Lifetime [STOPPED]

VII. Odium

Third Person's POV 

After how many days, the Flame Hashira finally returned, his body returned. 

The Flame Hashira was one of the strongest ones in the Demon Slayer Corps, it's a shame that he had to go.

All the hashira's, including Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke were gatheres in Oyakata-sama's residence early in the morning, about 2 days after the kasugai crow delivered the heartbreaking news.

"Rengoku was a good fighter, he was one of our best, I have never felt burning passion like his before, he didn't give in to the Upper Moon 3's bargain. He continued to protect everyone even until the dawn, until his last breath. For that I am thankful for him. Sadly he has joined our past brothers and sisters" Oyakata-sama smiled sadly.

"These are trying times, we have lost a strong Pillar but we must continue fighting and stop the demons from killing and devouring more people." He continued, "We must stay strong and not let The Flame Hashira's death hinder our mission to protect people."

The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps and his family left when the sun was at its peak. The remaining people there were the Hashiras , they were discussing to themselves about the tragedy that happened and how they could have prevented it from happening if were there with Rengoku-san.

It was nearing sundown when the Hashiras decided to take their leave, some of them went to attend to their missions, while others left to return to their respective estates, a few of them,  went around the place to make sure no demons were lingering around even if there were wisteria trees surrounding the grounds of the Demon Slayer Corps, including The Insect and Water Hashira. 

Shinobu's POV

Jumping from one roof to another under the moonlight was melancholic, specially since one of the people I looked up to had just passed away. Like what Oyakata-sama said a while ago, he was a strong and a passionate person, sadly he had to leave us at an early age.

The patrol around the grounds was peaceful-- calm even, there were no signs of demons that had gotten past the wisteria border, but, there was an annoying person who was with me. 

Why does it always have to be him. I rolled my eyes.

--

We finished earlier than expected because of the absence of any demons lurking in and around the grounds. Tomioka-san and I walked quietly back to our estates, none of us daring to speak and talk about anything.

 There was not a trace of awkwardness in the air -- even if the only thing that could be heard was the noise produced by the crickets and the croaking of the frogs. The silence between the two of us was comforting and it surprisingly gave me warmth.

So I did what I do best, tease him.

"To ~ mi ~ oka - san~" I broke the silence between us with a sing-song voice. He grunted in response, "You should talk more often--" I started, but was completely cut off when he finished my sentence, "So that people would like me more?" he scoffed while rolling his eyes then started to pick-up his pace. 

I stared at him with shock and amusement evidently painted on my face, I chuckled, "Well, look who's not in the mood" then I walked beside him. 

"To ~mi ~ oka ~ san" I started poking his left arm, "Stop. it." he grabbed my arm and flicked it to the side, "Or else what?" I started to giggle, he squinted his eyes at me for a while, but soon proceeded to walk. 

"To ~mi ~ oka ~ san" I resumed teasing him, this time I latched onto his arm, "Would you please stop it?" He growled which caught me by surprise.

"Aren't you a little bit grumpier today..." I covered my mouth and tried to stifle a laugh behind it.

"Only just because you're more annoying every time I see you" he whispered.

Ouch.

"You know I can hear you right?" I said, trying to brush off the slight pain on my chest caused by the words he said.

"Good." Tomioka said coldly and he started walking faster away from me.

"Hey! Tomioka-san!" I yelled and while I was chasing after him.

I began to walk beside him, keeping up with his long strides, but he still did not talk to me or even spare me a glance.

"Hey... What's bothering you?" I tried to say in a soothing voice, but it still came out like I was making fun of him.

"You are" he glared at me, "Maybe if you actually started talking less, people would actually like you, yeah?" He said, venom and spite dripping from every word that he said.

"Take that back" With tears brimming my eyes, I muttered, but he didn't.

"No" he shook his head and frowned.

"Apologize" I demanded, but he didn't.  He just stared at me in disbelief.

Then without mentioning a single word he left, he vanished into thin air.

He left as if he hadn't hurt me, as if he said nothing.

I resumed my short walk back to the butterfly estate. Hoping that maybe tomorrow, our 'friendship' will be okay.

If it even is friendship.

.

The next morning came fast, the sun's rays passing through the windows, the smell of green tea lingered in the air and the sound of a bird in the window.

Literally.

A kasugai crow appeared, waking me up from my slumber.

"Caw! Caw! Shinobu Kocho and Giyuu Tomioka! Proceed to Oyakata-sama's estate immediately! Caw! Caw!"

Tomioka-san? Maybe he feels better today. I thought, making a smile appear on my lips.

You just missed The emotionally constipated pillar. A voice rang in my head, making me blush.

I hurriedly prepared myself to go Oyakata-sama's place. Upon stepping inside, The Water Hashira was already there seated, waiting for the arrival of the Demon Slayer Corps' leader, in which I joined him.

"Good Morning, Tomioka-san" I greeted, but he didn't respond.

I guess he's still not fine. I pouted.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Oyakta-sana and his two children joined us in the room.

"Good morning Oyakata-sama! I hope you're doing well today!" Tomioka greeted him. "I hope it's the same with the both of you, Giyu and Shinobu" Our leader said with a smile.

.

Oyakata-sama had just finished talking us through our joint mission, when Tomioka butted in. He stood up and bowed half of his body.

"Oyakata-sama, I apologize for the disrespect, but may I please exchange with Iguro-san on this mission? I will replace him on his current mission in Osaka"

Does he hate me this much now?

Oyakata-sama's brows shot up in surprise, but he eventually agreed, "If it will benefit the mission, then I'll have to agree, you are dismissed."

"Arigato! Oyakata-sama" we both said in unison and exited the room.

.

HELLO! HELLO! HELLO!

So uhmm, yep, I decided to continue this book. I actually forgot about this account bcs I have another one hehe, but here's chapter 7 for those who are reading. I appreciate it! Take care!

And tysm for 600 reads!!