A Crack In The Wall / Giyuu X Sanemi/ Sanegiyuu

Chapter 3

**Chapter 3: Shadows Unveiled**

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The inn's lanterns flickered, casting elongated shadows on the tatami mats. Giyu sat cross-legged, his brush gliding across the rice paper as he penned a letter to Master Ubuyashiki. The ink formed elegant characters, detailing their journey—the battles, the hardships, and the lingering mysteries.

Sanemi, on the other hand, had retreated to the courtyard. Giyu could hear the rhythmic clash of swords—the sound of Sanemi's relentless training. The man was a tempest, his anger fueling every strike. Giyu wondered if there was more to Sanemi's rage than met the eye.

Throughout the day, Giyu had glimpsed the mysterious guest—a figure cloaked in shadows. The person moved with grace, their features obscured. Giyu's instincts screamed danger, but he couldn't put his finger on why. The guest lingered near the hearth, watching, waiting.

As evening settled, Giyu joined Sanemi for dinner. The innkeeper served them steaming bowls of miso soup and grilled fish. Giyu's gaze kept drifting to the guest, who sat alone in a corner, their eyes hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat.

Sanemi noticed too. "What's with that person?" he muttered. "Creeping around like a ghost."

Giyu nodded. "I've seen them all day. Something's off."

After the meal, Giyu returned to their room, intent on writing more. But Sanemi intercepted him. "We're going for a walk," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Outside, the moon hung low, bathing the courtyard in silver. Giyu followed Sanemi, their footsteps echoing. Tomioka ask shinazugawa a question "Shinazugawa, would you mind if I started calling you Sanemi?", Hearing the question He looked annoyed "Alright, You can only when we're not with the other hashira tho." Tomioka smiles softly " Well you can call me giyu, sanemi." he said but as they rounded a corner, Sanemi collided with the mysterious guest. The person stumbled, revealing a glimpse of pale skin and crimson eyes.

In that split second, the guest's hand shot out, a blade materializing from thin air. Giyu's instincts kicked in—he lunged, pulling Sanemi back. His own sword flashed, blocking the demon's weapon. Sparks flew, and the courtyard erupted in chaos.

The demon snarled, their eyes aflame. "You're more perceptive than I thought, demon slayer."

Giyu gritted his teeth. "How did I not sense you?"

The demon's laughter was chilling. "I've mastered the art of concealment. But you—your heart is too open."

Sanemi regained his footing, his swords drawn. "Enough talk," he spat. "Time to end this."

The demon lunged, their movements fluid. Giyu parried, sweat trickling down his brow. The demon was fast, their blade inches from Sanemi's throat. Giyu pushed back, desperation fueling his strength.

As their blades clashed, Giyu glimpsed the demon's face—a twisted beauty, eyes like shards of glass. And then, with a final strike, Giyu forced the demon back. They vanished into the night, leaving only echoes.

Sanemi panted, his anger undiminished. "What was that thing?"

Giyu wiped blood from his cheek. "A demon. Clever, elusive."

"But why attack us here?" Sanemi's voice was low. "Blood thirsty monsters." his voice went from low to annoyance

Giyu had no answers. Only questions—the same ones that haunted him. How had he missed the signs? And what secrets did the mysterious guest carry?

As they returned to their room, Giyu glanced at the moon. Shadows danced, and the night held its secrets. The cliffhanger loomed—their journey had taken an unexpected turn, and the path ahead was treacherous.

**To be continued...**

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