❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

▫️◽⬜3️⃣7️⃣⬜◽▫️

After the mission had come to pass, the four had made their way toward the estate under orders of the master. Kagaya had been given prior details to the sequence of events and more than a sort of worry, he was curious. Curious of Tanjiro, truthfully. He had never before heard of someone capable of more than one breath. In short, Tanjiro defied the odds. He was who Kagaya believed would bring a change. Swap the tides of this infinite war. 

That said, it didn't make the tensions on those walking the paths enveloped in wisteria trees feel less burdensome. Giyuu was more worried of being reprimanded for the arguing him and Rengoku had displayed. However, just having Tanjiro beside him eased the weight just enough to allow him to breath his own breathes. At least until they passed the main door. Shinobu had broken off not long, headed for her own estate, the butterfly mansion where her family was still present. Which left the three alone; some more stiff and concerned than others. 

For Tanjiro, he was more cheerful. Lost to the scenery before him. The detailing of the estate that harbored the main pillars of the Demon Slayers. The hope for humanity. Truth be told, Tanjiro always had been curious on whom had made the pillars. With the constant missions, he'd never been able to explore the unknown and today had been the perfect chance. It left a smile stretched along calm features as the trio finally reached the door that was slid open, revealing a courtyard beyond. One filled with white and silver gravel and rocks, floral thriving and bringing a beauty to the area.

Granted, Tanjiro was pulled to the present the moment a voice seemed to startle the silence; one that both Giyuu and Tanjiro knew well. The voice of Sabito, who had dared not delay an approach to his past comrades and family. Arms wrapped around both, drawing them closer as smiles were drawn in the open. "Tanjiro! Tomioka! It's been a time, hasn't it?"

"It indeed has, Sabito-san. How have you kept these years?" Tanjiro's words drew a silence before the salmon haired male opened his mouth. Though, his words were snuffed out by another voice, rather brash and arrogant. A type of voice that displayed the personality clear as day. 

"Chummy, aren't you? Such pointless things, such as friendships. They'll die out someday, Sabito." How those words irked the two thoroughly, yet they kept silent. Instead, viewed Sabito narrow his gaze with a cold disdain.

"Ah, yes; I dare say I forgot you were even here Sanemi. Tell me, you ever shed that prickly coat of yours?" The tensions seemed to only rise as Sanemi dared to speak once more, if not for being silenced. A voice to which spoke power, leaving Tanjiro's gaze to linger to a larger male. A scar pressed to tan skin along the head and eyes without color. 

"That is enough. You're disrespecting this land that our master deems his home. These grounds are not for wars' especially amongst ourselves." Tanjiro couldn't help but admire the words, his eyes softening as he caught wind of many other's showing. All took their seats, leaving Sabito to usher Giyuu and Tanjiro toward him. Kneeling beside Sabito, Tanjiro was the only one to dare let his gaze wander to the deck with a shadowed overhang; viewing the figure that was being guided. However, Sabito was quick to push his head down into a bow.

"Now presenting; Kagaya." The voice was soft, though held a neutral tone. Even so, Tanjiro couldn't say he hated the sounds the tone made. Feeling Sabito's hand fall from his head, it left Tanjiro to still keep still until he heard Kagaya's voice. A sound so calm, yet tremendously tattered and bringing a sort of hidden strength. A devotion and determination.

"I'm pleased to see so many here with me. All the pillars; my beloved children. As well as three other's; Tanjirou, Giyuu, and Rengoku. Raise your heads." Doing as told, none spoke a single word, only looked to the image of the hope for humanity. "I've summoned you all here in hopes to unravel my curiosities; though, I do pray I've not startled you none. It is in my hopes to achieve the knowledge I lack; which brings me to you, Tanjiro. I'm aware from reports that you wield two breathes."

How chaos seemed to spill from Sanemi, though silenced quickly. "You've got to be joking. Some nobody can't wield such strengths when even us pillars are incapable!"

"Sanemi; hold your tongue before the master. You were not spoken to, so keep true to your status and remain silent." Once more Tanjiro peered to the pillar that stood large in comparison to the others. It left a small smile before he once more focused on Kagaya, who had been awaiting even a single sound. 

"That is correct, though not entirely." Sanemi gave a cocky smile, followed by Kagaya's words. 

"Oh? How so?" Tanjiro took a breath, chewing his lip lightly. 

"I do possess two breathes that you're knowledgeable of, but that isn't the full truth to my ability. I truly am able to wield three in total. Water breathing, Sun breathing, as well as Moon breathing." If Sanemi had lost his calm at mention of two, three sent him into a fit. His sudden raised voice startled Tanjiro, truthfully. Left the maroon male to flinch slightly before he felt fingers slip just lightly into his own. A small squeeze easing his heart. 

"He must be lying, Kagaya-sama! There is no history that speaks of ability such as his. He must not be human if such is true. Us humans are only capable of so much..." Those words caused a anger in Giyuu to boil up, his words filling the space and cutting into Sanemi. 

"I dare say you best not be implying what I think. As a pillar, you've been a symbol for the Slayer's of lower ranks. Disregarding your duty to train and teach us and instead belittle us is not suited of the position." Sanemi gave a click of his tongue before Kagaya spoke up, cutting the tensions entirely. 

"Sanemi, he is correct. Remain quiet and do not assume such things. Anything is possible; isn't that right Tanjiro?" The other nodded slowly, hearing the other speak once more. "That said, you must erase your anger, Giyuu. Sanemi spoke from his heart, so do not take his words seriously. Unless proven, there is no evidence." 

"I apologize, Kagaya-sama..." Giyuu lowered his head briefly, still feeling the irritation that swirled in his gut. However, it was settled the moment Tanjirou was confronted with more words. A sequence of sentences that made the raven seem to fall into a silence.

"That said, I wish to ask for the proof that Sanemi desires. Reveal one technique of all breathes and we shall not doubt your words."

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Sorry for the semi-shorter chapter. It's been a minute, so I had to re-read everything over again. However, I'm here to present another chapter! Enjoy and once more, I apologize for my absence. Works got me rather busy, unfortunately.