❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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The sun seemed to loom in the horizon as trees danced in the broad day, leaves rustling as a sound startled the silence around the two. A silence that was intermixed with faint humming and faint laughter echoing out. Gleeful sounds that were brought together as eyes of blue and maroon interlocked, glistening from the sun's radiance. Crested in such cold shadows at times, like a mirage. A blissful piece of serenity. 

Two years. That was the time that had passed and, in that timeframe, the two had done countless things. Completed countless missions and had worked their way up to higher ranks in the core. Giyuu himself had become a Hashira beside Sabito, sharing the title of Water Hashira. As for Tanjirou, though still relatively young, he'd become one of the younger Hashira. The Moon Hashira, a title he valued in memory to his uncle. 

Which was another thing. With becoming a Hashira, Tanjirou found himself able to acquire more knowledge on things. One in particular had been about his uncle and father, though vague. He'd only understood whom it spoke of after struggling to understand the writing. Simply put, his uncle Kokushibo and father Yoriichi had once been Hashira. Had once been a symbol, but from text, Kokushibo had broken from the core with jealousy. Had turned to being a Demon for not only the hope to surpass Yoriichi, but to avoid his own untimely demise. 

As for his father, Yoriichi had left the Demon slayer Core simply because of his brother's betrayal. He'd become outcasted, a thought that undoubtably irked Tanjirou some. However, the past was still the past and while the truth was shocking, Tanjirou never held onto it much. It was simply a good read sometimes. 

Which brought him to the current, his eyes scanning the readings once more as Giyuu seemed to speak on the matter. A friendly chatter that never bothered Tanjirou any. "You know, reading that multiple times won't change the story or context." 

Tanjirou glimpsed form the parcel before he smiled, shrugging softly. His head still laid along Giyuu's lap as he carried on. Kept on reading with distinct interest. One that made Giyuu chuckle. "So, tell me. Find anything else in that reading?" 

"Of course. I found my uncle is the coolest. I didn't take up the Moon Hashira title for nothing." Giyuu gave an amused hum. 

"Speaking of, why didn't you claim the Sun Hashira title? Sun breathing is your main breathing, is it not?" Tanjirou nodded, though both understood why. It was something Tanjirou didn't feel he deserved. Not yet at least. He wasn't ready to fill the spot where the memory of his father once stood. A man who shown brightly. 

"Someday I'll offer to take that spot, but I'm waiting. I haven't fully found myself yet, Giyuu. Not to mention, I'm still in process of thinking over what was said two years ago." Giyuu nodded, his hand shifting through Tanjirou's hair softly. He opened his mouth, ready to speak before silence ensued as both heard their crows. Viewed them overhead circling.

"By order, you're to report to the estate. There is a mission..."

"A mission... One that is to be given by the leader. Hurry..." 

"Hurry..." The two crows spoke in unison, as they'd grown to doing. With the amount of time Giyuu and Tanjirou were together, they had become accustomed to finishing the other's sentences.  With the news now offered, the two left, leaving Tanjirou to place the paper to his lips as he peered to Giyuu. Watched how those blue eyes softened. 

"I suppose we're to hurry, huh?" Giyuu chuckled, nodding as Tanjirou sat up. Rising from the stone they had been seated on, Tanjirou stretched out before Giyuu joined him. reached out and fixed Tanjirou's mess for hair before beginning to lead the walk. It left the maroon hair male to laugh silently as he raced to catch up, the charm along his hairband shifting with him. A single charm that was handcrafted by Giyuu himself, revealing a sun emblem that was enveloped in water. 

Once at the estate, both entered before heading toward the main yard. Giyuu was the first to enter, noticing a few faces including Sabito, who had wasted no time in approaching. As for Tanjirou, he'd been stopped before the entrance to the main yard by Sanemi, who offered him a faint wave. With everything in the past, Tanjirou's strength had won him Sanemi's kindness. 

"Sanemi-san. How have you been? Well, I do hope." There was a small pause before Sanemi nodded, a faint smile present. 

"I'm well, though just returned from a mission. A bit tired in truth." Tanjirou nodded, entering the main area as Sanemi followed. Took a spot by Tanjirou as the two carried on talking. 

However, their conversation came to a halt the moment Kagaya came into view. It was like a silence fell over the space as Kagaya took a seat under the overhang of the building, his gaze while not actually looking at anyone, still seemed to linger along each frame. A calming smile placed on frail features. "My dearest children, it's good to know you're in good health. I know some wonder on why you were summoned, but I've come with good news. It seems we're gaining another Hashira today."

With those words, Tanjirou shifted his gaze to the doorway where now Kyoujurou stood, his gaze seeming to catch Tanjirou's. A small wave offered. "He'll be replacing the Flame Hashira, from this day forward. Please, take a seat." 

Entering, he took the spot beside Giyuu before Kagaya continued. "Now then, onto the main reason of this meeting. The mission I'm to give will be taking place in two areas. I want Sanemi to go with Kanae to the South. A village has been attacked and is bound to be attacked again. You will be meeting a few youngsters there as well, so care for them.  As for the other part of this mission, Tanjirou; you and Kyoujurou are to head West. Giyuu will be tasked to catch up in time, but he's another task beforehand. After all, I am aware you two prefer to remain together, so I'll keep from separating you both." Tanjirou gave a thankful nod as Kagaya carried on. 

"Tanjirou, your mission will be in a forest. From acquired knowledge, there is a lowermoon and a few other Demons. It shouldn't be anything troublesome, but I wish to assure things run smoothly. I do not wish to see harm to my children. The Demon Slayers are my beloved family. As for you Sanemi, the task should be simple and after, take time to relax." 

"Understood, Kagaya-sama." Once more a silence seemed to linger before Kagaya finished up the meeting. Dismissed each Hashira, leaving Tanjirou to stop at the entrance of the area as Kyoujurou followed him. 

"Tanjirou!" Turning, he viewed Giyuu approach. 

"Giyuu-san, what is it?" Giyuu seemed to hesitate before he reached out. Let his hand catch Tanjirou's as he offered a small squeeze. His eyes gentle but concerned. 

"Be safe. I'll be sure to catch up quickly." Tanjirou chuckled, letting his smile grow as he offered a small squeeze in return before breaking the contact. 

"I'll be awaiting then." With that, Tanjirou was off, Kyoujurou offering a nod before following suit. It left Giyuu determined as he too set out, alone. 

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Here's to another chapter! Also, hopefully Tanjirou is easier to read here. I wanted to lighten his character with maturity, so leave me feedback. I always love reading comments. On that note, take care and I'll be looking forward to posting soon! <3

Current Hashira: 

Moon Hashira - Tanjirou Tsugikuni

Water Hashira - Sabito and Giyuu

Flame Hashira - Kyoujurou Rengoku

Wind Hashira - Sanemi

Flower Hashira - Kanae Kocho

Stone Hashira - Gyomei

(More to be listed as the stories continue.)