Now we go back to our short butterfly. εїз

"Blah" — Speech

"Blah" — Speech in another language

'Blah' — Thoughts

[ Blah ] — Text

*Blah* — Sound effects in speech

(Blah) — Author's notes

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters of 鬼滅の刃 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba; they belong to Koyoharu Gotōge. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Splash

Clatter

Shinobu places the ladle in a pail before she claps her hands together and she closes her eyes. 'Hi nee-san. How are you doing today? Me and the girls are doing fine. Did you know that Kanao-chan is training with Tomioka-san? I was surprised that she agreed to have him help her. I guess her coin flips makes things interesting for Kanao.' Shinobu pauses, 'Huh. I think Kanao is the only one to have three Pillars train her. In any case, one thing I noticed was how sharp her eyesight was when she told me that she can see the tiniest shift of muscles from a distance. With that feat and additional training, I'm sure she will become very powerful.' She wants to sigh. 'Although I'm unsure if I should let her go to the Final Selection.'

'Aoi-chan on the other hand decided to train under me and strive to become a doctor. It's been going so well since her medical knowledge and experience have grown in such a short amount of time. Don't tell her this but I was so glad that she decided to stay home rather than go out in the field.' Shinobu slightly smiles, 'Other than that, She somewhat reminds me of myself since she's becoming more assertive and blunt to other people.'

'Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho are doing well. They've been doing better ever since...you passed away. Less night terrors and they start to be a little more sociable with the kakushi. Another beneficial thing is that they have another role model in Aoi since she'll be home all the time.' She scrunches her brows together. 'Although—'

She hears rustling behind her and she smiles, 'Well the girls are getting restless so I won't take anymore of your time. I hope you're resting well with mom and dad. I'll see you again next year.' Shinobu opens her eyes and looks at the tombstone:

Kanae Kocho

1889-1906

Loving sister

Shinobu picks up the pail and turns around to see her girls. "Alright girls, you can go next."

"Of course sensei." Aoi ushers the girls forward toward the tombstone.

Shinobu smiles as she walks and stands beside Kanao who is holding a basket of flowers. She places the pail down and offers her hand. "I can hold it for you."

Kanao stares down at the basket and then to Shinobu before she gives it to her older sister. "Okay."

"Thank you Kanao-chan." She accepts the basket and loops it on the crook of her arm. As the girls switch spots and pray at the tombstone, Shinobu looks around the area. 'Hm. I wonder if Gyomei-san or Sanemi-san will visit later. Would it be possible to ask them to go with us together? I would have to ask Oyakata-sama if I can ask the two of them for a day off. Then again, would Sanemi-san agree to that? Seriously that ma—'

"Sensei?"

Shinobu blinks and she notices Aoi and the girls in front of her. "Ah. Sorry about that. My mind was elsewhere." She notices that Kanao is praying to the tombstone. 'I didn't notice her moving there.'

After some time in silence, Kanao raises her head and turns around to join the others. "I'm done shishō."

"Alright then." Shinobu brings up the basket. "We can place the flowers and finalize the rites."

"Yes sensei."

"Yes shishō."

"Yes Shinobu-sama."

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.

"...at should we make?"

"Hmmm. We could use the pork and some leftover vegetables from yesterday..."

Shinobu smiles as the girls talk about lunch. 'So energetic.' The group reaches the entrance of the estate and Shinobu brings out her keys to unlock the door.

Clink

'Hm?' Shinobu raises her eyebrow when she felt no resistance as she turns the key. 'It's already unlocked?' She takes out the keys and opens the door. After everyone went in and taken off the sandals, they walked through the hallway. They walk farther into the estate and—

"-should get something that would bring out your eyes."

'Isn't that Mitsuri-chan? I wonder what's she doing here.' She turns the corner and stops at the scene in front of her. '...Eh?'

Giyuu is against the wall with Mitsuri almost pressed against him and their faces are near each other. Very near.

"They are very blue by the way."

Shinobu's brain restarts and she shakes her head. 'No. No way the two of them would feel for each other like that.' An idea forms in her head. 'Oh this is going to be great.' Shinobu glides forward and makes sure to be quiet as possible.

Giyuu responds to Mitsuri. "I've used the uniform—"

"My oh my." The two Pillars turn their heads toward Shinobu as she smiles, "This is quite something to see inside my house."

They look at each other before Mitsuri jumps back with reddened cheeks as she waves her hands around. "Ah Shinobu-chan! Well you see-I was uh-"

'Ah it's great to see her panic.'

"Kocho."

Shinobu shifts to Giyuu's stoic face. 'Aw no reaction?' "Yes Tomioka-san?"

"Do you want to go to a festival together?"

"Bwah!?" Shinobu sputters as her mind goes all over the place. 'Eh? What? Why?'

Mitsuri smiles as she recovers and jumps in. "Yes! The festival! He came up with the wonderful idea but he said he didn't have any yukata and I said you need one and he said no and that's when you came in—" Mitsuri takes a deep breath.

