𝙠𝙣𝙮, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙

02. Hands

It was often quiet in the Ubushiyaki Estate. The only sounds that would usually be heard are the running footsteps of Oyakata-sama's children. And how they would always play in the gardens of their home. And then there was the eldest one of them all, calmly sitting on the patio as she watched her younger siblings enjoying themselves.

[name] could only then watch as she looked at how energetic her siblings were, and then there she was. A girl who often felt cold despite how warm it was outside. [name] then sighed a little as she turned to look, and she noticed that her mother was there.

"What's the matter? Are you not enjoying yourself?" she asked, and [name] slowly shook her head.

"When can I go out and explore the town?" [name] asked, and Amane could only have a sad look on her face then.

How many years had passed ever since, and [name] has yet to visit the town and explore what was beyond that. Yet, her younger siblings were allowed to with kakushis escorting them. But [name], she was different.

She could only watch as her younger siblings enjoyed what she couldn't. She didn't feel angry, nor did she feel sad. She could only wonder then, why was she treated differently from her siblings?

Even when she looked into the mirror, there were features of Oyakata-sama and Amane. But [name] still looked quite different from her siblings, given how she didn't look very doll-like. But her facial expression was that of a doll.

Amane then noticed the hint of sadness within [name]'s lavender eyes. And her very own pair of eyes could widen then, as it was seldom that [name]'s eyes would hold any expression. And even if it did, it was very minimal. Amane then tried to think of a way to cheer her eldest daughter up, only to stop when she noticed her husband was coming over.

"Do you have a strong desire to visit the town that is quite a distance away from us?" Oyakata-sama asked and he had on his usual gentle smile as [name] slowly nodded her head then.

"And why is that?" he asked as he sat down beside her and held her hand in his, gently caressing it with his weakened fingers as well.

"I often hear about how colorful the place is. With lots of food, so many noises that are happening. I want to see those with my own eyes, and not through words of my siblings," [name] whispered out, and Oyakata-sama then turned to look at Amane and smiled.

"Gather the Hashiras," and Amane nodded as she soon sent out an alert in requesting for the Hashiras to assemble at the courtyard once more.

How many years have passed ever since that day when Sanemi called Oyakata-sama pathetic? They couldn't remember. But he sure did change a lot.

"Let's get you ready," Oyakata-sama said with a smile, and [name] slowly got up and went along with Amane then. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he looked at [name]. A slight difference in her movement as compared to before, which then he could only assume.

She was happy.

--

"Message! Message! All Hashiras to report to the courtyard for a Hashira meeting as requested by Oyakata-sama! Message! Message! Start moving!" the crows fluttered around as they sent out alerts, and Sanemi who was busy training stopped then.

He then grabbed hold of the towel that was placed on the patio and quickly went into his humble home and take a quick shower, believing that he was reeking with the smell of sweat since he had trained nonstop. He then easily left and soon made his way towards the courtyard once more.

It was quite a distance. Given how each Hashira was protecting a certain district. But still, it didn't matter to them as they would quickly make their way towards where Oyakata-sama had requested for a meeting.