24 Angry Mochi

The Hashiras stood in a line, bowing as Master Ubuyashiki faced them. His illness seemed to have worsened since they last met, and it pained Giyu to see his master in such a state. Yet, he knew there was nothing he could do about it, so dwelling on it was pointless.

Giyu stood between Tengen Uzui and Shinjuro Rengoku. To his left were Gyomei Himejima and Kanae Kocho. However, the most noticeable change in their lineup was the new figure seated next to Kanae, none other than Sanemi Shinazugawa.

Giyu felt a wave of joy and relief seeing his friend again. The last time he had seen Sanemi was right before his own death in his past life. Giyu had been the first to perish due to his slightly older age, and it saddened him to know that Sanemi would have followed shortly after, both of them cursed by the slayer mark.

At this very moment in Giyu's previous life, he had not paid much attention to Sanemi. Yet now that he did, Remembering what was about to unfold, he realized that Sanemi was searching for someone to direct his fury toward.

Sensing Giyu's stare, Sanemi turned to him with an annoyed expression but said nothing as the meeting contined.

"And thus," Ubuyashiki spoke, snapping Giyu out of his thoughts, "for Shinazugawa's contribution in slaying one of the Twelve Kizuki, I would like for him to become the Wind Hashira." He finished speaking but to everyone's surprise Sanemi's reaction was different from what was expected.

"Well, aren't you something, Master Ubuyashiki," Sanemi replied mockingly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Giyu remained quiet, already sensing the tension building. Tengen shot Sanemi an irritated look, while Kanae frowned slightly.

Gyomei, however, took the most offense. "Shinazugawa," he began in a low, threatening voice, "it appears you don't know how to speak properly."

Before things could escalate further, Ubuyashiki intervened with a soft smile. "It's alright, Gyomei. Let him speak. I don't mind."

"But Master," Kanae spoke out worry evident in her voice. She reached out, holding Sanemi's arm as if to prevent him from making the situation worse.

"It's alright, Kanae," Ubuyashiki reassured her, his smile unwavering.

Sanemi, however, had no intention of holding back. "You have no shame, and it makes me sick!" he spat, ignoring the other Hashiras. His eyes were fixed on Ubuyashiki. "You think of corps members as nothing more than pawns to be used and tossed aside! You barely even tried any martial arts; I can tell just by looking at you!"

He continued, his voice filled with bitterness. "And yet you're the head of the Demon Slayer Corps? It's pathetic! I've had enough of this!"

 "I'm sorry," To Sanemi's surprise, Ubuyashiki apologized, his gentle demeanor unshaken despite Sanemi's harsh words. Sanemi blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

Ubuyashiki continued, his voice calm. "I did try swinging a sword, but it made my heart unstable. I couldn't even manage to do it ten times." His calm smile concealing his regret

"If I could, I would have been like you. I wish I were a strong swordsman, able to protect others with my own body. But that is simply impossible for me." Sanemi remained silent, his anger wavering. Something in Ubuyashiki's gaze reminded him of his mother. A flicker of doubt crossed his mind as he kept listening.

Ubuyashiki went on. "I am sorry to ask you to do such difficult things. If you consider yourself pawns, then I, too, am a sacrificial piece. And if I were to die, nothing would change." His eyes softened, his words were clearly referring to his child, who stood beside him emotionless. "My replacement is already here."

"This is your first time at a Hashira gathering," Ubuyashiki continued, his voice gentle. "So, I believe you've misunderstood. I do not place myself above you or anyone else. But everyone treats me this way, if it bothers you, you don't have to go along with it. Instead, I ask only one thing: defend the lives of others as a Hashira." A heavy silence fell over.

"I'm also sorry to summon you so soon after Masachika's death," Ubuyashiki added, his tone mournful. "You were close, like brothers, which must make this even harder for you."

Sanemi flinched, his eyes widening in shock. "His name..." he whispered, his voice cracking. "Shinazugawa," Kanae spoke up gently, "ever since Master became our leader, he has memorized the names of all the corps members who have died."

Sanemi turned to her, struggling to find words. "But..."

"Sanemi," Ubuyashiki called softly, drawing his attention. "All the children of the Demon Slayer Corps write their own will." He began walking towards Sanemi, his daughter helping him by holding his hand. "Masachika did the same." Ubuyashiki produced a scroll and held it out to Sanemi. "I've been considering giving this to you."

Sanemi hesitated, his hands trembling as he reached out to take the scroll

***

Sanemi took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He felt a surge of regret for directing his anger at Master Ubuyashiki, who was not to blame for his grief. Kanae stood beside him, silently offering her support. She didn't blame him for his outburst and understood that such sorrow could make people act out of character. T

The two had known each other for quite some time already. Sanemi's aggressive nature, combined with his unique blood, often put him in harm's way. As a result, he was a regular visitor to the Butterfly Mansion, usually forced there by Masachika, who insisted he get treated despite Sanemi's protests.

"Well, at least he apologized," Tengen whispered to himself, Giyu nodded in response as they watched Sanemi from a distance. The meeting had ended, and most of the Hashiras had dispersed, but Giyu lingered, waiting for the right moment. He had something he needed to give to Sanemi, but he decided to wait since he didn't want to get yelled at by Sanemi.

Slowly, Giyu reached into his sleeve, pulling out a small wooden box. Tengen noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What's that?"

"Red bean mochi." Giyu replied, holding the box in his hands.

Tengen looked even more puzzled. "Why do you carry food in your sleeve?"

Giyu met Tengen's gaze with a serious expression. "It can be used to befriend others." before Tengen could respond, Giyu turned away and began walking towards Sanemi, leaving Tengen scratching his head in confusion.

Sanemi had just finished tucking Masachika's will away when he noticed Giyu's approach. Even Kanae seemed intrigued, her lips curving into a small smile.

Giyu stopped in front of Sanemi, his face calm but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. For a moment Giyu stood stiff and said nothing, then extended his arm, offering the wooden box. Sanemi's eyes narrowed. "What's this? What do you want?"

"Mochi," Giyu answered simply, holding the box steady.

A vein pulsed on Sanemi's forehead as he clenched his teeth. "You think I can't get my own food or something?" he growled. Before he could say more, Kanae pinched his arm, making him glance at her. She frowned at him disapprovingly.

Reluctantly, Sanemi turned back to Giyu and snatched the box from his hand. "Thanks," he muttered, clearly irritated.

Giyu's smile widened, satisfied, thinking that this was a sign of Sanemi accepting his gesture of friendship. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Sanemi standing there, staring at the box in his hands.

From a distance, Tengen watched the exchange with a bewildered expression.

(Author's Note: Sorry for the delayed update. I had to rewrite this chapter because I forgot to save the draft so it took me longer to get it done.)