had long been forgotten, but now resurfaced.