𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑳𝑬𝑹 - 𝑇.𝐺

𝗼𝗻𝗲

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~𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗪 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗚𝗢~

Giyuu was training alone in the forest when a kakushi appeared, his face pale and tense.

— Tomioka-san, Ubuyashiki-sama needs to see you immediately.

Without hesitation, Giyuu followed the kakushi to the headquarters, where he was led into the presence of Ubuyashiki. The leader was sitting calmly, but the gravity of the situation was evident in his face.

— Giyuu, I'm sorry to interrupt your training, but something urgent has come up — said Ubuyashiki in a soft but firm voice. — Few people know this, but a mysterious disease is spreading among our slayers. They are becoming weak, unable to fight. We have already lost too many, and I fear we will lose more if we don't find a solution.

Giyuu frowned, his heart clenching at the news. — Why was this kept secret?

— We didn't want to cause unnecessary panic. Furthermore, previous attempts to resolve this have failed. Shinobu has tried everything to find a cure, but so far we have been unsuccessful.

The mention of Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Pillar, increased the seriousness of the situation for Giyuu. He knew that Shinobu was meticulous and dedicated, and if she couldn't find a solution, the situation was serious.

— I see — Giyuu murmured, his mind working quickly to absorb all the information. — How can I help?

Ubuyashiki looked directly into Giyuu's eyes. — There are rumors about a demon with healing abilities. This creature could be our last hope. I want you to go to the northern forests, find this demon, and find out if the rumors are true. This mission is secret and extremely important, Giyuu. We cannot afford to fail this time.

Giyuu nodded slowly, confusion shining in his eyes. — A demon... saving the lives of demon slayers. It's something unexpected. What do you know about this demon?

Ubuyashiki sighed, eyes lost for a moment in thought. — We know very little. Only that it appears to have extraordinary healing abilities and has been seen in the vicinity of that village. If the reports are true, it may be our only hope.

Giyuu took in the information, shock and uncertainty fighting within him. But he knew there was no time to hesitate. — Understood. I will do whatever it takes to find that cure.

With a respectful nod, Giyuu left Ubuyashiki's office and returned to his room at headquarters. Before he left, however, he knew he needed to talk to Shinobu. Her experience could be crucial to the success of your mission.

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Giyuu found Shinobu in the laboratory, busy with her herbs and vials. She looked up as he entered, a playful smile already forming on her lips.

— Tomioka-san, what a pleasant surprise. Have you come to help me with my experiments? — She said, with that light tone that always seemed to mock him.

— I need to talk to you about the disease that is affecting the slayers — Giyuu replied, ignoring the provocation.

—Ah, so you know about this. — Shinobu dropped what she was doing and crossed her arms, evaluating him. — It's a complicated situation. I've tried everything, but I haven't been able to find a cure. Why the question?

— Ubuyashiki-sama asked me to investigate a demon, said to have healing abilities. He thinks it could be our last hope — Giyuu explained.

Shinobu's eyes sparkled with interest. —A healing demon? This is unexpected. But it makes sense that he would send you. You were always so... straight to the point.

Giyuu felt a slight blush of embarrassment rise to his face, but he remained firm. — I need any information you can give me. Anything that might help.

Shinobu smiled, but this time it was a more genuine smile. — Well, I'll be honest. If it's a demon with healing abilities, we don't have much to work with. But if you encounter this demon, try to observe how it uses its powers. There may be something we can replicate.

Giyuu nodded, absorbing her words. — Thank you, Kocho-san. I will do everything I can to bring back the cure.

Shinobu stepped forward, placing a light hand on Giyuu's shoulder. — I know, good luck, Tomioka-san. And remember, demons are treacherous.

Giyuu gave a slight nod. - I know. See you later.

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~𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧~

With Shinobu's conversation in mind, Giyuu prepared to leave on his mission. He had gathered supplies and was ready to face any challenge he encountered. As he adjusted his haori, he couldn't help but think about how ironic the situation was. He spent years fighting demons, and now, he was seeking help from one.

With everything ready, he left the Demon Slayer headquarters and began his journey north. The forest he needed to traverse was dense and treacherous, but Giyuu was used to difficult terrain. Every step he took, he felt the weight of the mission on his shoulders, but also the flame of determination in his heart.

The journey was long and tiring, but finally, he saw the small village mentioned by Ubuyashiki. It was a modest place, surrounded by tall trees and enveloped in an unsettling stillness. Giyuu entered the village, his eyes alert for any signs of danger or clues about the healing demon.

As he walked through the deserted streets, he observed the simple houses and the few villagers who passed by, their gazes full of curiosity and suspicion. He knew he needed to be careful. Any false move could alarm the villagers or alert the demon he sought.

Giyuu decided the best approach would be discreet. He found a local tavern and went in, sitting down in a dark corner. He ordered a drink and began to observe and listen to the conversations around him. He knew the villagers might have valuable information, and he just needed a ray of hope to move forward.

Hours passed and Giyuu remained patient. Finally, he heard fragments of a conversation between two villagers at the next table.

—Did you hear about that demon in the forest? — whispered one of them, his voice full of fear.

— Yes, but they say it's not like the others. It heals people — replied the other, trying to hide his anxiety.

Giyuu leaned in slightly, trying to take in more details. His instincts told him he was on the right path.

— I saw a man healed by this demon last week — continued the first villager. — He was on the verge of death and now he is healthy. They say it lives in a cabin hidden in the forest.

Giyuu felt a shiver of hope. That's what he needed to hear. He paid for his drink and left the tavern, determined to find this cabin and the healing demon. Time was running out, and he couldn't waste another second.

With purposeful steps, Giyuu ventured into the forest, his heart set on the mission Ubuyashiki had entrusted to him.