Inhale

Exhale

"And that's why I was close to Tomioka-san. I was just trying to take his measurements."

Shinobu blinks at the rapid words that spewed out of her friends mouth. "Oh. I see." She slightly relaxes, 'That's a relief.' Shinobu blinks, 'Wait. Why did I think that?'

Giyuu stares at Mitsuri. "But you're-"

Mitsuri makes an 'X' shape across her chest. "Clothes! Your clothes Tomioka-san! We need to get something for the festival."

Giyuu stares at her and then shakes his head. "Like I said, I don't need a yukata."

"You need one for the festival." Mitsuri then turns to Shinobu. "Come on Shinobu-chan say something."

Shinobu blinks at Mitsuri's antics but looks over Giyuu's clothes. 'Nothing wrong with the uniform but... I do want to see him in a yukata.' She smiles, "Why not try it out Tomioka-san? Not only you would look fashionable but I'm sure It's more comfortable than our uniform."

Giyuu tilts his head and ponders on it.

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"...Fine."

Mitsuri smiles and claps her hands. "Wow you two are amazing!"

Shinobu raises her eyebrow at Mitsuri's gushing. 'What's got her excited?' She pauses, "Wait hold on." She turns to Giyuu. "I don't remember saying I would go."

Giyuu stares at Shinobu. "Do you not like festivals Kocho?"

"What? I like festivals."

"Then there should be no problems."

"That's not the issue-" She sighs, 'Dammit Tomioka-san.' "First of all, when is the festival?"

Giyuu looks at Mitsuri and she answers in his place. "It's two weeks from now."

'Let's see, I should have nothing in my schedule around that time. I can also ask Oyakata-sama for a day off just in case.' "Where will it take place?"

"I think in a town called Sariju."

'I can look it up later.' Shinobu turns to her girls. "Are you girls fine with me going?"

"Go ahead Shinobu-sama."

"We don't mind sensei."

"Have fun."

"Go with Tomioka-sama."

Kanao nods her head.

'So far there is no real reason to say no to Tomioka-san's proposition.' She sighs, "I suppose I can go with you to this festival."

A corner of Giyuu's lips quirk up as Mitsuri pumps her fist. "Yes!" She then perks up and turns to Shinobu. "Oh! I actually have the flyer for the festival back at home. I can send it to you and the both of you can go there together."

Shinobu looks to Giyuu who shrugs before she looks back to Mitsuri. "Sure?"

"Alright!" Mitsuri then fully turns to Giyuu and gives him a thumbs up. Giyuu in turn looks down at his hand and then slowly gives a slow thumbs up back to Mitsuri.

'What the—'

"Oh wow!"

"Look!"

"So pretty!"

Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho rush over to Mitsuri and check out her large braid.

'Wait one braid?' Shinobu finally checks out Mitsuri to note that her hair is not in her usual style.

"Ah this?" Mitsuri bends down and pulls her braid to her front. "Pretty great right?"

Sumi reaches and touches the braid. "How did you make it?"

Mitsuri smiles, "Actually Tomioka-san made it for me."

Everyone turns to stare at Giyuu who starts to shift on his legs.

'...Really? Him?' "How did you—"

Growls

'Hmm?' Shinobu turns to see the girls blushing. 'I guess we took too long.'

Aoi turns to Shinobu. "I can make lunch sensei."

Shinobu smiles, "Thank you Aoi-chan. Would you like help with that?"

Her student shakes her head. "It's fine sensei."

She turns to her fellow Pillars. "Would the both of you like to eat lunch?"

Giyuu shakes his head. "I already ate."

Mitsuri nods her head. "Me too, but can I stay? I want to finish measuring Tomioka-san for his yukata."

'This should be interesting.' Shinobu nods her head. "Of course." She then looks to Giyuu. "What about you? Would you like to stay as well?"

He shrugs, "I have no other plans today."

"Wonderful." Shinobu turns to Aoi. "It'll be just us then."

"Right. I'll be done soon." Aoi nods her head and makes her way to the kitchen. She dips her head to both of the Pillars as she passes them and then disappears around the corner.

Shinobu looks at Giyuu and Mitsuri. "Do you two want to go in a room?"

"Sure."

"Okay."

Shinobu then leads the party to a spare room facing the courtyard. 'What a nice view with the sun high up.' She turns to the group as they're settling down. "Would anyone like tea?" She looks around the room as everyone nodded their head or said yes. "Alright. I'll be back in a few moments." She turns—

"Oh Shinobu-chan?" Mitsuri calls out. "Can you also get me some paper and pencil?"

Shinobu tilts her head back as she walks away. "Will do." She makes her way through her house and turns the corner- "Oh." Shinobu smiles, "Hello Satsuki-san."

The kakushi bows her head. "Welcome back Kocho-sama."

Shinobu nods her head. "Thank you. Also were you waiting for me?"

Satsuki nods her head. "Apologies, I didn't want to interrupt your conversation."

Shinobu waves it off. "It's fine and no need to apologize. In any case, did anything happened while we were gone?"

