𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 | 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐤𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐲𝐮𝐮

❄️ 83

"Why did you leave her to walk back alone?! You knew the state she's in!" Shinobu yelled angrily. "Something could've happened to her without anyone knowing because of you!"

"I-I'm so sorry! I didn't k-know!" Asahi retorted. "I thought she only asked me to take her at the mansion since it's prohibited to go there!"

"You could've asked her if she needs assistance on her way back and she does! The Master's mansion is too far from this estate and I even advised her to rest more than walking!"

"Shinobu-san, please. I'm home and I'm fine," F/N defended before turning to Asahi. "Just do not let this happen again."

"I can't let this go that easy! You're still a hashira!"

"I resigned."

Shinobu stopped talking. It took her few seconds of sinking in what she just heard before speaking again. "What?"

"I went to Oyakata-sama to ask for my retirement," she answered. "Asahi, you may take your leave."

Watching the Kakushi rushing to head outside, Shinobu faced F/N with a serious look. "Why? Are you giving up now? Don't you trust me? Us? F/N, we can still cure you!"

"I do trust you and each of you, but I feel like I needed to go off my title since it's not likely for me to become one."

"Don't say that! You reached this state because you've done a lot more than you should!" Shinobu exclaimed.

F/N smiled. "I know, but it's not enough. I barely did anything to end this world's misery."

The Insect Hashira stared at her. "F/N-chan..."

"I'll be fine. Thank you," she said before turning her back on her and started walking back to her room.

Only for her to feel numb and stumbled down the floor. "F/N!" Yelled Shinobu. She immediately rushed to her and help her stand up. Shinobu felt shivers when she felt F/N's body weighed weirdly heavy and light at the same time, and when she made her face her, she was no longer conscious. "Aoi! Come immediately!"

Hearing the obvious hint of concern in their master's voice, Aoi and the three little girls rushed to where she is and found her kneeling down the floor, holding up a familiar limp body. "F/N-san?"

"Hurry!"

- 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -

on the other side.

"You said you'll stay in the forest and wait for dawn to die," he spoke. "There should be a reason why you returned. Have you failed? Then I have no need for you anymore."

The girl chuckled. "Chill, Akaza-dono. Don't show much hatred towards me," she said. "I don't know, but I think I should let you know."

Akaza glared at her and remained silent, waiting for her to speak what she has to say.

"She's using a cane to walk. It's obvious that she's anywhere incapable of fighting nor being Yoru," she started explaining. "Yoru's sudden birth really did affect the vessel's body and now she couldn't be able to be a normal person that she is." Chizuko shrugged and turned to the window before grinning. "I consumed a drop of her blood. And can you believe it? A single drop of blood and I almost died. I wonder how powerful she really is?"

"Is that all?"

Chizuko hummed. "Of course, this is the reaction you'll give and show. After all, her blood had already been drained out of your system. No doubt that you'll show no care at all," she said. "But if there's at least a few milliliters of her blood in you, I wonder what reaction and emotions you'll express upon knowing the state she's in."