The Water Tsuguko

Chapter 6

The next two months of training leading up to the final selection, Takeo was starting to see the little changes in his body. His arms were toned and muscular, and he even noticed how much taller he’s gotten- though he doubts that he’ll be taller than his older siblings. He even had abs now!

He started sparring with Giyuu- obviously with the older one not even giving twenty five percent- to get his hand-to-hand combat better in case he ever needed to fight without a sword.

And soon, all the hashiras gathered at the Butterfly Mansion to celebrate Takeo’s final selection before he went- it was all Tengen’s idea- and to see him off the next morning when he would make the journey to Fujinasaki Mountain- though most people called it the Mountain of the Wisteria due to the miles of wisteria trees and flowers surrounding the base of the mountain.

Takeo found that he quite enjoyed having something to celebrate himself that was bigger than a little more than a slightly bigger meal than normal, and the day off from doing any chores. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he felt slightly guilty, he should have been thankful for the life his family has provided him. He took his mind off his own negativity when Kanao walked up to him and smiled.

He was able to decipher that the smile meant that she wanted to talk, though he knew that she was still not good at talking around people, so he gave her a nod and they walked together to the gardens outside, though not before hearing Tengen screaming at something Shinobu said- though what she said went unheard by his ears.

“Good luck,” Kanao said, her voice as even and monotone as ever. She was kind of like Giyuu in that way. She didn’t talk much, but when she did, it was silent, and her voice rarely ever wavered.

“Thank you, Kanao-chan,” Takeo smiled at her. “Do you know when you’re supposed to do your final selection?”

“Whenever my master says I’m ready,” Kanao said, pausing to lift up her finger to let a butterfly rest softly on her finger.

Takeo smiled at the little insect with its light blue wings before finally making a connection that he should have been able to discover ages ago.

“Oh,” he dragged out in surprise. “At first I thought it was because your master is the Insect Hashira, but now I know why you call it the Butterfly Mansion!” Kanao gave him a confused look as he continued. “It’s because your master’s last name is Kocho, and kocho means butterfly.”

Takeo facepalmed at his own stupidity, and he could hear the quiet giggles that Kanao let out, and he was glad that he was able to make her laugh. If she seemed to like his personality, he bet that she would love Tanjiro. He suspected that they would get along well, due to Tanjiro’s overly friendly personality.

They went back inside after talking for a while, not wanting anyone to worry about their disappearance. The rest of the night was spent eating delicious food- most was consumed by Mitsuri- playing games, and some of the hashiras having qurells with each other. Takeo had to admit, some of the light arguing was hilarious. Especially when it came from Muichiro. Somehow, he was the most dazed hashira, though he came up with the best insults and comebacks.

The night ended- much to Takeo’s dismay, and the sun started to rise- meaning that it was time for him to leave for final selection. Giyuu walked with him until he pointed out where the mountain was, and gave the small boy a hug- which surprised him, though he still returned it.

“Come back, okay,” Giyuu said, and you could tell his voice was choked.

“I will,” Takeo promised, though it would be his first experience with a demon and he had no clue what to expect.