Infinity With You | T. Muichiro

5

Chapter 5
CLEMATIS

"Who're you again?"

Muichiro thought out loud, and you felt the whole world crash around you as your blood instantly went cold. You feel like you almost had a heart attack. Staring at him with wide eyes, you struggled to think of an answer to that kind of statement.

"H-huh..?"

Kagaya, after hearing Muichiro's words made a signal at Shinobu, raising his hand. She nodded in respect before tugging you off the floor. With a polite bow, she excused herself with you in tow who was too shocked to even resist as you were dragged away from the room.

"Shinobu nee-san! What happened to him!?"

As you as you snapped out of your daze, you immediately interrogated Shinobu, clearly in a panic. What now? Yuichiro is dead and now Muichiro don't even remember you? You feel like the world didn't hate anyone more than you at that moment.

"It seems that the event was so traumatic that the brain blocked out the memories."

Seeing the hopeless and worried expression, Shinobu felt sorry for the girl. She was not older than eleven yet, one thing kept happening another. It must be overwhelming, she thinks sadly.

"Can...it be cured?"

You ask after a moment of hesitation, preparing for the worst.

"Yes, fortunately. With patience and steady progress, he can regain his memories."

The Insect Hashira confirmed with a smile, which turned soft after seeing the girl's relieved expression.

"However!"

She raises her index finger in a lecturing manner.

"You mustn't overwhelm him with all the information, do small things at a time, get it?"

"I understand."

You walk away from her, wanting to see Muichiro again but Shinobu stopped you, gripping your shoulder rather painfully with a tight smile on her face.

"Now now, where do you think you're going? You need plenty of rest."

"Ahahaha..."

After resting for several hours, you regained your full energy. Shinobu fortunately let you walk around the estate, but not forgetting to remind you not to strain yourself. Standing up, you got out of bed, to do something that has been nagging in the back of your mind for a while.

But you were stopped by the twins earlier, who they informed you about the Master request for your presence. You followed behind them, thinking of reasons to why he would've called you for. Sliding the door open, you were greeted with the sight of the Master and his wife, Amane. 

"(Name), take a seat. The weather today is lovely, isn't it?"

"Yes..."

You meekly took a seat in front of them, looking anywhere but the people in front of you.

"I requested your presence to ask you about your decision."

He starts, his calm voice easing your nerves immediately. You wonder if it was a natural talent of his.

"What kind of decision?"

"First, I would like to show you something. Follow me, child."

With the help of his wife, the Master stands up, causing you to stand up as well in response.

The three of you walked slowly along the narrow path, your sandals crunching the fallen leaves beneath. The forest was thick, with towering trees casting long shadows in the late afternoon light. Birds chirped above, and the occasional rustle of leaves signaled a small animal darting away. Your mind drifted back to the times you and the twins had spent a big amount of time collecting firewood, it was fun. Well, it used to, before everything went downhill.

After a short while, the three of you reached a large cemetery. The sight slightly stunned you. 

"It's hard, isn't it? To lose many people at such a young age. It must be agonizing, yet you haven't shed a tear. You're a strong girl."

A hand rested on top of your head, causing you to look up at the man with surprise.

"I...did cry, a lot too. I am not strong."

You looked away from him.

"Ah, that means you're stronger."

"Crying is better than bottling the feelings up. A young child like you shouldn't be compelled to hide your feelings away. You're strong."

His words were soothing and calm, it made you want to be vulnerable and break down. You blinked the tears away. 

'Not now.'

The master walked with you through the tranquil cemetery, his voice a calm murmur amidst the rustling leaves. "This place is a resting ground for soldiers who died with honor, my children." he explained, his tone reverent. The sun casts long shadows over the neatly arranged gravestones, each bearing the name of a fallen warrior.

Your steps faltered as they approached a familiar grave. Your breath caught in your throat when you saw the name etched into the stone;

Tokito Yuichiro

"This..."

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. The weight of loss and unresolved emotions crashed over the fragile little girl like a tidal wave. You dropped to your knees in front of the grave, hands trembling as you reached out to touch the cold stone. You miss Yuichiro so much. The thought that you will never see him again tore your heart apart. It was like the reality was hitting you straight in the heart.

"The boy died protecting another, he deserves a good resting place, don't you think so, (Name)?"

"Yui..." You whispered, your voice breaking. Tears streamed down your face as you broke down, sobs echoing in the quiet air.

The Master and his wife stood silently behind you, giving you the space to grieve. But then, a comforting hand gently rubbed your back, causing you to cry harder.

You walked through the hallway, quietly sliding open the door. Muichiro was still resting. You make yourself comfortable beside his futon and hugged your knees quietly, tired from another crying session. Shaking your head, you quickly wiped the tears threatening to fall again. Deciding to distract yourself, you recalled the earlier events.

"(Name), would you like to go home?"

After quieting down, the Master asked you with a gentle tone. This caused you to sulk again.

"I...don't have a home for me to return to anymore..."

You definitely did not want to go to your old house, you think that if you were to go there, you would not stop crying.

"If you want, I could arrange a living space for you. I do not wish for another innocent bystander to face danger anymore. However, if you wish to remain here and join the corps, I will not stop you."

A hint of admiration took root in her heart, and she felt herself smiling at the man, grateful from the bottom of her heart.

"It's your choice, (Name)."

'My choice huh...'

You glanced at the peaceful sleeping face of Muichiro and a small smile made way to your face, happy with yourself for your decision to stay. You couldn't imagine leaving Muichiro alone and vulnerable, with no memory of his past. Yes, you won't regret this choice. Ever. If it means, seeing Muichiro happy and safe from harm.

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Taisho Rumors

During (Name)'s stay at their old house, she used to perform dances in a small stream near the forest! Her regular audience was Muichiro.

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Author Notes

When I read the manga, I noticed that most Hashira were saved by Kaguya's words and kindness so since (Name) will be a Hashira in the future, I wanted to add this scene specifically for her growth.