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Your eyes fluttered open as you heard footsteps approaching. You smiled, watching as Shinobu and Mitsuri lowered themselves into the spring. The warm, mineral-rich water steamed gently, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
The Hashira had decided that before training began, you should all spend a day in the hot springs to relax. You were quick to agree with the proposition, eager to get some alone time with the other female Hashira. It was a rare opportunity to bond outside of the usual missions.
Despite not being incredibly close to them, you respected Shinobu and Mitsuri deeply. Even though you had been a Hashira longer than both of them, you understood how difficult it was to attain such a rank.
"You got here early, Yoshida," Shinobu remarked, removing the butterfly pin from her hair and setting it down on a rock. You hummed in response, "I couldn't wait. The springs in Himejima's estate are heaven-sent."
Mitsuri nodded. "I'd say they're better than the ones in the Swordsmith Village!" You and Shinobu were quick to express your agreement.
As you lifted your arms to stretch, Mitsuri let out a gasp. "Yoshida! Are all those scars from your mission with Uzui-san?" You nodded as you gazed at your arm, littered with scars. Looking down at yourself through the water, you frowned as you gazed at the scars on your chest and stomach.
"Are your injuries alright? It hasn't been long since you stopped wearing the sling," Shinobu inquired, her voice laced with concern. You smiled, appreciating her kindness. "They're fine. I've pretty much regained mobility in this arm."
You turned to Mitsuri, your voice tinged with admiration. "What about you? Bearing the Demon Slayer Mark is no joke."
She blushed, beginning to play with her hair. "Well, I have to constantly train in order to maintain the 'marked state.' It's pretty stressful, but I don't mind!"
You smiled at her, tying your hair up so it didn't fall onto your shoulders. The heat from the water seeped into your muscles, providing much-needed relief from the rigors of your duties.
You leaned back slightly, chuckling as you remembered something. "I don't mean to pry, Kanroji, but is there anything going on with you and Iguro?" you asked, tilting your head with a mischievous smile. "You two spend a lot of time together."
She blushed even harder, stammering out, "He's just... very kind to me, and he takes me out to eat. I love the meals we share." A smile made its way onto her lips, and her eyes sparkled with affection.
Shinobu giggled, a rare sound that always seemed to lighten the mood. "Sounds like you have a crush, Kanroji."
"How could I not!" Mitsuri bit her lip, averting her gaze to hide her deepening blush. The love in her heart was clear, and it was endearing to see her so openly expressive.
Shinobu smiled before turning to you, her eyes glinting with playful curiosity. "You're bold for bringing that up, Yoshida. Especially when we could say the same about you and Shinazugawa."
Your face flushed red, heat rising that had nothing to do with the hot spring. "Not this again..." you murmured, causing Mitsuri to smile.
"It's true! Your dynamic with him is so lovely," she chimed in, her voice sincere.
You deadpanned, "Our dynamic? All we do is insult each other."
Shinobu raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eyes. "So, you hate him?"
You averted your gaze, the water rippling gently around you. "Well, hate might be a strong word..." you trailed off, causing her to giggle softly.
Shinobu's teasing tone softened into one of gentle understanding. "See? You do care about him," she remarked, her gaze filled with a warmth that mirrored the comforting embrace of the hot spring.
YOU ARE READING
Twilight, Sanemi Shinazugawa
Fanfic**manga spoilers** Y/n and Sanemi have always clashed- she thinks he's reckless, he thinks she's uptight. But when they're forced to work together on a lengthy mission, tensions rise as they navigate their mutual dislike and the threat of danger. Ca...