"Nothing serious. A few slayers came and requested some supplies." Satsuki perks up. "Oh," She reaches into her jacket and pulls out a a container. "Tomioka-sama came here for more ointment. I couldn't give it to him since he was busy with Kanroji-sama."

"In that case, I can give it to him."

"Thank you Kocho-sama." Satsuki gives the container to Shinobu.

"It's no problem." Shinobu accepts it and places in her jacket. "If there's nothing else, you and your squad can go home." She smiles, "Thank you for watching the mansion while we were out."

"It's our pleasure to help." Satsuki bows her head again. "By our leave." She walks away.

After she turns the corner, Shinobu continues her way to her office. 'Now I wonder how much paper Mitsuri-chan needs...'

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Minutes later...

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.

Slide

"I'm back." Shinobu shits the tray to one hand and— 'Oh? Now that's something you don't see often.'

Mitsuri was on one side of the table while Giyuu, Sumi, Naho, Kiyo, and Kanao are on the other side of the room with the door open to the garden. Giyuu is braiding Sumi's hair while the others watch his hands weave the hair. Kanao is at the side with two wooden swords on the floor. "Here's the tea."

"Thanks Shinobu-chan."

"Thank you Shinobu-sama."

"Hmm."

"Thank you shishō."

Shinobu places the tray down and places the cups on the table. After that, she places the paper and pencil in front of Mitsuri. "Here you go."

"Thanks again Shinobu-chan." Mitsuri immediately starts drawing.

Shinobu sits down next to her friend. "So what happened while I was gone?"

Mitsuri continues to draw. "Oh the girls wanted to know how to braid the style and asked him to teach them."

"Hmm. And Kanao-chan?"

"She did her coin thing and then asked him to spar with him." Mitsuri briefly looks up and then down. "I suppose she's also learning how to braid."

Shinobu looks over to note Kanao's eyes locked on Giyuu's hands. 'She most likely already memorized the technique.' "I see." She takes a sip as she watches the scene in front of her. After some time, her eyes drift to Mitsuri and her braid. 'Tomioka-san did a good job on it since it looks really nice. How did it happen though? Did Mitsuri-chan ask him for help? But how would she know that Tomioka-san knows how to braid? What's the minimum length of hair to brai-' Shinobu finally noticed that she was playing with a lock of her hair. 'Hm? That was weird.' She places her hand down and then notices the rough sketch of a yukuta. "So Mitsuri-chan, What's the interest? I'm sure Tomioka-san can just buy a yukata." She brings her cup to her lips—

"I just want to do something special for your date."

Pfft

Shinobu wipes her mouth as she hurriedly places her cup down. "H-Hah?!"

Mitsuri looks at Shinobu. "Honestly Shinobu-chan I can't believe you didn't tell me you two were together. I could have given you so many ideas on where to go as a couple like this festival which was totally Tomioka-san's idea by the way. Reall—"

"Wait wait wait." Shinobu holds her hands out. "What gave you that impression?"

"I mean Tomioka-san said you two were partners."

Shinobu feels her heart quickens and her face heat up. She turns her head toward the others. "Tomioka-san."

The Water Pillar pauses his ministrations and turns his head. "Yes?"

"You told Mitsuri-chan that we're partners right?"

Giyuu tilts his head and then nods, "Yes."

"What did you exactly mean by 'partners'?" Shinobu feels tense as she waits for his answer.

"Partners on the field." Giyuu raises an eyebrow. "Was I not clear?"

Shinobu relaxes but a part of her chest still feels somewhat tight. 'Hm?' But she ignores it as she smiles, "Thank you for the clarification Tomioka-san."

"Mn." Giyuu focuses back on Sumi's hair.

Shinobu turns to Mitsuri who has her hands covering her red face. 'Revenge.' She leans on the desk and smirks, "~Soooo~"

"Noooooo please don't." Her muffled pleas sound sweet to Shinobu. "I got the message."

"~Hmmm~" 'What a hopeless romantic. Well at least I got to nip this in the bud. Who knows what she would say to the others.' "Do be sure to ask for clarification and don't assume things otherwise this would have been a horrible misunderstanding."

"...Okay." Once she calms down and her blush fades away, Mitsuri picks up her pencil continues on the paper. "Well, I was mostly done with it anyway. I might as well finish it." After a few moments pf silence, Mitsuri turns to Shinobu, "By the way, do you have something for the occasion? Sorry if we sprung this up on you."

Shinobu waves it off. "It's fine and don't worry, I believe I have a few for the occasion." 'If I remember where I put them.'

"Phew." Mitsuri then looks over to the other group. "Tomioka-san." The man looks over and she holds up the sketch. "I'll send this over to the kakushi where they'll make it for you and send it to you soon."

"Mn."

Shinobu watches as Mitsuri goes back on her sketch and Giyuu just finished with Sumi's braid. 'I'm glad we got the misunderstanding cleared up.' She leans her cheek on the palm of her hand and places her other hand on her chest. 'So why do I feel unsatisfied?'

