The Sun Always Come Back

Chapter 6 : The East

Aude scire
Dare to know

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[Tanjiro's POV]

It's been two weeks since we are in the east.

After the last events, the mission was apparently intended to lift our spirits, while allowing us to get back in shape; a considerate gesture from the Corps I thought. In addition, this area had been made vulnerable since the death of the Flame Hashira and demanded protection and we were more than willing to provide it.

Allow me to explain : As soon as I received the message from my crow, I hurried to brief my friends about my assigned missions. Much to my surprise, I discovered that they, too, had received new tasks via their crow (or sparrow) while I was outside. Most of my friend's missions were solo.

So that meant we were going to all be separated for a bit of time.

Because of that, Zenitsu was sulking and crying (in his usual fashion), insisting he wanted to stay behind with his beloved Nezuko. Inosuke, on the other hand, was just being...Inosuke, boasting about how he would slay demons left and right and how "Nemitsu'' would have already died if he was crying like that in the mountains.

As for Nezuko, she seemed in a good mood but it was hard to say because of her bamboo gag.

The following day, for our departure, we quickly went to the butterfly estate to retrieve some belongings. While passing through the corridors, I ran into Aoi, who didn't hesitate to reprimand me. She insisted that I wasn't taking good enough care of myself, especially after my recent injuries. Aoi also voiced aloud her opinion that it was foolish for all of us to resume missions so soon while still recovering and grieving.

In hindsight, she wasn't entirely wrong, but unfortunately, demons don't take breaks, and consequently, neither do we.

I did my best to calm her down, even though it wasn't an easy task because when Aoi decided something, she stuck to it. In the end, I had no choice but to apologize and promise to take better care of my health.

After this little dispute discussion, Aoi gave Nezuko, who had been holding my hand the entire time, a carefully wrapped little package. Nezuko made a curious "Mhm" sound as she looked at it. Aoi then signaled her to open the gift.

Inside was a brightly colored ribbon, delicately woven. Aoi gently took Nezuko's hand and started braiding the ribbon around her arm to make a little bracelet.

I later learned that the ribbon had been a gift from Naho, Sumi, and Kiyo (who unfortunately weren't there that day, so I couldn't thank them). They had pooled their pocket money to go to town and buy something special for Nezuko. This gesture deeply moved me. I knew my little sister was well-liked despite being a demon among these girls, but I hadn't realized to what extent. If I had known earlier, I would have offered to help them buy the item.