32 Retire?

Shortly after Giyu woke up, another Hashira meeting was held. Giyu, still recovering from his injuries, sat beside Kanae as they explained everything they had learned during the battle against Upper Moon Two. Giyu, too weak to stand for long, was assisted throughout the meeting, seated while speaking. His injuries were severe, but he did his best to recount every crucial detail.

The news that Upper Moon Two survived decapitation and could heal even after losing his head shocked the Hashira. It was alarming but valuable information. They now understood that beheading an Upper Moon did not guarantee victory, a revelation that would undoubtedly shape future battles. The wounds Giyu and Kanae carried served as grim reminders of the demon's overwhelming strength.

"You both did well, Giyu, Kanae," Master Ubuyashiki said, his voice full of warmth and relief. "The knowledge gained today is very valuable. I'm grateful you are both with us."

"Your praise mean a lot, Master," Giyu replied, bowing his head respectfully. Kanae mirrored his gesture, though her heart weighed heavy with guilt.

Despite no one blaming her for retreating, and even though Ubuyashiki himself had reassured her, she still couldn't shake the feeling that she hadn't done enough. A fierce resolve ignited within her as she bit her lower lip, her expression becoming more resolute with each passing moment.

The meeting concluded, two masked Corps members helped Giyu to his feet. But before he could leave, Sanemi blocked his path. The air between them tensed, and the two Corps members assisting Giyu froze in fear, unsure if they had somehow offended the Wind Hashira.

Giyu's expression remained blank as he met Sanemi's gaze. Was he about to be reprimanded for failing to slay the demon? He couldn't help but wonder, but Sanemi's next words shattered those doubts.

"Thanks." The single word was unexpected, Sanemi had never thanked Giyu in the past, Giyu was left momentarily stunned. Sanemi, unable to meet Giyu's eyes, looked to the side, his usual scowl softened.

Giyu blinked, confused by the abrupt shift in Sanemi's behavior. Silence stretched between them until Sanemi grew visibly irritated. "I said, thank you, you bastard!" he snapped, his face turning slightly red with embarrassment. "You protected Kanae for me! I'm grateful, but that doesn't mean you can look down on me. Got it?"

Sanemi's outburst left Giyu even more baffled, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Before he could respond, Sanemi turned away, grumbling something under his breath, disappearing from sight.

***

"Ahaha! As expected of my great friend!" Rengoku's booming laughter filled the room, his ever-bright smile shining like the sun. Sabito, Makomo, and Giyu watched in silence, each a little nervous that the Fire Hashira's loud voice might draw attention.

Sabito glanced at Giyu with a soft smile. "It's glad you are still here, Giyu." Makomo, seated beside Sabito, nodded in agreement, her own smile soft but full of relief.

Giyu remained mostly silent, but warmth spread through him at their presence. Being surrounded by his friends, even if they were too loud for his liking, filled him with a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time, it was the same as when he was in Tanjiro's presence.

As they continued to talk, a knock echoed through the room. The door creaked open, revealing a tall man wearing a mask. He stepped inside, holding a long, cloth-wrapped object in his hands. His posture was proud and formal as he bowed deeply, first to the group, then more elaborately toward Giyu.

"Water hashira sama," he began, his voice respectful. "I am saddened to hear that my blade has failed you, I apologize for my defect product and I have come to deliver a new nichirin blade. May this one never fail you again."

Giyu shook his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "There's no need for you to take the blame. Your craftsmanship was amazing. Thank you."

The man carefully unwrapped the blade, revealing a sword identical to Giyu's old one. The guard was the same one from his old sword, as Giyu had requested, also the one from the sword gifted to him by his parents, a reminder of home.

***

"Ara ara, it seems my sister's in a bad mood today," Kanae mused, glancing at Shinobu walking beside her. An unusual silence clung to her, the lively energy she typically carried nowhere to be found.

Shinobu snapped out of her thoughts hearing her older sister's voice, glancing at Kanae, as she returned to normal. "Its fine. Please, don't worry about me sister"

It had been a few weeks since the battle with Upper Moon Two, and both sisters had returned to their usual routines, taking on missions as they always had. However, something weighed on both their minds.

"Could it be…" Kanae leaned in closer with a teasing smile, her voice playful. "Do you miss Tomioka's presence?"

Shinobu's serious expression broke, and a slight blush dusted her cheeks, though she quickly composed herself. "Sister, please. Be serious."

Kanae chuckled softly at how cute her younger sister was. But, Shinobu's expression shifted to one of concern. "But… is there something you've been keeping from me?" she asked, her tone soft but serious. "You've seemed off as well. Like something's bothering you."

Kanae's eyes widened slightly, surprised that Shinobu had noticed. Her usual smile fading as they both stopped walking.

"You're right," Kanae admitted, her voice soft. "Its...When I fought that demon… I was scared. Terrified." Shinobu's concern deepened as she heard her sister.

"It was like he was only playing with me, it made me realize how weak I truly am," Kanae continued, her gaze dropping to the ground. "We were born with small bodies, our grip is weak and no matter how much we train, we'll never have the same strength as others... especially you, Shinobu" Kanae looked back at her sister with sad eyes, as Shinobu bit her lip in frustration, knowing it was true, particularly for her, the smaller and weaker of the two.

"I don't want you to keep doing this. I want you to retire from being a demon slayer, Manage the Butterfly Mansion, get married, and live a normal life." Kanae said, her words more a command than a request as both sisters looked into each other's eyes in silence.

(Author's Note: Unfortunately, I have bad news. My second year of college started, and my already limited time become even tighter. So, updates will be much, much slower.

I truly appreciate everyone who has been reading so far, and I hope to keep this fanfic alive despite slowing down a lot now. Thank you for your support!)