'Well shit.' Giyuu held back a cough. 'Not now.' He glanced around. It was nearing the end of the hashira meeting. He saw the master glance at him, as if seeing despite the fact that his eyes had already lost their ability to see.
He could taste the metal in his mouth and the others frowned, glancing around. Their master had suddenly stopped smiling.
"Master? Are you alright?" Shinobu asked softly. He seemed to jump before his smile returned.
"My apologies. I was lost in thought. Please continue." They hesitated before continuing their reports. he gave his own after a minute.
"There was a decrease of demon activity around the southern areas of my territory. The western border has had a large rise in activity however. The demons around that area have started to try and form small groups to hunt together." The master frowned. They had all had this problem. decrease in one area, increase in another.
He sighed and nodded. "I see. I'll start sending groups of demon slayers towards those areas. For now, you may all go home. Take a night to rest for your upcoming missions." Giyuu nodded, even knowing it would not be seen.
They all slowly exited the room before the master called out. "Tomioka. May I speak to you privately for a minute? I need to ask you something."
Giyuu paused. "Of course Master." He walked back inside, letting to door close and reclaimed his seat. Beads of sweat littered his forehead. He needed to cough again. He could taste the red liquid in his mouth. He forced he feeling down as his master spoke.
"I know that you're ill Tomioka." He flinched and lowered his head.
"It's nothing. It'll pass soon enough. Just a mild cough." He lied. The master sighed.
"I already know how bad it is Tomioka." He handed him a paper. "A kakushi said you dropped this and read it incase it was a letter that needed to be delivered. She was very concerned and brought it to me."
He unfolded the paper and tensed. His hospital forms. His test results. He was listed for in the cure for all but one disease; Pneumonia. And it was terminal. He lowered his head.
"I-I'm sorry that I lied-"
"Don't be. You didn't want to upset me. I know." Giyuu looked up at his master's kind smile. His own lips pulled into a small smile. "But please tell me. How long do you have left?" Giyuu paused.
"I have two months left."
YOU ARE READING
The Silent Signs
FanfictionHe never told them. Giyuu was always so silent, so quiet. He never wanted to burden the others. But had they known about his illness, he would have made them worry. If only he had told them. If only he had told him.
