4 Lily pad guard

After Giyu's persistent pleas that his parents seek medical attention and let him accompany them, life began to take a turn for the better in the Tomioka household.

Giyu's brief glimpse into the Transparent World had allowed him to identify the exact location of the illness affecting his parents. With that information, the doctor could finally diagnose and treat the condition.

Though he was perplexed by how a child with no medical background could know such precise details, he decided not to question it. He focused instead on starting the treatment for the two adults.

"Fortunately, we caught the illness in its early stages," the doctor informed Tokito and Sarui, while Giyu waited anxiously outside the room for the results. "Had it progressed for another year, it might have been nearly impossible to cure. You are very lucky."

"I'm so relieved," Sarui replied first, her voice soft with gratitude. Tokito held her hand, nodding in agreement. Somehow, their own child had averted a disaster that could have cut their lives short. Neither Tokito nor Sarui could fully comprehend how Giyu had known about the illness, but one thing was certain: their child was nothing short of a blessing.

***

"Giyu, aren't you excited? Your birthday is tomorrow," Tsutako asked her little brother as she gently played with his hair, enjoying the warm afternoon sun. At her request, Giyu had been growing his hair long, and she took great pleasure in braiding it. Their parents watched the two children from the porch, happy to see them get along so well.

"I am," Giyu responded with his usual blank expression, earning a light tap on the head from his sister.

"Son," his father suddenly called out, drawing Giyu's attention. "Is there something you want for your birthday?"

Giyu paused, thinking for a moment before replying, "I want a sword, Father."

This was the fifth time Giyu had asked for one. On the previous occasions, his parents had flatly refused and given him toys instead. Although Giyu had tried to hide his disappointment and politely thank them, his parents had noticed the underlying sadness in his eyes. They were unsure how to handle the request, knowing the weight a sword carried.

"Giyu," Tokito said, his tone serious but gentle, "I'll get you a sword, but first, you need to answer me this: Why do you want a sword?"

Giyu hesitated briefly, his eyes lowering as he whispered, "To protect. I want to protect people."

Tokito sighed, uncertain if Giyu fully grasped the gravity of his words. To Tokito, a sword was not just a tool; it was a weapon with the power to take life, something he didn't want his young son to wield lightly. Before he could respond, Sarui intervened with a gentle smile, "Giyu, we'll get you a sword, but you must promise not to use it until you're old enough."

Without hesitation, Giyu agreed.

***

The day of Giyu's 13th birthday finally arrived. Tsutako woke him early, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she dragged him into the living room where their parents were already waiting with eager smiles.

"Happy birthday!" they all cheered in unison, their voices filling the room with warmth. Tsutako was the first to present her gift. She handed Giyu a neatly wrapped package, her eyes shining with excitement urging him to open it. Carefully unwrapping the package, Giyu revealed a beautifully made red kimono. 

"I got two of them so we can match!" she said, handing him the garment. Although it was a simple kimono without any elaborate designs, the material was soft yet durable. Giyu was thrilled with the gift. He would have been happy with anything his sister gave him, but this kimono held special meaning—it was the same one he had received from her in his past life.

"Thank you, Tsutako," Giyu said earnestly, holding the kimono close. "I'll cherish it until I die." His words, though serious and a bit morbid, made his sister laugh with pure happiness., hugging him tightly.

Next, his parents stepped forward, carrying a large wooden box. Giyu immediately recognized that it held the sword he had been asking for over the years. As he carefully opened the box, a beautifully crafted steel katana was revealed.

Although Giyu had mentioned wanting a Nichirin sword, he knew it was impossible for his parents to acquire one, so a steel sword was the next best thing available. While it couldn't kill demons, it was still capable of cutting flesh if enough force was used, making it sufficient for now. The blade was obviously well-crafted, with a unique guard shaped like the leave of a lily pad but red. The only downside Giyu could find was the blade not being sharpened to his liking.

"It was made by the best blacksmith in the nearby city," Tokito explained, watching Giyu's reaction closely. "I specifically requested that the blade be dull, so you won't hurt yourself. When you're older and ready, I'll have it sharpened for you."

Giyu smiled, touched by the thoughtfulness of his parents. His smile was so genuine and bright that it even caught his parents by surprise. After all, they rarely saw Giyu smile so openly."Thank you!" he said sincerely, holding the sword with great joy.