The light hidden within the darkness

Episode 1

3rd person

During the harshest moments of winter, intense snowstorms were sweeping across the landscape, just as they were now. In the midst of the worsening storm stood a wooden mansion.

Inside, the mansion was dimly lit by a gas lamp and the warm glow of a fire burning to keep the cold at bay. Three people occupied the room. Two of them knelt in respect before the man standing in front of them. His face was covered in scars, the upper part a deep purplish hue.

One of the kneeling figures was the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, with his black hair and piercing blue eyes. The other was Y/N Kurosawa, the Sunlight Hashira, his yellow and orange hair contrasting with the white bandage wrapped around his eyes, a clear indication of his blindness. The man with the scarred face spoke, his voice calm, yet authoritative, accompanied by the crackling sound of the fire.

"As I said, my children, I need you to handle the demon on the mountain as quickly as possible. It must be eliminated before it poses any threat to us."

Both Giyu and Y/N bowed their heads, responding in unison.

"Understood, Ubuyashiki-san."

Ubuyashiki nodded approvingly before offering his final words.

"Be careful. Make sure you have everything you need before you depart. You may go."

The two Hashira nodded once more, quietly standing up and making their way out of the mansion. As they walked down the corridor, Y/N turned to Giyu with a playful smile.

"I have a feeling something interesting is going to happen on this mission, Giyu. What do you think?"

Giyu glanced at Y/N, his tone thoughtful as he replied.

"Could be. You've never been wrong about your instincts so far."

Y/N brought a finger to his lips, tilting his head slightly as he spoke in a teasing tone.

"Hmm, I wonder what we'll encounter. I'm really curious!"

With that, the two fell into a comfortable silence, each heading to their respective quarters to gather their supplies. Y/N made his way to the Butterfly Mansion.

Shinobu had reluctantly convinced him to stay there due to his condition, and ever since, Y/N had been living with her. To be honest, he enjoyed staying at the Butterfly Mansion. It was close to Ubuyashiki's home, and the people there were kind-hearted, making his stay rather pleasant.

Lost in thought, Y/N realized he had already arrived at the mansion. Not wanting to keep Giyu waiting, he swiftly headed to his room, gathered his essential supplies, and then made his way to bid farewell to the people in the mansion. He decided to visit Shinobu first, so he made his way to her usual spot-the study.

Upon reaching the door, he knocked twice and waited for a response. Shinobu's gentle voice soon called out.

"Come in."

Y/N entered quietly, taking note of the organized chaos of the room. It was clear she was working on a new poison. Shinobu looked up, her expression softening as she recognized him.

"Ah, it's you, Y/N! What brings you here?"

Shinobu smiled warmly at him.

"Yes, Giyu and I are heading out on a new mission. I just wanted to say goodbye before we left."

Shinobu chuckled, standing up from her desk and walking over to embrace him.

"Please come back safely, Y/N! I don't want to see you in the infirmary again."