In Kanazawa

Mission Assigned

There was always something about the Ubuyashiki estate that reminded the Hashira they were destined to die or succeed. The milieu was beautiful, agonizingly so. A lovely stench wafted through the air, sometimes smelling like a warm breakfast, other times you'd embrace the scent of dew and grass. The only time people were sent to the Ubuyashiki estate (other than the occasional news or development that must be shared via a meeting) was to be directed on a mission. Typically, Hashira are sent missions just as all other corps members, through their crows; however, on occasion they are requested to visit the Ubuyashiki estate to be told their mission. Typically, these missions were lethal when compared to the others.

The beauty and care placed into the appearance of the estate is no mistake. Being the last place these warriors will visit before embarking their journey, it better be pleasant. While most Hashira appreciate the care (even being aware of the reason behind it), Giyuu hates it. The preparation for what could be his death, the reminder of his dimming life, it sickens him.

But he doesn't speak up, he understands that it is meant to be a considerate thing, and the position he has is an honor and a privilege, despite being more than capable, he recognizes how there's so much more than brute ability behind his ranking.

Still he hates it. But then again, he couldn't care less if they threw a celebration or insulted him as he departed, he didn't do this for glory or out of avarice, he did this for himself. He did this to exterminate all demons, and he had been nearly successful in killing every demon that crossed his path, had the event of the passive demon-girl not happened he'd be 100% successful. Occasionally he thinks back in that moment, wondering if it was the right choice, however it was too late to change his actions; besides with the girl gaining the blessing of Master Ubuyashiki, it would not be allowed.

Giyuu glanced up at the blossoming flora on the trees as he walked down the path. His meeting with Master Ubuyashiki was brief but informative. He was to descend on a mission unlike any other he or his Hashira colleagues. Now all he had to do was wait for his partner to arrive. He wouldn't receive the full details till his partner was present.

Right, a partner.

Giyuu didn't grimace at the information, well, he wasn't pleased, but it was just another piece to the puzzle of his new task that will get him one step closer to his final goal. Giyuu had had past missions requiring someone to accompany him, however typically it was common corps members who were agonizingly talkative. It was actually a scene he often found himself enjoying in the end, though being eager for it to end beforehand. Being a warrior in solitude and often stuck in his own silence, hearing another person talk was quite cathartic to him. But he'd never had a mission lasting the extent this one would, especially with a partner.

1 month; 31 days. Giyuu recited in his head, 1 month; 31 days in a city with a comrade, gathering strictly information.
He sighed at the lunacy of it. Why should he spend so much time strictly obtaining information when his skills could be used elsewhere more effectively? And why would he need a partner on such a dull and drawn out mission? The logic behind it was simple minded, it made Giyuu question his master for a moment until he considered the idea that there could be more to it than just note-taking.

"Tomioka?" Giyuu stopped his pacing step with his left foot in front, he looked over at the voice that called him.

A quiet girl stood off to the side, she was caring for a tree, some blossoms fallen messily in her braids.

"Sorry to disturb you, but I think Shinazugawa has arrived." She spoke softly, her hands fell over her face but it was evident she was much too young to be aware of such a thing as demons, maybe twelve, thirteen years old? Giyuu glanced over to the direction she pointed, a crow flew over head near the entrance to the estate, cawing maniacally.