Whispers of Water and Wind

Chapter 5 Giyuu Leaving the Hashira Position

"I would like to hear what happened here, Giyuu never said such things before. She always believed that she don't deserve to Hashira but she never quit in such manner. She has always taken on her responsibilities with perfection." 

Mitsuri spoke up first, her voice gentle but firm. "Tomioka-san was not herself today. She had dark circles under her eyes as if she hadn't slept in days. She looked exhausted and angry."

Sanemi, his tone sharp, added, "She was also being rude and arrogant."

A murmur of agreement followed, but it was clear that the tension was mounting. Oyakata Sama's gaze fell upon Sanemi, his eyes piercing through the haze of dissatisfaction. "Did you ask her about her condition?"

Sanemi's face remained impassive. "........No, Master."

The disappointment in Oyakata Sama's voice was palpable as he addressed Sanemi. "Why is that, Sanemi?" Oyakata sama continued speaking with his calm and soft voice "You should have asked her about her condition instead of interrogating her for being late, As long as you show up for the meeting, I do not mind if any of you arrive late." Oyakata Sama said, his voice carrying a weight of reproach.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of Oyakata Sama's words sinking in. He continued, his tone softening but remaining resolute. "I want all of you to get along with Giyuu. I want my children to stay together, connected like family."

Tengen, his voice laced with frustration, interjected, "We also want her to stay with us, to fight, to play, and to support each other as family. But she always remains silent, avoids us, and seems distant. It's like she's not even trying to be a part of this group."
Muichiro, looking perplexed, asked, "Why are we here again?"

"We were here for a meeting, but now we're being scolded because of that 'stupid lady'," Iguro said, his frustration evident.

"Who is the stupid lady?" Muichiro asked, confusion evident in his tone.

"Nobody, Muichiro. Oyakata Sama, I request that you start the meeting," Shinobu said, her voice steady and firm.

"Without Tomioka?" Oyakata Sama's gaze was sharp.

"Yes, Master," Shinobu replied.

"It's not like we told her to leave. She left on her own," Tengen said, a note of resignation in his voice.

The meeting continued, but the unease lingered. Oyakata Sama's mind was occupied with thoughts of Giyuu. He reflected on the conversation, realizing that his insistence on Giyuu joining the Hashira might have been misguided. He knew he needed to address the situation directly.

Time seemed to slow as Oyakata Sama penned a letter requesting a personal meeting with Giyuu. When the appointed time came, Giyuu arrived at Oyakata Sama's quarters, her demeanor reserved, her eyes still betraying her inner turmoil.

Oyakata Sama gestured for her to sit. His voice was calm, but it carried an undercurrent of concern. "Giyuu, why did you decide to leave the Hashira position like that?"

Giyuu's gaze fell to the floor, her voice barely above a whisper. "I told you I don't deserve to be a Hashira."

Oyakata Sama leaned forward, his eyes filled with compassion. "Why do you think that, my child? You are incredibly talented. You have mastered all the Water Breathing forms perfectly and even created your own eleventh form. You have saved lives and fought against demons with great courage. You have a strong sense of justice."

Giyuu's voice trembled as she spoke. "I never passed the final selection. My presence as a Hashira feels like a betrayal to the other Hashira who truly earned their places."