"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ꜱᴏ ɪɴᴛᴏxɪᴄᴀᴛɪɴɢ, ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴍᴀᴅᴅᴇɴɪɴɢ."

| Chapter 1 |

The sun gently caressed the earth with it's golden rays, casting a warm glow upon anything that it touches. A soft breeze shakes the leaves on the trees, carrying the scent of the sweet blossoms. The sky above was a soft shade of baby blue, clouds shaped like cotton candy being the cherry on top to the beautiful scenery.
Except, this day wouldn't exactly go the way as it's being portrayed.
In the Demon Slayer Corps, tensions simmered between Giyu Tomioka and Sanemi Shinazugawa, their rivalry tinged with animosity that colored their every interaction together. Sanemi, known for his harsh, brutal demeanor and abrasive tongue, would often provoke Giyu with cutting remarks about his aloofness and quiet nature.
During training sessions, Sanemi would deliberately push Giyu beyond his limits, scoffing at his efforts and undermining his skills. Sanemi, fueled by his resentment towards Giyu's reserved nature and perceived, "arrogance", would unleash a barrage of bruising insults, questioning Giyu's existence within the corps.
In retaliation, Giyu, usually very composed, would occasionally snap back with biting remarks about Sanemi's reckless behavior and lack of discipline.

—

Giyu had found himself striding through the bustling corridors of the Corps headquarters, his steps measured and his expression typically nonchalant. As he reached the middle of the hall, a sense of tension prickled at the back of his neck, alerting him of another presence at the end of the hall. Instinctively, he walked more deliberately, preparing for any encounter. As he rounded the corner, he found himself face to face with..

The Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa.

The gaze of Sanemi mirrored Giyu's own guarded demeanor, their eyes locked in a silent standoff. The tension in the room was so intense, it defined their uneasy relationship within the ranks. Despite the tension crackling between them, neither spoke a word, the air thick with unspoken challenges and unresolved conflicts.
"Too slow, dumbass."
A sharp pain hit the side of Giyu's arm, feeling as if it was going to bruise. Sanemi had brushed pass Giyu, not a care in the world for the other.

With that, Giyu had entered the hashira meeting with a quiet presence, though he knew he was late. As he took his place among the other Hashira's, the air grew thick with disapproving stares, whispers of judgement, and thinly veiled insults. Some muttered about his usual tardiness, questioning the act of the matter. Others exchanged knowing glances, silently criticizing his aloof demeanor. Despite the hostility that had been directed toward him, Giyu remained silent, as always. He endured the uncomfortable silence that followed his arrival, knowing that earning the respect of his fellow hashira would require more than just words.

He had known that since day one.

Sanemi's POV :
I have been trying the entirety of things to make Giyu break, and nothing has worked.
Everything I do, it's like it's seems as though he couldn't care less.
That asshole thinks he's better then everyone.
And with all honesty, I'm fed up with it.
Ive exhausted every element—physical, verbal, and psychological torment— and still, he remains unmoved.
Obviously, Giyu had been last in line. He may not be the last within the ranks, but he certainly is last isn't he category of physical strength. Talk about a downgrade, tch.

3rd person POV :
The meeting started off the same way it always had. The hashira's convened, each standing tall and resolute. They were each lined up in strict order of their esteemed ranks, and the air was charged with a mixture of reverence and tension as they awaited the arrival of their revered Master, Ubayashiki.
"The master of the mansion—has arrived." A puny, comforting voice had said softly, silencing the soft murmuring within the hashiras.
Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love pillar, had greeted the Master with a warm, enthusiastic voice.
Kneeling near the front of the line, Sanemi broke the solemnity with a sharp, harsh remark. He muttered loudly to make sure that everyone heard what he was about to say.