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Weeks later...

"And done sensei." Aoi steps back.

"Thank you Aoi-chan." Shinobu pats herself and looks at the mirror. Most of the kimono is colored purple with the bottom of the sleeves and dress fading into yellow. The sash wrapped around her waist is sky-blue at the top-half and fades into light-purple to the bottom with some purple lines on the top-half. A teal and yellow thread was tied around the sash with a delicate knot deign off-center to the right. To finish the look, four-petal flower designs are plastered all over the surface of the kimonos.

Shinobu turns side to side. 'It looks good. I'm surprised to have found this one in the corner.' She turns to Aoi and Kanao. "Thank you both for helping me out."

"Yes shishō."

"Of course sensei."

Shinobu pockets her purse and then looks at her sister's haori. 'Hmm, should I wear it with m—'

Thud

Thud

Knock

"Shinobu-sama? Tomioka-sama is here."

'Oh?' Shinobu looks at the clock. 'He's a little early.' She opens the door and looks down to see Naho. "Thank you Naho."

The girl nods and she points to the garden. "He's waiting over there."

Shinobu looks up and both of her eyebrows raise up. 'Oh my.'

Giyuu turns toward them and Shinobu gets a full glimpse of his yukata. His clothes is blue with white vertical lines of various width trailing down the yukata; it looks like waves of the ocean. To complete the look, a black sash is wrapped around his waist.

Shinobu watches as he walks closer to them. 'It looks simple yet it really brings out his eyes. I'll have to thank Mitsuri-chan and the kakushi who made it.' She then notices that Giyuu does not have his haori on. 'Huh. I guess I'll leave mine here.'

Giyuu stops in front of her. "Kocho."

Shinobu smiles, "Tomioka-san. You look dashing in those clothes."

"Thank you." Giyuu looks over her. "You look great in yours as well."

Shinobu places a lock of her hair behind her ear and smiles, "Thank you. Ready to go?"

"Mn."

Shinobu turns to Aoi and Kanao. "You two have the house."

"Have fun sensei."

"Stay safe Shinobu-sama."

"Goodbye shishō."

"Thank you all." Shinobu and Giyuu then make their way to the front door.

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Sariju

'It's been some time since I last went to a festival but,' Shinobu looks at countless lanterns stringed along the walls and stalls. 'It really does bring me back.' She looks at people walk into the festival and she turns to Giyuu. "What do you want to do first Tomioka-san?"

He was looking off in the distance but Shinobu hears his whisper. "...Of all places..." He sighs and focuses back to Shinobu. "...Whatever you want to do first."

'What's got him distracted?' She shakes her head. 'In any case,' She looks around and the first section that catches her eyes is some food stalls. She turns back to Giyuu. "Do you want to get some food first?" Shinobu takes out her pocket watch. "It did take some time to get here."

"Sure." They walk to that area and Giyuu looks around. "What are you in the mood for?"

"Hmm," Shinobu taps her chin. 'Most of them smell quite delicious, buuuut, I do want to walk and explore the place.' "How about some yakitori?"

Giyuu nods his head. "That sounds good."

"Wonderful." Shinobu walks over to the food stall and makes her order. After a few seconds, the both of them have the food in their hands as they start their way through the festival. She takes a bite as she walks behind a group of people with Giyuu by her side. Several moments later, the both of them reach to what seems to be the town center; the open space is filled with stalls as people mill about and enjoy the festival.

Thum

Thum

Thum

At the very center of this area, there is a wooden stage with musicians playing their instruments.

Shinobu smiles at the sight. 'How nostalgic.'

"Here."

Shinobu feels an arm encircle her shoulder and she whips her head toward Giyuu. "Hm!? T-Tomioka-san?"

He points behind them. "We're in the way."

She looks behind to see more people as they try to move around the duo. "Ah," She returns back to Giyuu with her cheeks pink-hued. "I see." 'This is the worst.'

He then points to a empty spot. "Let's move over there."

"Let's." As they walk, Shinobu's mind could not stay in place. 'Oh Kami, he's so close and not letting go.' Once they reach there, Giyuu finally lets go of his hold and Shinobu tries not to make eye-contact. "Thank you for that."

"Mn." Giyuu takes a bite of his chicken.

'Ahhhhh.' Shinobu tries to chew her yakitori extra hard in order to distract herself.

"Ahahahah."

"Let's go to that one."

Shinobu watches as a group of kids trot over to a game stall. 'That's nice.' Her mind then wanders, 'How long have the girls back home gone to a festival?' She turns to see Giyuu looking off in the same direction. "Say Tomioka-san," He looks back. "When was the last time you went to a festival?"

Giyuu turns to her and blinks, "Hmm..." He tilts his head. "I would say a long time ago, before my family was...gone. And you?"

'Ah, maybe I shouldn't have brought it up.' Shinobu throws a stick at the trash. "I guess... the last one was before my parents died. Even after we joined the corps, my sister wanted to go but I argued that we should focus on training." Her focus shift to the side. 'And I regret it everyday.' "Even after that, I was too busy to go to a festival."

