Demon Slayer The Wind's bellow

The Ever Reliable, but slightly Intimidating

Kanae POV

I sat in the Butterfly Mansion, the familiar sounds of rustling papers and the gentle hum of the wind through the open windows keeping me company. The quiet moments between missions always left a strange hollowness in my chest—one that only Sanemi seemed able to fill. He had been sent out on a mission two days ago, and the Master had mentioned it might take him some time to return. I sighed softly, setting down the patient report in front of me.

It's always hard to say bye, but that's our life...

My gaze drifted to the wedding ring on my finger, the light catching the small band and making it gleam. The weight of it was comforting, even when we were far apart.

You'll always be with me, Sanemi...

The thought felt embarrassingly sentimental, but it brought a small, private smile to my face. No matter how many times he left, the connection between us never faded.

"Caw! Caw!" My crow's voice shattered the brief moment of calm as it swooped in through the window, a letter clasped tightly in its talons.

"New mission! New mission!" it squawked, landing gracefully on the sill.

I approached the crow, untied the letter, and unfolded it. A mission request from headquarters. It appeared there was trouble in a village to the south, and although a Hashira was already stationed there, they were having difficulty gathering information.

"Hmm... I think I know who that might be," I mused with a faint smile.

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By the time I arrived at the village, the late afternoon sun had cast a golden glow over the bustling market square. The air was warm and fragrant with the scent of fresh bread and flowers from the nearby stalls. Villagers moved about, carrying on their daily lives, oblivious to the danger that lurked nearby.

I walked leisurely through the crowd, letting my senses take in every detail. There was no rush—not yet. My job was to observe, to blend in, and make sure that my presence didn't cause any undue alarm. But even in the lively square, I could feel an undercurrent of unease, like a string pulled too tight, ready to snap at any moment.

It wasn't long before I found who I was looking for. His towering form was unmistakable, even in the crowded streets.

Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. The man who had once saved both Shinobu and me from certain death. He stood as a monument of strength in the heart of the village—calm, composed, and ever-watchful. His presence was a comfort to me, though I knew it was intimidating to the villagers.

"Himejima-san!" I called, weaving through the crowd toward him.

He turned his head slightly in my direction, the faintest trace of a smile forming on his lips as he recognized my voice.

"Kanae-san," he greeted, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. There was always a softness in his tone when he spoke to me—a stark contrast to his imposing appearance. "I'm glad you've come."

I offered him a small bow. "Of course, Himejima-san. I'm here to assist however I can."

We walked together through the village, the locals eyeing us warily. Though Gyomei-san had always been kind-hearted, his sheer size and blindfolded eyes often made others uneasy. I could feel their apprehension like a palpable wave.

"The villagers seem... reluctant to speak with me," Gyomei said, a subtle note of sadness in his voice. "I fear my presence may be hindering the investigation."