𝒉𝒊𝒎, S. Shinazugawa

- 6 -

One year later
——

It has been about a year since I started training to be a demon slayer. I have made significant improvements which haven't gone unnoticed.

I was in the middle of training when Sanemi told me the good news.

I qualified for the final selection.

Upon hearing the news, I grew nervous at what was to come. Was I ready? What if I fail?

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Sanemi spoke up. "I'm giving you the next week off to prepare. Last thing I need is you getting your head cut off." he scowled.

I could only nod in response. My stomach started twisting and turning as I walked away from Sanemi. I didn't think I was capable enough to make it to the final selection in such a short period of time.

I made my way back to the butterfly estate. Maybe I could talk to Shinobu about what's to come.

Upon entering the estate there was nobody to be found. I walked around checking every known area, even Shinobu's office. Maybe she is on a mission. Soon enough I found myself approaching the garden, only to be met with a familiar figure.

"Tomioka," I pulled the water hashira out of his thoughts. He turned around and gave me an inviting smile. It was his way of telling me to come forward.

We stood together in a comfortable silence until he broke it. "I heard you qualified for the final selection." He said in a monotone voice.

"How long have you known?" I asked.

He looked at me "Not long," he paused "not long at all.." he drifted off. Wow, word spreads faster around here than I thought.

I sighed. "I'm worried. I just don't know what to expect." I can feel my stomach start to churn again. "What if I fail? Or even worst, get hurt." I looked up at Giyuu.

He just looked at me with sympathy before embracing me in a small hug. "You'll do fine, I promise." he quietly said. The hug caught me off guard, but I returned the gesture in no time.

We stayed in the embrace for what felt like forever. It was a sense of comfort I haven't felt since my brother died. I gently pulled out of the hug. "Thank you.. Giyuu."

Over the past year, Giyuu and I have gotten closer. He was somebody I could always count on and talk to. In a way, he reminded me of my brother. But this was the first time I haven't addressed him by his last name. It made me heart race.

"Of course, Y/n." I smiled at him reciprocating the action. The air suddenly got tense and awkward, so I decided to turn around and mumble my goodbyes.

"Y/n!" Giyuu called back to me, causing me to turn around and look at him again. "If Shinazugawa's training wasn't enough and you get hurt," he hesitated, "I'll murder him with my bare hands."

I chuckled at his comment. "I don't think that would be necessary." That was the last thing I said to him before returning back to my room. He always knew how to put a smile on my face.

One week later
——

Over the past week I have been taking a break on my training and focused more on hanging out with the friends I made. It would kill me if I had ever had to lose them.