"But we're here now."

Shinobu focuses back on Giyuu and smiles, "That we are." She then tilts her head. "So why choose a festival? It doesn't seem like something you would go for."

He shrugs, "Kanroji was the one who suggested this to me since I didn't know what you would like."

'Ah,' Shinobu thinks back on that day. 'So that's what was going on with Mitsuri-chan.'

"I also wanted to repay you for your advice."

"Wait what do you mean by that?"

"It was your advice where I talked with Kyojuro and Kanroji. I think I'm...friends with them."

"Really!?" Shinobu blinks as he nods his head. 'He... actually went through with it.' She feels elated at that notion. "So what did you do?"

Giyuu tilts his head. "I ate lunch with Kyojuro and went shopping with him. Regarding Kanroji, I offered to braid her hair since she couldn't find you."

'It's great that he's taking initiative.' "Well would you look at that Tomioka-san. You're making progress on making friends." Throwing away the other stick into the trash, Shinobu turns back to Giyuu. "This calls for a celebration. In fact, this festival can be for the both of us."

Giyuu blinks at that. "...Sure. That can work."

Shinobu spreads her arms. "Come on then, what do you want to do? We have so many options."

Giyuu looks around the area for a moment. After a while, he stops and points at a stall. "Let's play that one."

Shinobu smiles once she realizes the game. "Let's fish for some temari then."

The both of them walk to the stall just as a group of kids left with a temari. Once there, the owner smiles at the duo. "Welcome welcome. Would the two of you like the play?"

Shinobu smiles, "Of course sir." The both of them pay and were given a miniature fishing rod that has a fishing-line with a hook attached on one end. In front of them is a large wooden box bucket filled with temari balls with intricate designs threaded all over the surface.

"Right." The man claps his hands. "The game is simple." He points at the loops attached to the balls. "All you got to do is hook it and bring the ball out the bucket." He then points at a simple low fence in front of the bucket. "You also have to be behind the fence to play."

Shinobu looks at the line. 'It doesn't look all that sturdy.' She shrugs and looks at Giyuu. "So what are you going for?"

Giyuu looks around and then points at one with blue geometric shapes. "That one. And you?"

"Hmm," She scans around until she spots one with symmetrical purple lotuses. "I'll get that one."

He nods and they play the game. Shinobu leans forward as she gets the hook through the loop. 'Right then, Slow and steady.' Shinobu slowly raises the ball up and brings i—

Snap

Shinobu stares at the snapped line as the ball bounces around the bucket.

"Oh what a shame," The man drawls his last word as he takes the rod from Shinobu. "Better luck next time."

"But the line broke, can I get try again?"

He shrugs, "Sorry lady. One rod per pay."

Snap

Shinobu turns to Giyuu as his rod broke. 'Ah.' She then looks to the inside of the stall to see multiple rods. 'I see now.' She turns back and pays the the amount. "I want to try again." She catches Giyuu reaching for his pocket and stops him. "Allow me Tomioka-san. I want to experiment for a bit." He raises his eyebrow and Shinobu smiles, "Don't worry. If it comes to it, I'll ask for some money."

"Okay."

The stall owner accepts the payment. "Sure." He collects Giyuu's rod and walks to the area with the other rods. He takes one and brings it to Shinobu. "Here you go." He walks back and starts fixing the broken ones.

"Thank you." She turns to Giyuu. "Where did your ball drop?"

He points at a spot close to the original spot. "There."

'Hm. not that far.' She looks at her ball. 'I was able to go father with mine. So what's the factor here?' She turns back to Giyuu. "How fast were you going?"

"Same speed as you."

'So the strength gap isn't the problem here since I had no trouble bringing the ball up.' She looks over Giyuu and taps her chin. 'Hm... Wait. Those kids.' She brings her free hand above her head. 'Is it the height?'

"Come on lady are you going to play?"

She turns around and smiles, "I will sir."

The man raises his hands. "Alright."

She gets into positions and swings her rod as the hook flies overhead to her targeted temari. Once the hook secures the loop, Shinobu brings it up and slowly to the bucket. 'Almos—'

Snap

'No!' Shinobu despairs as the ball bounces on the floor. '...At least the height theory somewhat worked.'

"Ouch." The man walks over to them. "You were so close." He smirks, "Want to try again?"

'How about I shove this up-' Shinobu smiles, "Yes please." The man replaces her rod and she looks at the ball. 'So I can't have the string under tension for too long.' Shinobu then looks at her targeted temari's previous positions. 'Hm. He didn't move the ball back. Maybe...' She repeats her actions with the hook in the loop. Taking a breath, she pulled her rod up and bounces the ball once. She stops and glances at the man but he continues to stare. 'I guess he expects people to pay multiple times to get the temari closer and closer to the edge. So,' Shinobu pulls her sleeves up. 'Veryyy slow and steady.'

