影と風 | Kage to Kaze | Shinazugawa Sanemi

9 - Bathhouse

The rain pelted against the roof, the wind howling softly as it swept through the trees, making the entire house creak under its force. Sanemi had been gone for a week now, longer than usual. There were times when he'd be away for even a month, but this time, the absence felt different. A heavy weight pressed against my chest, a nagging unease that refused to leave.

I crossed my arms, pulling my thick yukata tighter around me to fend off the creeping chill that had settled inside the house. The staff had been dismissed for the day, no one wanted to travel in such dangerous weather. I had just sent one of the cleaners home, watching her hurry away through the downpour.

"Take care," I called after her, offering a small smile.

She turned back briefly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "You're too kind, young miss."

As she disappeared into the rain, the eerie quietness of the house surrounded me, and an unsettling feeling crawled up my spine. Something was off.

I moved quickly, switching off the lights in the spacious house. The dark clouds outside blotted out the sun, plunging everything into shadows. My heartbeat picked up. Years of training sharpened my instincts; I could feel it in the air, someone was here.

I pressed my back against the wall, controlling my breathing, my senses on high alert. The silence in the house was unnerving. Then, I felt it—a shift in the air, a presence behind me, silent but unmistakable.

Without hesitation, I whirled around, delivering a swift kick aimed at the intruder's lower body. A loud grunt followed by a dull thud echoed through the hallway as I spun to face my target.

"Well, well, who do we have here? Tall grandpa?" I raised an eyebrow, smirking at the figure sprawled on the ground.

"I'm not a grandpa! And what the hell was with that kick?!" Tengen Uzui groaned, clutching his sore body where my foot had landed.

I crossed my arms and tilted my head. "I expected more from the great Sound Hashira. You couldn't dodge a simple Hinoe's kick?"

With a wicked smile, I planted my foot on his chest, enjoying the moment a little too much.

"No normal Demon Slayer kicks a man in the jewels!" he shot back, glaring up at me before regaining his composure and standing. His towering frame loomed over me, but I wasn't intimidated.

"I'll do it again if you don't tell me what you want." I let the ice seep into my voice. I didn't enjoy being alone in a large, dark house with a man, no matter who he was. Tengen noticed my discomfort and flipped on the lights, his usual dazzling smile appearing.

"I come bearing gifts. You're the first woman who's never been charmed by me." He feigned hurt, but there was amusement in his tone.

"I'm honored," I deadpanned, though my eyes couldn't help but light up when he pulled out a small bottle of nail polish, shimmering in the low light. "Okay, keep it coming, tall grandpa."

Visibly pleased, Tengen pulled out a neatly wrapped box of mochi from his bag, dangling it in front of me.

"My wives made this fresh this morning."

I felt my mouth water and tried to keep my composure. "Okay... what do you need?" I coughed, attempting to seem unbothered by the delicious treat in front of me.

"I need your help infiltrating a bathhouse," he said casually, strolling toward the main room where Sanemi and I often spent time, playing cards and arguing. I followed him, still eyeing the mochi with suspicion, though my stomach was winning the battle of will.

As I returned with two cups of green tea, I noticed Tengen settling into the tatami mats, arms crossed, awaiting my attention.

"I'm listening," I said, pouring the tea.