A Crack In The Wall / Giyuu X Sanemi/ Sanegiyuu

Chapter 8

**Chapter 8: Shadows Beneath Petals**

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The village lay nestled among ancient cherry blossom trees, their delicate blooms whispering secrets to the wind. Giyu Tomioka and Sanemi Shinazugawa, still recovering from their battle, stood at the outskirts, their senses alert. The demon they had defeated was only a symptom of a deeper malady—a darkness that clung to the village like a curse.

Giyu's wound had finally closed, but the poison's residue lingered. Sanemi's ribs were wrapped tightly, a reminder of the demon's brutal attack. They exchanged a glance, their unspoken bond stronger than ever.

"Something's not right," Giyu murmured. "The demon's presence—it's a symptom of a larger problem."

Sanemi scowled. "You think there's another one?"

Giyu shook his head. "Not just demons. There's a darkness here, seeping into the soil, poisoning hearts." He gestured toward the village. "Look."

The villagers moved with a strange lethargy, their eyes hollow. The cherry blossoms, usually a symbol of renewal, drooped as if mourning. Giyu knelt, touching the petals. They crumbled under his fingers, releasing a sickly-sweet scent.

Sanemi frowned. "What's wrong with them?"

Giyu stood, scanning the surroundings. "It's more than the blossoms. The well water tastes foul. The animals avoid the forest." He pointed to the shrine at the village center. "And that—"

The shrine was adorned with wilted blossoms, its torii gate half-buried in fallen petals. A lone priest tended to it, his movements mechanical. Giyu approached him.

"Excuse me," Giyu said, "we're Demon Slayers. We—"

"—know," the priest interrupted. His eyes held no surprise. "You're here to cleanse the demon's taint."

Sanemi scowled. "How did you—"

"—know?" The priest smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "The village has suffered for years. The cherry blossoms, once our pride, now wither. The children fall ill. And the nightmares—" He shuddered. "They whisper of a curse."

Giyu exchanged a glance with Sanemi. "A curse," he repeated. "But why?"

The priest's gaze shifted to the shrine. "The ancient texts speak of a pact," he said. "A pact with a demon—a guardian who protected the village in exchange for offerings."

Sanemi scoffed. "And now the demon wants more?"

The priest nodded. "But the offerings have dwindled. The villagers forget their duty. The guardian grows hungry."

Giyu clenched his fists. "We'll find this guardian. Break the curse."

The priest's eyes held a mix of fear and hope. "Beware," he said. "The guardian is cunning. It hides in plain sight."