Minutes pass as Shinobu brings the temari closer to the edge of the bucket. Even when other people come to play, she stays focused on her task. Once it's close enough to the edge, She takes a deep breath. 'Let's hope the rod doesn't break.' She flicks her wrists up and the ball flies high enough to clear the edge and the momentum rolls the ball over said edge. "Yes!" She bends down and picks up her ball.

"You did great Kocho."

Shinobu shifts to Giyuu and smiles, "Why thank you Tomioka-san."

"Ahem." The duo turns to the stall owner. "Congratulation miss." He holds his pal open. "The rod please."

"Of course. Here-" Shinobu brought up her rod but notices that her line is not broken. She smiles, "Actually, I'll keep playing."

The man blinks, "What? You have to pay to play."

"No, you said one rod per pay." She shows her rod. "As you can see, my rod isn't broken yet so I can keep playing."

The owner opens his mouth but he then looks around at the other spectators. "Tch. Fine." He waves it off and turns around to walk back. "Not like you can catch more from that shitty line."

Shinobu blinks and then looks around as the people continue playing but Giyuu narrows his eyes. 'He must have whispered that.' She turns to Giyuu and places her temari on his hands. "Hold this for me please Tomioka-san. I'll be sure to get yours as well. And don't worry, I'll get him for that."

"Mn." He nods and accepts the ball.

'Now then,' Shinobu scans the bucket and smiles, 'How many can I get before the line breaks?'

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Later...

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"~Hmmm hmmm~"

"Congratulation Kocho."

Shinobu smiles at Giyuu. "Why thank you Tomioka-san."

He looks down. "Would you like for me to carry that?"

Shinobu looks down at a bag in her arms. "I'm fine but thank you." She squeezes the bag. "I want to enjoy this."

"Hm."

After some time, Shinobu adjusts her bag and takes out her watch. 'Oh no. I took too long at the game.' She turns to Giyuu. "I'm so sorry playing that game for that long Tomioka-san. We could have more time to explore other places."

Giyuu waves it off. "It's fine." He holds up a small bag with a round object inside. "I should thank you for winning the temari for me. And besides, you look like you enjoyed yourself even though you were focused on the game."

She looks forward and pushes a lock of hair behind her ear. "O-Oh." 'How long were you staring at my face?' Changing track, she looks around and then spots a takoyaki stall. "Say, are you hungry right now?"

"Hmm, I suppose so."

She points at the stall. "Want to eat some takoyaki?"

"Sure." Giyuu looks at the crowd and then her bag. "Do you want me to buy some for you?"

"That would be great thank you." Shinobu moves off to the side and sits down an empty bench that is against a wall of a building. "I'll just wait here for you."

"Okay. I'll be back." He walks to the food stall.

A few moments pass before she looks inside the bag and re-checks the contents. 'One, two, three, and six. I really got lucky with Aoi's temari since my line broke just after it cleared the edge.' She takes a moment to look around as people walk to different stalls. 'This really is fun.'

"What's a beautiful lady doing here all by her lonesome?"

She turns her head to see a young man leaning against the wall as he leers down with a cup in hand. She starts to grip her bag but she stops herself. 'Ohhhhhhh great. No, don't let him ruin this night.' She smiles, "Hello sir. What can I do for you?"

He grins, "Say, did you come from out of town? Otherwise I would have recognized a beauty like you."

Twitch

"...Yes I did and I came wi—"

He snaps his fingers. "Perfect. How about I show you around the festival then? I'm sure you'll love it."

'...Should I smack that cup into his face?' Instead, she keeps her smile. "I'm sorry sir but I will have to decline your offer."

"Aw come on, why not?"

'Unbelievable.' "We're strangers. We don't even know each other."

"We can get to know each now."

Shinobu's smile starts to warp into a snar—

"She's not going."

Shinobu turns to see Giyuu standing near the man with trays of takoyaki in his hands. Even with his usual deadpan stare, she notices his eyes are narrowed. Shinobu relaxes back into her smile. "Ah Tomioka-san. Good to see you back with those takoyaki. Those smell delicious by the way."

The man backs away as he holds his hands up. "Whoa easy there." He shifts his eyes to the duo. "Uh, you two together? I didn't know about that."

'You could've if you let me finish my earlier statement.' Shinobu keeps her smiles as she stares at the man.

After clearing a safe distance, he gestures to Shinobu. "I was just asking if she wanted to explore the festival, you know, since she's new to town."

Shinobu chimes in. "Again, I declined your offer."

"Alright alright." He starts to back away from them. "Well it was nice meeting you two. Hope you all enjoy the festival. Bye." He then scampers off into the crowd.

'...Seriously? All of that and in just one moment he—'

"Kocho?"

Shinobu blinks as Giyuu stands in front of her. "Ah. Tomioka-san."

"Are you alright?"

Shinobu tilts his head. "Hm?"

He gestures to her bag.

She looks down to see her arms squeezing the bag. 'Ah,' She relaxes her arms and takes a deep breath. 'Just let it go. No need for that man to ruin this experience.' Once calmed, she looks at Giyuu and smiles, "I'm alright now. Thank you Tomioka-san."

