2nd Chances

Part 25

Tanjiro had been balancing on a fence as he practiced this "total concentration constant" that Giyuu had informed him of. His recovery had been going smoothly and this was part of his effort to get stronger, to become a hashira.

As he continued focusing he heard the flapping sounds of fabric to his right. He curiously opened his eyes to see who or what could have possibly made that noise.

A small purple haired woman with a butterfly Haori had suddenly appeared next to him.

"What makes you so special?" She asked, her deep purple eyes staring straight into his.

The boy dam near fell off the fence as he was startled, he struggled to catch himself before almost falling over.

"Ahhh!"

Tanjiro awkwardly sat himself back up as he processed what he was just asked.

"Huh? Oh, me?" He asked as he pointed to himself.

The question was so obviously directed at him.

"I'm..... I'm not sure."

Shinobu looked at him, he didn't look that special, she wondered what made Giyuu stick his neck out for such a kid.

"You must be special if he trusts you."

"Who? Giyuu-San?"

"I didn't know you were already friends." She said with a giggle.

Tanjiro had a small blush as he looked away embarrassed.

"We've known each other for a while, he saved me and my sister's life. I couldn't consider him anything less."

Shinobu listened in to the boy as she kicked her legs back and forth.

The moon was really bright that night, the smell of the surrounding nature only working to smooth the senses.

"Excuse me miss..... Ummm... what's your name?"

"Oh, I guess we aren't acquainted yet. You can call me Miss Kocho." She said with a smile liking how that name rolled off her tongue.

"I see..... are you by chance also friends with Giyuu-San?" He asked innocently.

"Friends? We're more than that." She said looking off into the distance.

"Best friends?" He asked cluelessly.

Before she could say anything Giyuu suddenly appeared to Tanjiro's left.

"It's late, what are you doing out here?" His monotone voice asked him.

Tanjiro turned his head around to be practically face to face with Giyuu all of a sudden.

"Ahhhh!" He exclaimed a little startled.

It seemed everyone had a habit of sneaking up on him when he least expected it. They didn't even make any noise giving him some forewarning. Just, Bam! then they're there.

After Tanjiro controlled himself and settled in his breathing he responded to his question.

"I'm practicing that thing you told me about, but it's really difficult."

"Of course it's difficult, it's a technique only taught to those who are either already or about to be Hashira." Giyuu explained.

"Oh, but how do you do it all the time? I'm not really good at it." He said looking at him.

"Giyuu, is he practicing what I think he is?" She asked peering her head around the boy.

"Yes, I thought it'd be good for him to learn." Giyuu replied plainly.