Whispers of Water and Wind

Chapter 11 The Road to Headquarters

Caw caw caw meeting, new Hashira meeting.....

"Yah, I heard it. Now shut up," Sanemi muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he dragged himself out of bed. He stretched his muscles and trudged toward the bathroom. The cold water washed away the remnants of his dream, and he felt a little more alert as he finished his bath.

Dressed, he reached for his katana, its familiar weight steadying him. His mind was buzzing with nervous energy. "Today's the day," he thought, his hand unconsciously tightening around the hilt. With one last glance at his reflection, Sanemi left his room and began the walk to headquarters.

The morning was quiet, save for the soft crunch of his footsteps on the dirt road. He didn't get far before he spotted a familiar figure up ahead — Iguro Obanai. As he approached, he forced a smile, something he didn't often do, especially not at this hour.

"Good morning, Iguro," Sanemi greeted, his voice soft, almost gentle, the corners of his lips pulling up in a way that felt foreign to him.

Iguro blinked, taken aback by the warmth in Sanemi's tone. "Good morning, Shinazugawa... Something happened, didn't it?" Iguro's mismatched eyes narrowed slightly. "You look... different. In a good mood, even."

Sanemi waved his hand dismissively, shoving the other into his pocket as he continued walking. "What? No... nothing happened," he said, his gaze straying to the horizon, where the first traces of sunlight were breaking through the clouds. His lips curved into that same soft smile. "But, so many things are gonna happen today. I'm so nervous and scared I'm going to confess to Giyuu," Sanemi murmured, barely loud enough for Iguro to catch.

Sanemi quickly shook off his thoughts, giving Iguro a sidelong glance. "We should hurry up. Otherwise, we'll be late for the meeting." His voice regained its usual rough edge, though the lingering nervousness didn't escape Iguro's notice.

Iguro was now completely sure that something was off. Sanemi hated meetings. He always ended in a shouting match with Tomioka, and he couldn't stand Tengen's ridiculous jokes or Rengoku's boisterous voice. Yet here he was, eager to arrive on time. It was completely unlike him.

As they continued, the village streets began to stir with the morning's first activity. Suddenly, a young girl, no older than five, came barreling around a corner and crashed straight into Sanemi.

"Here, let me help you," Sanemi said, bending down with a concerned expression.

Iguro shot a sideways glance at Sanemi. "He is really not himself today"

Girl scrambled to her feet, brushing off the dust. "I don't need help, I can stand by myself, Mr. Stranger. Thank you."

Sanemi persisted, his voice gentle but insistent. "Come on, you need help."

Girl pride flared as she straightened her posture. "Oh no, I don't need help. As you can see, I'm standing on my own. Ladies don't need men's help."

Sanmei raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her defiant stance. "Oh really?"

"YES," Girl said proudly, her chin held high.

Sanemi chuckled, intrigued by her spirit. "What's your name, little one?"

Girl crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "None of your business, Mr. Stranger."

Sanemi noticed the dust on her dress and reached out. "You've got some dust on your dress. Let me help you with that."

Girl rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Seriously. I said I don't need help. Okay, leave me alone. What's with your face and your— Oh noooo, you—you're a demon slayer!"