"Okay." He sits down and offers a tray to Shinobu. "Here."

"Thank you." Shinobu accepts the tray but blinks, '...There's like twenty.' She raises an eyebrow at Giyuu.

Giyuu shrugs, "I forgot to ask how many did you want. I could go back and return it."

"Ufufufu it's fine." She plops one into her mouth. "Mn. Delicious."

"Mn."

Shinobu takes a peek at Giyuu as he looks down and eats the takoyaki. After that, she takes another bite and looks forward. 'This is nice.' The both of them eat in silence as the festival continues around them.

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. .

. . .

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"Right then." Shinobu throws the tray into the trash and turns to Giyuu. "Shall we get going?"

"Mn."

The both of them walk toward the entrance of the town. Along the way, Shinobu takes a glance at a stall. "Oh a fish game? Haven't seen those in a while." She takes a look at the artificial pond. "Oh they have goldfish? That's nice."

Giyuu looks at the stall. "You can catch some."

She sighs and looks down at her bag. "Unfortunately, I don't have the space."

Giyuu stares at pond as kids play to catch the fish. "Hm..." He then walks to the stall.

"Tomioka-san," Shinobu follows after Giyuu as he holds a handheld net. "You don't have to get them."

"It's fine. I want to get these for you."

Shinobu feels warm at that. 'Honestly,' "Alright. Good luck Tomioka-san." She steps back as Giyuu gets ready to catch the fish. His face is blank as he concentrates on the task. 'Is that how I looked like back then?' After a few seconds, he swoops in and glides through the water. He catches one goldfish and brings the ne—

Rip

Splash

Giyuu holds up his net and blinks at the hole.

"Pffft," Shinobu covers her mouth as her shoulders shake. After collects herself, she quips, "What was that Tomioka-san? I thought you were a master of the water technique?"

He huffs and pays for another net. This time, he decides to go for the steady approach as he slowly glides the net toward a goldfish. He starts to lead the fish to the corner aaaaaand straight to a girl's net.

"Hahahahaha!"

The girl picks up her net. "Yay! I got one!" She smiles at Giyuu. "Thanks nii-chan."

He sighs and then nods his head at the girl.

Shinobu composes herself as wipes a tear from her eye. "Oh that was great Tomioka-san, but I'm sure you're supposed to catch it with your own net."

He ignores her and tries again. After several minutes and multiple tries, Giyuu is next to Shinobu with a bag of three goldfish and a small bag of fish-food. "I'm sorry for not getting more."

"It's fine. You gave me more than just the fish so thank you." She takes out her watch. "We should go now and we might make it in time for the train."

"Mn." The both of them continue their way out of the town.

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. . .

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. . . . .

. . .

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"Phew." Shinobu stops jogging. "We made it just in time."

"Something's wrong."

"Hm?" Shinobu then looks at the station to see a crowd of people. "Oh dear." The both of them walk to a station worker. "Excuse me sir, is something the matter?"

"Hm?" The worker turns to them. "Oh, the station before us telegraphed that the train has malfunctioned and they're fixing the problem."

"Oh? How long should we wait for?"

The man scratches the back of his head. "Well, it should take several hours. We apologize for the inconvenience."

"Thank you for your help." The duo walks away from the worker and then Shinobu turns to Giyuu. "Well what should we do?"

Giyuu shrugs, "Do you want to wait until the morning?"

"If that's the case, do you we have enough money for an inn?" The both of them count their money. "Well, we might just have enough for the night." Shinobu taps her chin. "Then again, this is last minute and I wouldn't be surprised if they charge extra." She shrugs, "Well we'll have to try anyway. Ready to go?"

Giyuu stares off in the distance.

'What is he looking at again?' "Tomioka-san?"

He sighs and then turns to Shinobu. "...I know someone who can let us stay for the night."

Shinobu blinks at the. "Oh?" 'He knows someone in this area?'

"Let's go." Giyuu starts walking.

Shinobu snaps out of her stupor and follows after Giyuu. Once by his side, she looks at Giyuu. "That's surprising to hear that you know someone. Who is it?"

"...He was...is my shishō."

"Oh." She tilts her head as they reach the base of the mountain. "Wait if that's the case, wouldn't you have known about this town?"

Giyuu shakes his head and they make their way uphill. "I only remembered when I saw the mountain. And even then, we- I rarely go down to visit the town."

'Ohhh.' "Is that why you were so distracted when we got into town?"

Giyuu nods his head. "Mn. He lives on top of the mountain and trained u- me there."

"Oh. Do you think he'll mind us there?"

"I... don't know."

"What do you mean?"

"I haven't... visited him for years."

Shinobu turns to Giyuu. "That long?" 'Something must have happened.' "Look Tomioka-san, we don't have to go if you don't want to."

Giyuu pauses but he shakes his head. "No. I'm already here and I can't back out now."

Shinobu raises her ha—

"Giyuu...?"

She turns around to see an older man standing aside from a tree. The most prominent thing she noticed was that a red tengu mask was covering his face. He has silver-colored short hair and he wears a light-blue jinbei kimono with white clouds designed all over said kimono.

The man steps away from the tree. "Is that really you?"

Giyuu stays in place. "Shishō..."

The man begins to walk toward them and Shinobu immediately steps away from them. After the man stops in front of Giyuu, the both of them stare each other.

.

.

.

The man throws his arms around Giyuu to hug him and Giyuu instantly did the same.

"Giyuu."

"Shishō."

Shinobu walks farther away and stares at a tree. 'Best not interrupt this.'

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. .

. . .

. .

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"Kocho."

Shinobu turns her head to see the both of them standing next to each other.

The man steps forward and bows his head. "My name is Sakonji Urokodaki. I am the main cultivator for the Water Breathing Style."

Shinobu nods her head. "My name is Shinobu Kocho. I'm the Insect Pillar."

Sakonji shifts his feet. "So what brings you two here?"

Giyuu answers, "Can we stay here for the night?"

"Of course." He gestures behind him. "Come." The two of them follow after Sakonji as he leads them up to the mountain. After some time later, they come to a wooden house and Sakonji slides open the door. "I'll put some mats down for you two." He walks inside.

The two Pillars step in and Shinobu notices a stove, heater, and basic kitchen equipment at the side. Along the walls there are some cabinets and closets. In front of them there is a door that leads to the other part of the house.

The door opens and the older man steps out. "The mats are laid out for the both of you." He looks at Shinobu. "I apologize for not having different clothes for you."

"It's fine and thank you for your hospitality Urokodaki-san."

"It's my pleasure Kocho-sama." Sakonji then glances at Giyuu.

Giyuu stares back at his master.

'Umm,' Shinobu notices the both of them staring at each other. 'Should I...'

Sakonji coughs into his fist. "I'll get a bowl for the fish." With that, he walks out of the house.

'Well, that's that.' Shinobu and Giyuu walks into the room and deposited their stuff. After that, she turns to Giyuu. "You can go talk to him."

Giyuu stays silent for a few moments. "...It would be rude to leave you."

Shinobu waves it off. "It's fine. You two haven't talked in Kami knows how many years." Shinobu steps close and places a hand on his shoulder. "Go."

Giyuu stays in place for several more moments but he nods his head. "Thank you." He collects the fish bag and walks out of the room.

After a few moments, Shinobu stretches her arms over her head. 'Mnnnn. Tonight was really fun.' She tucks herself in. 'Hopefully we can wake up in the morning and catch the train early.' She peeks at the door. 'But I doubt it.' She closes her eyes. 'Oh well. I think the girls can wait a little longer.'

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Chirp

Chirp

Shinobu groans as she opens her eyes and stares at the ceiling. '...I want to wear my uniform again.' She slowly gets up and a few of her bones pop. She then looks over to see Giyuu's mat ajar and a bowl of water with the goldfish inside. 'I must've been really tired to not hear him come in.'

Clack

The door slides and Giyuu steps in and he stops, "Oh. You're awake." He closes the door behind him.

Shinobu smiles, "Good morning Tomioka-san. "How was your talk?"

"Good morning."

"How was your talk?"

"It was..." He smiles at the memory, "Wonderful."

'Wow,' Shinobu smiles, "That sounds great." She then notices Giyuu's dark rings around his eyes. "Did you two talk outside?" 'I swear you two better not get sick and have this cold spoil the moment.'

Giyuu shakes his head. "No. We talked in the next room and by the fire."

"Oh. That's good."

"Mn." He then tilts his head to the door. "Shishō made breakfast for us."

Shinobu makes her way to the door. "He didn't have to."

"He wanted to."

Shinobu slides open the door but stops at the feast in front of them; several plates and bowls are placed on a circular table. She then leans to Giyuu and lowers her voice. "Tomioka-san? What's all this?"

"...Shishō tends to make too much when he's happy."

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Fin.

And that is that. Wow does it feel weird to write chapters back-to-back. Hopefully this will be the last time I this method.

Not onto some notes:

-For their kimono design, I just picked the top pictures from google since I don't have that much sense of fashion.

-Originally I wanted them to do yo-yo tsuri and have them hold water balloons but it didn't fit the timeline. I then remembered that one of the demons used a temari ball and I thought it would be a great substitute.

Not much so I'll see you all next time.

Thanks for reading

Constructive criticisms are appreciated

Bravo Tango out.

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Omake

"Mnn."

Shinobu stretches her arms over her head as she stares at her table. 'And that should be all of the paperwork for the day.' She stands up and looks at her clock. 'Hm, I have some time before lunch starts.' Shinobu looks around and then stops at a bowl of water. "Ah, you three must be hungry." She walks over to grab a nearby shaker and drops some fish-food into the bowl. "There you go." She crouches down and leans on her hands as three goldfish nibble the flakes floating on the surface of the water.